Viewing: The ultimate Hot Hatch

***waynne*** · 26-11-2009, 08:52 AM

What, in your opinion, was or is the ultimate hot hatch? And what is a hot hatch?

The Golf GTi started it all off, then came the stunning 205 GTi and we have had various offerings from other car makers from the XR2 to the Megane R, 106 GTi, Type R Civic and Focus RS.

Is the ultimate hot hatch the fastest, best value, best handling or a combination of the three factors.)

So how do you define a hot hatch? I guess one mans hot hatch is anothers warm hatch.

**BAD63R** · 26-11-2009, 11:54 AM

Well as it falls into the "Hatch back" catagory, the newer shape scooby is pretty damn evil hatch lol. But there are things like the Pulsar, Starlet, Galanza etc.

***HDi fun*** · 26-11-2009, 12:15 PM

Probably the Ford Focus RS at the moment.

**BAD63R** · 26-11-2009, 12:18 PM

The Vauxhall Astra VXR 888 is another good contender. It has slightly less bhp than the Focus RS but is slightly quicker 0-60. The beginning of next year the VXR-R is being released and will have even more bhp, better handling and nicer trim.

Here it is:-

http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/t...ra_VXR-R.shtml

***HDi fun*** · 26-11-2009, 01:00 PM

I'm not Vauxhall's biggest fan (by a large margin) but have to admit it's a contender.

**BAD63R** · 26-11-2009, 01:11 PM

Vauxhall are releasing that to be a rival for the newer Focus RS thats coming out. But I dont quite think they'll do it as Vauxhall has had their hands in the Touring cars ith Astras for a bit now and Ford haven't been near the Rallying for a while.

**MasterAuron** · 26-11-2009, 05:57 PM

For performance and tunability, Pulsar by a long shot unless there's something I'm forgetting.

**stamford** · 27-11-2009, 12:27 AM

The only hatch I have owned that I considered 'hot' was my old HSX Chevette, but can that be included as they only made 400 in total including the HS, HSR and HSX? Lotus Sunbeam is another as too the Ti.

I guess it would have to be the Golf GTi as that really set the benchmark. As for today? no idea.

**turbonutter69** · 27-11-2009, 06:21 PM

Yep agree with MA Pulsar/Sunny Gti-r. Awesome cars.

**WLBjork** · 29-11-2009, 11:34 AM

The Golf still is the all-round benchmark IMO.

Now, if Skoda ever release the Fabia Super 2000...

**kylevw** · 29-11-2009, 11:41 AM

I think if they put a 4wd system in focus RS i think it would be the don, but for now golf r32 lol

**pgarner** · 29-11-2009, 06:10 PM

R32 is no where near as good as the focus mate in my opinion. 3.2 ltr 6 pot and only gets 240bhp the only decent think about it is the 4 motion only activates when traction is lost so its 2wd most of the time

**kylevw** · 29-11-2009, 06:51 PM

True but at least you have the choice of 4wd in r32, but i agree they should have been able to get more power out of the engine

**pgarner** · 30-11-2009, 09:33 PM

but the focus has a nice diff setup which doesnt require the extra weight of the 4wd and the r32 isnt exactly a supermodel weight is it ?

**kylevw** · 30-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Yes but the ford still does not corner as well as the r32 even with its clever revo knuckles, I think that's what there called lol and the r32 makes a better noise

***Loz*** · 30-11-2009, 11:41 PM

The current Clio Cup would be my choice, for bargain hot hatch motoring the Panda 100hp is awesome too. My retro hot hatch would be a Lotus Sunbeam.

***HDi fun*** · 01-12-2009, 12:31 AM

I remember the Lotus Sunbeam. 160 odd bhp in a flimsy and light body - I seem to remember these had only 4 gears (2 would have been enough tho

).

How about a 1985 Tickford Capri Turbo? Only 205 bhp but it was enough to send it sliding all over the place when sent astern and delivered to the tarmac via a solid (live) rear axle.

Other Classics to consider;

Lancia Delta Integrale; Sierra Cosworth 3dr; Metro 6R4;

Saab has dished out some wickedly lively 5dr hatches over the years.

**kylevw** · 01-12-2009, 12:52 AM

OMG forgot about the Lancia Delta i love that car and i have no idear why lol

***HDi fun*** · 01-12-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylevw

OMG forgot about the Lancia Delta i love that car and i have no idear why lol

Surely nothing to do with its outrageous straight line performance?

***Loz*** · 01-12-2009, 07:32 AM

...or it's fantastic good looks?

**turbonutter69** · 01-12-2009, 10:38 AM

There is 1 hatchback car that I think alot of people forget is a hatchback.

**BAD63R** · 01-12-2009, 11:17 AM

The 4x4 in a R32 isn't exactly amazing going round bends on them anyway. My mate took me a ride through some lanes in his, and when the 4x4 kicks half way round a bend, it feels horrible.

**Twamgl3** · 01-12-2009, 06:04 PM

Alfasud Sprint?
Lancia Y10 Turbo?!!

**WLBjork** · 01-12-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbonutter69

There is 1 hatchback car that I think alot of people forget is a hatchback.

That would be because it's not a Hatchback, it's a Liftback

**turbonutter69** · 01-12-2009, 11:29 PM

It's still classed as a hatchback.