Which of todays hot hatches would you have?
Poll: Which of todays hot hatches would you have?
Total Members Polled: 490
Discussion
Syndrome said:
The 330s is a hatchback, but I wouldn't call it a "hot hatch". That is a title bestowed on a FWD overpowered, underhandling chav chariot in my book. The only one in that list that I would drive (if it wasn't my money I was spending), would be the Focus RS.
So Escort Cosworth, Audi S3, Delta Intergrale and Golf R32 are not 'Hot Hatches'.I'd class the Impreza along with the Escort Cosworth and Integrale in the 'rally-rep' category, a few decent steps up the (arbitrary individual) petrolhead ladder from a hot hatch IMO.
The S3 and R32 don't have the direct motorsport link though, which makes them a bit trickier to define - in reality they probably compete more with small sport sedans than the stereotypical 'hot hatches'.
The S3 and R32 don't have the direct motorsport link though, which makes them a bit trickier to define - in reality they probably compete more with small sport sedans than the stereotypical 'hot hatches'.
Edited by GravelBen on Monday 23 November 09:56
GravelBen said:
I'd class the Impreza along with the Escort Cosworth and Integrale in the 'rally-rep' category, a few decent steps up the (arbitrary individual) petrolhead ladder from a hot hatch IMO.
The Subaru is no more of a Rally Replica than the Focus RS! it runs a 2.5 engine and they dont compete in WRC!UK cars may have the 2.5 - the JDM STI still runs the 2.0 and they still dominate Group-N class rallying around the world. In case you're unaware, homologation isn't required for WRC but it is for Group-N/PWRC, the specific Impreza model used for homologation at the moment is the STI Spec-C but through rallying all quick Imprezas have a quite direct competition link.
Edited by GravelBen on Monday 23 November 10:06
Focus RS for me (which I have done). Probably would have waited to see the Megane 250 properly but the only reason I ditched my R26.R for the Focus was technical gremlins in the Megane followed by poor customer service from Renault UK, hence my apprehension with the 250 (though I reckon it'll be a better all-rounder than my current steed and much more well-mannered).
Not really regretting the decision to be honest, though the R26.R (obviously) is by far the better car on track, after taking the Focus out to Bedford this weekend.
Not really regretting the decision to be honest, though the R26.R (obviously) is by far the better car on track, after taking the Focus out to Bedford this weekend.
Edited by Arun_D on Monday 23 November 10:46
GravelBen said:
UK cars may have the 2.5 - the JDM STI still runs the 2.0 and they still dominate Group-N class rallying around the world. In case you're unaware, homologation isn't required for WRC but it is for Group-N/PWRC, the specific Impreza model used for homologation at the moment is the STI Spec-C but through rallying all quick Imprezas have a quite direct competition link.
Im talking about the Sti 330S! which as I said is no more of a Rally Replica than the Ford.Edited by GravelBen on Monday 23 November 10:06
MonkeyMatt said:
GravelBen said:
UK cars may have the 2.5 - the JDM STI still runs the 2.0 and they still dominate Group-N class rallying around the world. In case you're unaware, homologation isn't required for WRC but it is for Group-N/PWRC, the specific Impreza model used for homologation at the moment is the STI Spec-C but through rallying all quick Imprezas have a quite direct competition link.
Im talking about the Sti 330S! which as I said is no more of a Rally Replica than the Ford.Edited by GravelBen on Monday 23 November 10:06
The title of thread should be changed to 'which of todays 'fat' hatches would you have?' on account of the fact that the selection on offer are all big arsed lardy bloaters.
Open to intepretation, but you might argue that they are more junior GT's than hot hatch? Just a thought.
The Focus is great, and I am looking forward to having a go in my mate's when his arrives next month. I wouldn't turn down the chance to have the other contenders parked on the drive either, but they don't really float my boat.
I appreciate that car sizes have moved up a grade because we are getting fatter, but I do miss the visceral experience that my (non turbocharged) 172 Cup offered in spades. After a little bit of tinkering it could hit 60 in well under 6 seconds and point to point was brilliant. I doubt whether any of these 20k machines could be 'that' much better than my 6k pocket rocket.
BJW
Open to intepretation, but you might argue that they are more junior GT's than hot hatch? Just a thought.
The Focus is great, and I am looking forward to having a go in my mate's when his arrives next month. I wouldn't turn down the chance to have the other contenders parked on the drive either, but they don't really float my boat.
I appreciate that car sizes have moved up a grade because we are getting fatter, but I do miss the visceral experience that my (non turbocharged) 172 Cup offered in spades. After a little bit of tinkering it could hit 60 in well under 6 seconds and point to point was brilliant. I doubt whether any of these 20k machines could be 'that' much better than my 6k pocket rocket.
BJW
B.J.W said:
The title of thread should be changed to 'which of todays 'fat' hatches would you have?' on account of the fact that the selection on offer are all big arsed lardy bloaters.
Open to intepretation, but you might argue that they are more junior GT's than hot hatch? Just a thought.
The Focus is great, and I am looking forward to having a go in my mate's when his arrives next month. I wouldn't turn down the chance to have the other contenders parked on the drive either, but they don't really float my boat.
I appreciate that car sizes have moved up a grade because we are getting fatter, but I do miss the visceral experience that my (non turbocharged) 172 Cup offered in spades.
Agree 100%. Swapped the wife's 306GTi for a Golf GTi, and also looked at the Focus and Leon at the same time, and while all were quicker than the Pug, none were as involving, as communicative, nor as agile. And all were easily over 1,300kg (Focus >1,400kg), which means they are actually heavier than an E36 3-series...Open to intepretation, but you might argue that they are more junior GT's than hot hatch? Just a thought.
The Focus is great, and I am looking forward to having a go in my mate's when his arrives next month. I wouldn't turn down the chance to have the other contenders parked on the drive either, but they don't really float my boat.
I appreciate that car sizes have moved up a grade because we are getting fatter, but I do miss the visceral experience that my (non turbocharged) 172 Cup offered in spades.
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