Best Hot Hatch of the 21st Century – nominations
Discussion
It’s got to be the 130 for me. Cheap, practical and reliable. Awesome engine and a chassis which just needs a little bit of tlc to shine. I cannot thinking anything to replace mine and have tried twice, on both occasions I bought it back 
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 28th November 08:15
Has to be something Renaultsport has churned out.
I loved my 197, epic car.
182 was another high point, I don't really like them but when you follow one on track you get why they are so popular.
Megane R26.R started the hardcore hatch movement, for me its the daddy of all hot hatches, it feels like a Porsche RS product.
Then you've got the Megane RS250/265/275, upped the comfort and refinement but was still an absolute hoot.
I'll stick with R26.R
I loved my 197, epic car.
182 was another high point, I don't really like them but when you follow one on track you get why they are so popular.
Megane R26.R started the hardcore hatch movement, for me its the daddy of all hot hatches, it feels like a Porsche RS product.
Then you've got the Megane RS250/265/275, upped the comfort and refinement but was still an absolute hoot.
I'll stick with R26.R
Mikee19 said:
As well as being fun to drive, for me a hot hatch must be affordable to everyone, which includes being practical enough to be the only car in the family.
Out of them all I think the two below did it best. Almost everyone, who likes cars, has had one of them.
EP3
Mk5 GTI
I haven't had either of these. Though did vaguely consider a EP3 1.4 MAX for the wife recently for the princely sum of £795.Out of them all I think the two below did it best. Almost everyone, who likes cars, has had one of them.
EP3
Mk5 GTI
covers all the bases for me as an affordable only car! 1. Clio 182 Trophy
2. Megane R26-R
3. Focus RS
My outsider is the Impreza STI 330S. But despite being a hatch and having great road manners (when new and not worn out) and a 4.4s 0-62, many people consider it to not be a hot hatch as it has AWD, so it misses the list for that reason.
2. Megane R26-R
3. Focus RS
My outsider is the Impreza STI 330S. But despite being a hatch and having great road manners (when new and not worn out) and a 4.4s 0-62, many people consider it to not be a hot hatch as it has AWD, so it misses the list for that reason.
Edited by Hol on Thursday 28th November 12:53
Controversial one here, but stick with me here. The Volvo C30 T5.
The C30 T5 came out in 2007 and, for the most part, mechanically it’s the same as a Mk2 Focus ST. At the time it was seen as being a bit expensive, not ‘hot’ enough, and the looks divided people.
However, a lot of the critics missed the point. They took it on track and complained that it felt numb and soft when compared with rivals like the Civic Type R. The critics who looked at it in terms of practicality complained about the lack of a 5th seat and the small boot.
However, all the ingredients were there. The engine, making 230hp and 236lbft of torque, was and still is one of the peachiest engines to have made its way into a hatchback, delivering relentless pulling power in every gear and a very different soundtrack to the regular hot-hatchery. Underneath, the Focus chassis handled better than anything Volvo had previously come up with, and whilst not sprung stiffly enough to compromise comfort, was sufficiently hard to allow the C30 to lap Hockenheim quicker than the flagship S60R despite a 70bhp deficit, and even post a time at the infamous Nordschleife quicker than the decidedly-speedy Civic EP3 Type R.
Inside, the C30 had a much more premium feel than the typical hatch of the era. Lots of aluminium and leather, and a stylish floating console set the C30 apart from the rest. You could even choose to have various bits of trim constructed from real Nordic Oak if you so wished. In terms of toys, the C30 came up well here too. All the de-facto luxury items were available, electric memory heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and auto wipers, as well as a autodimming rear-view mirror and even a full-blown car phone.
One of the highlights of the interior was the Dynaudio stereo option. The Volvo designers were targeting a younger generation and so they decided to go overboard with the audio. The top spec system delivers a great punch with decent clarity, and for a long time was one of the best sound systems available in a hatch.
All this sounds unimportant. Surely a hot hatch is about going as fast as possible? Well, not necessarily. The C30 wasn’t designed to be a track rocket, for the simple reason that most hot hatches aren’t driven primarily on the track. They’re driven on a day to day basis, to and from work or the shops, and in a world of bumpy B-roads and potholes a stiff, crashy track special just feels... compromised. The C30 managed to keep most of the pace (and arguably more over the backroads where the slightly softer suspension helps keep all 4 wheels planted), yet gains so much in driver comfort and useability.
In many ways, the C30 is less of a hot hatch and more of a mini GT. The sort of car you can cross a country with, then drop a cog and attack some backroads without struggling. One which you can drive for hours in comfortably without being noticed, but at the drop of a hat, it can put the hurt on most hot hatches without really trying.
