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.

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.

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.

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.

Audi RS3 Sportback debuts in Geneva with 400hp five-cylinder

Audi brings the updated RS3 Sportback to the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, matching the RS3 Sedan’s 400hp and introducing the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder engine.

Toyota unveils 210hp Yaris hot hatch to mark WRC return

Toyota has previewed a 210hp performance Yaris ahead of its 2017 World Rally Championship campaign, with the production car set for public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Hennessey tunes Ford Focus RS to 405hp with HPE400 kit

US tuner Hennessey has released its HPE400 upgrade for the Ford Focus RS, lifting power to 405hp and promising further performance enhancements to come.

Honda launches Civic RS Turbo Modulo in Philippines

Honda's Civic RS Turbo Modulo arrives first in the Philippines, pairing a factory bodykit with the 173 hp 1.5-litre turbo engine and CVT transmission.

Renault Megane GT Energy TCe 205 EDC: Sporty Focus for the Fourth Generation

Renault sharpened its compact line-up with the Megane GT Energy TCe 205 EDC, pairing a 205hp turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox with bold design and chassis technology.

First contact: Ford Focus RS returns with AWD and 350 PS

Ford’s all-new Focus RS debuts with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, aiming to redefine the hot hatch segment for 2016.

SEAT to Preview Ateca Cupra Concept at Paris Motor Show

SEAT is preparing to unveil a high-performance Ateca Cupra concept at the Paris Motor Show, hinting at a 300 bhp all-wheel-drive SUV with aggressive styling.

Volkswagen Unveils Five Custom Cars for US Summer Shows

Volkswagen of America launches a five-car enthusiast show fleet, including three Golfs, a Passat and a Jetta GLI, for summer events across the US.