The Best FWD Hot Hatches

[The1Driver]

I think we should show some love to today's FWD hot hatches. Its easy to get caught up in 400bhp+ RWD or 4WD cars these days. Dont get me wrong I admire those cars. But lets face it... You get make the most of them on England's public roads.

Hot hatches... Fairly small (well they used to be small) and (depending on the marque) great through the twisties

Which hot hatches would make your short list and why?

[JonRB]

Oh Jesus. Here we go again; expect this thread to quickly descend into a "FWD vs RWD" slanging match, in which a number of tossbags refer to "wrong wheel drive" and the like.

[pidsy]

106gti

Handles like a go-kart. Reasonably nippy. Cheap to run.

[EDLT]

INB4 the RWD Real Men™

[ic0n]

For me, my 106 GTi was awesome (as above).

Currently have a 306 GTi-6 sat in my unit feeling sorry for itself (no MOT), every day I miss driving it. Awesome handling, engine is perfect for the car. *must get the 306 MOT'd*

[JCB123]

JonRB said:

Oh Jesus. Here we go again; expect this thread to quickly descend into a "FWD vs RWD" slanging match, in which a number of tossbags refer to "wrong wheel drive" and the like.

It shouldn't bother RWD'ers as the thread title is 'best FWD hot hatch' - surely you have the POWER to boot the tossbags out?!


Don't know why - but my vote would be for a Fabia VTS, as isn't doesn't fall into the norm Clio bag?

But then I am wierd.....


Edut: Spilling!

Edited by JCB123 on Thursday 4th August 13:21

[The1Driver]

JonRB said:

Oh Jesus. Here we go again; expect this thread to quickly descend into a "FWD vs RWD" slanging match, in which a number of tossbags refer to "wrong wheel drive" and the like.

It wont come to that.

This forum is full of grown ups!

[ikarl]

vote for the Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo for me (whilst a coupe and not a hatch - they handle the FWD'ness very well!)

[roachcoach]

Isn't this a pretty standard (small) list with it basically boiling down to

Driver preference.


They basically all have the same rap sheet, so short of the folks who get all bent out of shape about fractions of numbers on a bit of paper, it's just what the owner prefers.

[Celtic Dragon]

205 gti and R26R get my vote.

[Spanna]

pidsy said:

Handles like a go-kart.

I hate this phrase when refering to a road car.

I agree that the 106 is good though.

My favourite FWD hot hatch is an EP3 CTR. A left field choice is the Smart ForFour Brabus which I think would be a lot of fun and surprise a lot of other cars.

[JonRB]

I've enjoyed owning both a heavily modified Corrado VR6 and also a Lotus Elan SE Turbo. Both great FWD cars, especially the Corrado which I owned for 14 years (and whose profile on PH happens to be the most viewed by a huge margin)

Edited by JonRB on Thursday 4th August 13:37

[kit_kat]

I would say the 106 GTi as well.

[The1Driver]

What of the cars released within the last 10 years though?

What do you make of what coming out these days...?

[832ark]

Can only think of two FWD hot hatches from the last 10 years that I'd want to own. Any they're the DC5 Integra R or the s'charged Cooper S. However in preference to those I'd rather have either a EF8 CRX, an EK9 Civic R or DC2 Integra R.

[Prof Prolapse]

Clio cup 172 or 182 or Civic type R for me.

Clio cup, cheaper than a 106 GTi, newer, faster and dare I say better handling? (Some same parts too!)

Type R, more expensive, solid build.

I'd go for the Type R personally but only because I like ABS and Honda build quality.

[The1Driver]

DC5 and DC2 would def be up there. Sadly Ive not had the opportunity to drive either. One day perhaps.

[wackojacko]

My 3 nominations are :

Suzuki Swift sport : sensational fun

Clio 172's and 182's are also brilliant.

FN2 Civic type R's I found wern't that great, whereas Ep3's are fantastic.

[chrisbirrell]

Clio 182 cup, without a doubt. Rated best hot hatch ever back when it was new by evo. I am obviously completely unbiased in my opinion

[Jayho]

DC2 ITR - Only problem though is that some argue its a Coupe and some a Hatch.