Hot hatches

Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition Debuts as Brand’s Most Powerful Hatch

Opel has launched the 2011 Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition, delivering 210PS and track-focused upgrades to top its hot hatch range.

HG-Motorsport Upgrades Volkswagen Polo GTI with Power and Chassis Mods

German tuner HG-Motorsport has released a performance and styling package for the Volkswagen Polo GTI, targeting owners seeking more power and sharper dynamics from the compact hot hatch.

Superchips remap lifts Audi A1 1.4 TFSI to 146bhp

Superchips has released an ECU remap for the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, raising power by 26bhp and cutting the 0-60mph time to 7.8 seconds.

Next-gen Volkswagen Golf GTI set for 2019 launch with 300hp

Volkswagen will introduce the next-generation Golf GTI in early 2019, featuring a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 300hp and a new MQB Evo platform.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Named Top Gear Hot Hatch of 2011

Top Gear awarded the Volkswagen Golf GTI its Hot Hatch of the Year title for 2011, recognising the Mk6 GTI's blend of performance, handling and everyday usability.

Subaru WRX STI Gains Power and Presence for 2011

The 2011 Subaru WRX STI arrives with a 305-horsepower turbocharged engine, revised chassis tuning and a wider body, strengthening its appeal among performance saloons.

Audi A1 clubsport quattro debuts at Wörthersee with 503hp

Audi has unveiled the A1 clubsport quattro at the 2011 Wörthersee Tour, packing a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo with 503hp and a 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds.

Honda K20C1 turbo upgrade pushes Civic Type R past 400hp

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Stage 2 turbo upgrade for Honda's K20C1 engine offers a bolt-on route to 500 horsepower, with proven reliability and factory fitment.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC: 217bhp Hot Hatch Unveiled for 2013

Volkswagen has launched the Polo R WRC, a 217bhp, 151mph limited-edition model built to celebrate its World Rally Championship entry, with just 2,500 units planned.

Hyundai Veloster N debuts at Detroit with 275hp turbo engine

Hyundai introduced the 2019 Veloster N at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, bringing its N performance sub-brand to the US market with a 275hp hot hatch.

Renault Clio R.S. 18 channels F1 spirit in special edition hot hatch

Renault’s Clio R.S. 18, launched for 2018, adopts Formula One-inspired styling and a standard Akrapovic exhaust, but keeps the familiar 220 Trophy hardware underneath.

Skoda Fabia WRC 2 Champion Edition celebrates rally success

Skoda marks its 2017 WRC 2 championship with a special Fabia, featuring unique styling, mechanical tweaks and a limited production run of 1,300 units.

ABT Sportsline Delivers 400hp Volkswagen Golf R Upgrade

ABT Sportsline has released a 400hp upgrade for the Volkswagen Golf R, fulfilling a long-standing wish among hot hatch fans after Volkswagen's own project stalled.

Modified Skoda Octavia vRS breaks 200mph at Bonneville

A specially prepared Skoda Octavia vRS has become the first Skoda to exceed 200mph, recording 202.15mph at Bonneville Speed Week in August 2011.

Renault Megane RS debuts at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with 280hp and four-wheel steering

Renault revealed the new Megane RS at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing a 1.8-litre turbo engine, four-wheel steering and a choice of manual or dual-clutch gearboxes.

Leaked Image Reveals Renault Megane RS Engine Bay

A leaked photo confirms the new Renault Megane RS engine bay, showing a 1.8-litre turbocharged unit likely shared with the Alpine A110, ahead of its Frankfurt debut.

Mini Clubman JCW Prototype Spotted Testing at Nürburgring

A camouflaged Mini Clubman John Cooper Works with a distinctive exhaust note has been filmed undergoing high-speed testing at the Nürburgring, hinting at a possible hotter variant.

Renault previews 2018 Megane RS at Monaco Grand Prix

Renault gave the first public outing to its next-generation Megane RS during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg taking the camouflaged prototype for a lap.

Hyundai Teases i30 N with Engine Soundtrack Ahead of Debut

Hyundai has released another teaser for its first N Performance model, the i30 N, this time focusing on the car’s engine and exhaust note as anticipation builds for its official unveiling.

Leaked Image Reveals 2018 Peugeot 308 GTI Facelift Ahead of Launch

A prematurely posted image from Peugeot’s Spanish operation has shown the updated 308 GTI, confirming subtle exterior changes and hinting at possible powertrain tweaks.

Next Mercedes-AMG A45 to Top 400hp as Power Race Escalates

Mercedes-AMG confirms its next-generation A45 hot hatch will feature an all-new 2.0-litre engine producing more than 400hp, setting a new benchmark for the segment.

Ford Focus ST Set to Lead Fourth-Generation Line-Up in 2018

Ford prepares to launch the next-generation Focus with the ST performance model expected to headline the range, featuring downsized engines to meet new emissions standards.

Honda Civic Type R debuts at 2017 Geneva Motor Show

Honda has unveiled the production-ready Civic Type R at Geneva, confirming a 2.0-litre turbo engine, manual gearbox and UK manufacturing for its new hot hatch flagship.

Abarth 595 Pista brings track focus to Geneva 2017

Abarth launches the 595 Pista at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, pairing 160hp with track-oriented tech and distinctive styling in both hatchback and convertible forms.