Whilst the C30 is seen as being less practical than a typical hot hatch, it’s not really an issue if you’re the sort of person it’s made for - singles and couples. Want to take stuff to the tip? Drop the back seats. Want to take a couple of friends out on a night out? They’ll be sat comfortably in the back, which are much nicer than the conventional bench seats. Rarely, if ever, do couples need to do both at the same time, and the boot is plenty big enough for the weekly shop.
And all of this, all of it, is before we even get to one of the best bits. This is only the C30 in its standard form.
Due to the T5’s strength and due to the popularity of modifying its sister car, the C30 makes for a cracking tuning proposition. A downpipe, de/sports cat and intercooler are all you need to hit 300+bhp and more importantly 360+lbft of torque, some light handling mods and a braking system upgrade and the C30 is a different animal entirely. It becomes a very, very quick hatch, easily pulling on a lot of the top hatches of even today in a straight line and not far off when cornering either. But it doesn’t stop there. After several years of trying to get past the Volvo computer systems, AWD conversions have been cracked using S40/V50 AWD running gear, the stock arches will accept a 255 width tyre without modification and if you want to shoot for big, big power... Well, drop in a forged Focus RS block and shoot for 800+bhp. The C30 really is a blank canvas.
So yes, the C30 isn’t the most track focused hatch in the world. But it makes a fantastic day to day driver, tackling back road blasting and motorway commutes with a competency that really beggars belief. If you’re one of the ones who likes the marmite appearance, then you can make yourself one hell of a hatch sandwich.
The C30 T5 came out in 2007 and, for the most part, mechanically it’s the same as a Mk2 Focus ST. At the time it was seen as being a bit expensive, not ‘hot’ enough, and the looks divided people.
However, a lot of the critics missed the point. They took it on track and complained that it felt numb and soft when compared with rivals like the Civic Type R. The critics who looked at it in terms of practicality complained about the lack of a 5th seat and the small boot.
However, all the ingredients were there. The engine, making 230hp and 236lbft of torque, was and still is one of the peachiest engines to have made its way into a hatchback, delivering relentless pulling power in every gear and a very different soundtrack to the regular hot-hatchery. Underneath, the Focus chassis handled better than anything Volvo had previously come up with, and whilst not sprung stiffly enough to compromise comfort, was sufficiently hard to allow the C30 to lap Hockenheim quicker than the flagship S60R despite a 70bhp deficit, and even post a time at the infamous Nordschleife quicker than the decidedly-speedy Civic EP3 Type R.
Inside, the C30 had a much more premium feel than the typical hatch of the era. Lots of aluminium and leather, and a stylish floating console set the C30 apart from the rest. You could even choose to have various bits of trim constructed from real Nordic Oak if you so wished. In terms of toys, the C30 came up well here too. All the de-facto luxury items were available, electric memory heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and auto wipers, as well as a autodimming rear-view mirror and even a full-blown car phone.
One of the highlights of the interior was the Dynaudio stereo option. The Volvo designers were targeting a younger generation and so they decided to go overboard with the audio. The top spec system delivers a great punch with decent clarity, and for a long time was one of the best sound systems available in a hatch.
All this sounds unimportant. Surely a hot hatch is about going as fast as possible? Well, not necessarily. The C30 wasn’t designed to be a track rocket, for the simple reason that most hot hatches aren’t driven primarily on the track. They’re driven on a day to day basis, to and from work or the shops, and in a world of bumpy B-roads and potholes a stiff, crashy track special just feels... compromised. The C30 managed to keep most of the pace (and arguably more over the backroads where the slightly softer suspension helps keep all 4 wheels planted), yet gains so much in driver comfort and useability.
In many ways, the C30 is less of a hot hatch and more of a mini GT. The sort of car you can cross a country with, then drop a cog and attack some backroads without struggling. One which you can drive for hours in comfortably without being noticed, but at the drop of a hat, it can put the hurt on most hot hatches without really trying.
Whilst the C30 is seen as being less practical than a typical hot hatch, it’s not really an issue if you’re the sort of person it’s made for - singles and couples. Want to take stuff to the tip? Drop the back seats. Want to take a couple of friends out on a night out? They’ll be sat comfortably in the back, which are much nicer than the conventional bench seats. Rarely, if ever, do couples need to do both at the same time, and the boot is plenty big enough for the weekly shop.
And all of this, all of it, is before we even get to one of the best bits. This is only the C30 in its standard form.
