Best Looking Hatch Of The 21st Century?

[fieldmau5]

I think it's fair to say the 21st century hasn't been a great period for mainstream car styling thus far. Especially with EU regs making high bonnets and giant headlights a necessity. But one of these passed me by yesterday and it stopped me in my tracks. It really is a very handsome hot hatch. Now I know the Mk1 Focus was designed in the 90s but the RS was very much a 21st century creation so I think it counts.







It just seems "right" from every angle.

I think honorable mention should also go to this.
The 147 also manages to look almost as good in base spec form as well, unlike the Focus.



So what would the pistonheads consensus be on the best looking hatch of this century?

[TIGA84]

The RS is well proportioned and a great car.

Alfa 147 GTA
Scirocco R

to name a couple of other modern ones, no doubt the 205 1.9 will make an appearance

etz - I didn't read you'd already mentioned the 147!

[Big Fat Fatty]

The Mk1 RS would have been my choice too if it wasn't for this



It manages to pull off the 5 door look which no other car can so well in my opinion.

[mnkiboy]

Another vote for the RS. Can't think of a better looking hatch.

[fieldmau5]

Great shout on the Leon Cupra R. Possibly the best looking 5 door of this century it must be said. Pity that was pretty much the peak of the Seat brand. Good while it lasted.

[wilbo83]

Big fan of these at the moment

[Colonial]

wilbo83 said:

Big fan of these at the moment

I was going to post that as well.

A dark red one went past me today and it looked very smart.

[mnkiboy]

wilbo83 said:

Big fan of these at the moment

It's the front end that doesn't work quite so well for me

[Krikkit]

For me the 147GTA or the Mk.2 Focus RS take that prize. Imo the Mk.1 FRS isn't really that handsome, but I think I'm in a minority!

[blindswelledrat]

I am repeatedly surprised when I see a Citroen DS3 as to how cool they look. Obviously it ranks high as a car and indeed a brand I would never buy, but I can't fault it's looks

[AuthurDaley]

Both Focus RS's sprung to mind when I saw the thread title. Glad they have been mentioned!

[wilbo83]

Not so sure on the orange alloys above though!

[blindswelledrat]

wilbo83 said:

Not so sure on the orange alloys above though!

No, the black and orange one will divide opinion - but just pick any DS3 and I think they look surprisingly good

[Vladimir]

Mk4 R32 Golf all day long.

[storminnorman]

I think when previous form is considered this is a pretty good looking car.

The Mk.2 Focus is pretty good. Very brutal.

I've always liked the Citroen C4.

I'm biased but if you're including the MK.1 Focus (1998) I think the 306 ph.3 (1999) deserves a mention.

[Dave G fsi]

Mk1 Focus RS for me

[TREMAiNE]

[rhinochopig]

Another ford product...

[LordHaveMurci]

Always been quite partial to these, not sure it's better looking than the RS Mk1 though.

[aarondbs]

How about the Suzuki Swift Sport