Due to the T5’s strength and due to the popularity of modifying its sister car, the C30 makes for a cracking tuning proposition. A downpipe, de/sports cat and intercooler are all you need to hit 300+bhp and more importantly 360+lbft of torque, some light handling mods and a braking system upgrade and the C30 is a different animal entirely. It becomes a very, very quick hatch, easily pulling on a lot of the top hatches of even today in a straight line and not far off when cornering either. But it doesn’t stop there. After several years of trying to get past the Volvo computer systems, AWD conversions have been cracked using S40/V50 AWD running gear, the stock arches will accept a 255 width tyre without modification and if you want to shoot for big, big power... Well, drop in a forged Focus RS block and shoot for 800+bhp. The C30 really is a blank canvas.
So yes, the C30 isn’t the most track focused hatch in the world. But it makes a fantastic day to day driver, tackling back road blasting and motorway commutes with a competency that really beggars belief. If you’re one of the ones who likes the marmite appearance, then you can make yourself one hell of a hatch sandwich.
Clio 182 Trophy I think gets my vote. It's still got all the old school hot hatch criteria ticked as they're lightweight, fairly basic, excellent handling and affordable. The Trophy is the best version of the 172/182 so I put that forward.
I would consider the Megane R26.R as it's probably one of the best drivers cars within the hot hatch segment but it wasn't cheap really (£23k I recall) and with it's missing rear seats it was a little compromised.
I would consider the Megane R26.R as it's probably one of the best drivers cars within the hot hatch segment but it wasn't cheap really (£23k I recall) and with it's missing rear seats it was a little compromised.
McGherkin said:
Controversial one here, but stick with me here. The Volvo C30 T5.
The C30 T5 came out in 2007 and, for the most part, mechanically it’s the same as a Mk2 Focus ST. At the time it was seen as being a bit expensive, not ‘hot’ enough, and the looks divided people.
However, a lot of the critics missed the point. They took it on track and complained that it felt numb and soft when compared with rivals like the Civic Type R. The critics who looked at it in terms of practicality complained about the lack of a 5th seat and the small boot.
However, all the ingredients were there. The engine, making 230hp and 236lbft of torque, was and still is one of the peachiest engines to have made its way into a hatchback, delivering relentless pulling power in every gear and a very different soundtrack to the regular hot-hatchery. Underneath, the Focus chassis handled better than anything Volvo had previously come up with, and whilst not sprung stiffly enough to compromise comfort, was sufficiently hard to allow the C30 to lap Hockenheim quicker than the flagship S60R despite a 70bhp deficit, and even post a time at the infamous Nordschleife quicker than the decidedly-speedy Civic EP3 Type R.
Inside, the C30 had a much more premium feel than the typical hatch of the era. Lots of aluminium and leather, and a stylish floating console set the C30 apart from the rest. You could even choose to have various bits of trim constructed from real Nordic Oak if you so wished. In terms of toys, the C30 came up well here too. All the de-facto luxury items were available, electric memory heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and auto wipers, as well as a autodimming rear-view mirror and even a full-blown car phone.
One of the highlights of the interior was the Dynaudio stereo option. The Volvo designers were targeting a younger generation and so they decided to go overboard with the audio. The top spec system delivers a great punch with decent clarity, and for a long time was one of the best sound systems available in a hatch.
All this sounds unimportant. Surely a hot hatch is about going as fast as possible? Well, not necessarily. The C30 wasn’t designed to be a track rocket, for the simple reason that most hot hatches aren’t driven primarily on the track. They’re driven on a day to day basis, to and from work or the shops, and in a world of bumpy B-roads and potholes a stiff, crashy track special just feels... compromised. The C30 managed to keep most of the pace (and arguably more over the backroads where the slightly softer suspension helps keep all 4 wheels planted), yet gains so much in driver comfort and useability.
In many ways, the C30 is less of a hot hatch and more of a mini GT. The sort of car you can cross a country with, then drop a cog and attack some backroads without struggling. One which you can drive for hours in comfortably without being noticed, but at the drop of a hat, it can put the hurt on most hot hatches without really trying.
Whilst the C30 is seen as being less practical than a typical hot hatch, it’s not really an issue if you’re the sort of person it’s made for - singles and couples. Want to take stuff to the tip? Drop the back seats. Want to take a couple of friends out on a night out? They’ll be sat comfortably in the back, which are much nicer than the conventional bench seats. Rarely, if ever, do couples need to do both at the same time, and the boot is plenty big enough for the weekly shop.
And all of this, all of it, is before we even get to one of the best bits. This is only the C30 in its standard form.
Due to the T5’s strength and due to the popularity of modifying its sister car, the C30 makes for a cracking tuning proposition. A downpipe, de/sports cat and intercooler are all you need to hit 300+bhp and more importantly 360+lbft of torque, some light handling mods and a braking system upgrade and the C30 is a different animal entirely. It becomes a very, very quick hatch, easily pulling on a lot of the top hatches of even today in a straight line and not far off when cornering either. But it doesn’t stop there. After several years of trying to get past the Volvo computer systems, AWD conversions have been cracked using S40/V50 AWD running gear, the stock arches will accept a 255 width tyre without modification and if you want to shoot for big, big power... Well, drop in a forged Focus RS block and shoot for 800+bhp. The C30 really is a blank canvas.
So yes, the C30 isn’t the most track focused hatch in the world. But it makes a fantastic day to day driver, tackling back road blasting and motorway commutes with a competency that really beggars belief. If you’re one of the ones who likes the marmite appearance, then you can make yourself one hell of a hatch sandwich.
Crikey you should work for Volvo marketing The C30 T5 came out in 2007 and, for the most part, mechanically it’s the same as a Mk2 Focus ST. At the time it was seen as being a bit expensive, not ‘hot’ enough, and the looks divided people.
However, a lot of the critics missed the point. They took it on track and complained that it felt numb and soft when compared with rivals like the Civic Type R. The critics who looked at it in terms of practicality complained about the lack of a 5th seat and the small boot.
However, all the ingredients were there. The engine, making 230hp and 236lbft of torque, was and still is one of the peachiest engines to have made its way into a hatchback, delivering relentless pulling power in every gear and a very different soundtrack to the regular hot-hatchery. Underneath, the Focus chassis handled better than anything Volvo had previously come up with, and whilst not sprung stiffly enough to compromise comfort, was sufficiently hard to allow the C30 to lap Hockenheim quicker than the flagship S60R despite a 70bhp deficit, and even post a time at the infamous Nordschleife quicker than the decidedly-speedy Civic EP3 Type R.
Inside, the C30 had a much more premium feel than the typical hatch of the era. Lots of aluminium and leather, and a stylish floating console set the C30 apart from the rest. You could even choose to have various bits of trim constructed from real Nordic Oak if you so wished. In terms of toys, the C30 came up well here too. All the de-facto luxury items were available, electric memory heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and auto wipers, as well as a autodimming rear-view mirror and even a full-blown car phone.
One of the highlights of the interior was the Dynaudio stereo option. The Volvo designers were targeting a younger generation and so they decided to go overboard with the audio. The top spec system delivers a great punch with decent clarity, and for a long time was one of the best sound systems available in a hatch.
All this sounds unimportant. Surely a hot hatch is about going as fast as possible? Well, not necessarily. The C30 wasn’t designed to be a track rocket, for the simple reason that most hot hatches aren’t driven primarily on the track. They’re driven on a day to day basis, to and from work or the shops, and in a world of bumpy B-roads and potholes a stiff, crashy track special just feels... compromised. The C30 managed to keep most of the pace (and arguably more over the backroads where the slightly softer suspension helps keep all 4 wheels planted), yet gains so much in driver comfort and useability.
In many ways, the C30 is less of a hot hatch and more of a mini GT. The sort of car you can cross a country with, then drop a cog and attack some backroads without struggling. One which you can drive for hours in comfortably without being noticed, but at the drop of a hat, it can put the hurt on most hot hatches without really trying.
Whilst the C30 is seen as being less practical than a typical hot hatch, it’s not really an issue if you’re the sort of person it’s made for - singles and couples. Want to take stuff to the tip? Drop the back seats. Want to take a couple of friends out on a night out? They’ll be sat comfortably in the back, which are much nicer than the conventional bench seats. Rarely, if ever, do couples need to do both at the same time, and the boot is plenty big enough for the weekly shop.
And all of this, all of it, is before we even get to one of the best bits. This is only the C30 in its standard form.
Due to the T5’s strength and due to the popularity of modifying its sister car, the C30 makes for a cracking tuning proposition. A downpipe, de/sports cat and intercooler are all you need to hit 300+bhp and more importantly 360+lbft of torque, some light handling mods and a braking system upgrade and the C30 is a different animal entirely. It becomes a very, very quick hatch, easily pulling on a lot of the top hatches of even today in a straight line and not far off when cornering either. But it doesn’t stop there. After several years of trying to get past the Volvo computer systems, AWD conversions have been cracked using S40/V50 AWD running gear, the stock arches will accept a 255 width tyre without modification and if you want to shoot for big, big power... Well, drop in a forged Focus RS block and shoot for 800+bhp. The C30 really is a blank canvas.
So yes, the C30 isn’t the most track focused hatch in the world. But it makes a fantastic day to day driver, tackling back road blasting and motorway commutes with a competency that really beggars belief. If you’re one of the ones who likes the marmite appearance, then you can make yourself one hell of a hatch sandwich.
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