Small cars (especially hatchbacks) have a not so glowing reputation when it comes to performance especially speed wise. At best, they are little cute things like the Mini which are good enough to get around the city. Their small sizes make turning and packing in tight spaces a breeze while their fuel economy suits the budget needs of most. Unfortunately, even the ones who most need the small cars tend to look down upon them, but the huge selling numbers mean the reputation is not having an impact on their sales. Most people would usually look down upon hatches on the road, consistently undermining their performance and power virtues. You can count the movies in which the getaway car is a small hatchback like the Suzuki Swift. Yet this portrayal seems to have missed out on the huge evolution taking place in the small cars segment.
Just as the market demanded more than just functional pickups, consumer demand and the highly competitive nature of the small car market segment has seen innovation and ingenuity employed to add luxury and more importantly the excellent performance edge that had been missing in the segment. Better tuned engines, bigger engines, more power and better handling aspects have made a huge impact on what these cars can do on the road and even drag races. You no longer have to sacrifice the everyday utility that comes with the small hatchbacks and other similar cars. Some are designed purely for performance, and now the small guy looks ready to do battle with the big boys with the odds even.
Here are 20 small cars that even cop cars would need luck trying to keep up with.
20 Renaultsport Clio 220 Trophy
The Renaultsport Clio 220 Trophy may have failed to capture the hearts of many of the crowd in this segment but it is still a great improvement from the third generation. The manual transmission is gone and the auto just never inspires the same fun.
The handling's precise and the switch to a 1.6-Liter the turbocharged engine certainly adds more power and does improve the fuel efficiency.
With a performance-centered approach, the Renaultsport Clio 220 Trophy is faster than the standard model and while it may not bear the performance of other Renault sports cars, it still manages a respectable 6.6 seconds over the 0-60mph dash.
19 KIA Forte5 SX
The Kia Forte5 SX may be playing catchup with most of its rivals but that is only because the compact hatchback class is highly competitive. Given that this is still a generation that has been around since 2012, despite the gradual increments over the years, the KIA Forte is thriving in face of stiff competition.
An exciting interior and firm handling, along with advanced safety standards are part of the reason for this. The other reason is what the hatchback packs under its hood, a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine provides an output of 201 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque which powers this car to a maximum speed of 140 mph and through 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
18 Peugeot 208 GTI
The Peugeot 208 GTI is the fastest version of the French’s car hot hatchback. It has been some time almost three decades since Peugeot had a competitive small car and this just about delivers in the important respects. The exterior styling is chic while the interior is comfy as a hatchback can be.
Under the hood, is where this car is competitive. The 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine delivers 208 hp which enables the car to go from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Upgraded suspension and brakes ensure the handling is exciting even at corners. With a claimed fuel efficiency of 52.3mpg, this is one car that could outrun the cops for days.
17 Hyundai Elantra Sport
The Hyundai Elantra Sport is the company’s latest attempt to break into the elite of the subcompact cars and it just manages to rise above those at the bottom to land in the middle position.
A pleasant exterior is counterbalanced by a quite bland interior but the range of options in accessories especially the infotainment is well appreciated. A new turbocharged engine, restyled chassis, and finer tuning deliver a sportier performance compared to standard trim levels. However, the steering lacks the verve and sharp precision of competitors. Still, the 201 hp are able to get it across the 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
16 Mini Cooper JCW
A lot of tweaking went into the JCW in attempt to recollect its racing heritage and the effort is felt across the car though with some trade-offs. The sexy but bod looks promise excitement but really it is the powertrain that earns the bread in this hatchback.
It has more power compared to the Cooper and Cooper S thanks to a beefed up 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which generates a massive 228hp and 236 pound-feet of torque.
This is enough to see the JCW accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds and hit tops speeds of 153 mph. All that athleticism, however, lacks the smooth riding experience of other rivals.
15 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S is a fitting celebration for the more than three decades VW favorite hatchback has been around. It is almost unparalleled in its approach for performance that is 2.0-Liter, four-cylinder engine has been tweaked so much to deliver about 306 hp which makes it the most powerful Golf ever and with an acceleration over 0-60mph of 5.9 seconds it is also the fastest Golf in the lineup.
This Golf does not just compete in its division. It holds the fastest time of a hatchback across the Nurburgring track with a second lap time of 7 min and 47 seconds. This is a time that is at par with the likes of the Lamborghini Murcielago and the BMW M3 GTS, no cop car is coming close to this.
14 Vauxhall Astra VXR
The Vauxhall Astra VXR has been regarded by many as the first really great hatchback from the brand and it is easy to see why. The earlier offerings of this car seemed to lack refinement and true grace relying on just brute force to force their position up the class.
Well, the new version which is based on the Astra GTC gets its styling and chassis setup from that car making it one of the beautifully unique rides. It also has a strong suspension ensuring a comfortable ride.
It still keeps up with the heritage of a powerful engine with its 2.0 turbocharged engine providing a massive 280 hp enough to power the car through 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds
13 Audi S1
When it comes to refined driving experiences, the Audi has always had its game on top and in tandem with the current standards. The Audi S1 goes one step further, it adds fun to all that efficiency and by virtue of being among the few 4WD hatchbacks, a couple of bumps on the road or a rough terrain, and even gravel can be taken without as much a misstep.
For those who love challenging themselves the transmission is all manual but more than that and all the agility, this car has it the engine. The 2.0 turbocharged engine enables an acceleration from 0-60 of just 5.8 seconds.
12 Honda Civic Type R
Honda does not joke around when it comes to making hot reliable cars. The latest generation of the Honda Civic Type-R may split opinion over its looks, but no one can doubt about its performance.
Its 2.0 turbocharged engine comes with increased power to offer an output of 316 hp which very few small cars can top and has set several track records to get itself in contention with the class leaders.
Add in the well-tuned chassis, an exciting powertrain, and comfy interior and you have one of the best hatchbacks around despite the dated infotainment. As for matters speed, it has an acceleration from 0-62 mph of 5.7 seconds and it officially achieves a top speed of 169 mph which in a couple of tests it has been shown to go past.
11 Seat Leon Cupra SC 300
The Seat Leon Cupra SC 300 gets improved in 2018 with more power in the turbocharged 2.0 engine as it comes closer to the top of the class with 296 hp. It is the smallest of the three hatchbacks and comes with three doors and some excellent styling even if it is not the most standout car in its class in terms of exterior looks.
There are two engine options, the manual, and the automatic DSG. If you go for the manual you get an acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, while the DSG is a bit faster hitting 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The top speed is a bit lower than close competitors but still a capable 155 mph.
10 Nissan 370Z Coupe
The sole representative of Nissan in the top class does not feel out of company when set against the best in the segment. A striking styling may be the obvious point of change but this Nissan has far better tricks in terms of improvement.
Beneath the bonnet lies a gutsy 3.7-liter V6 engine which for the standard 370Z offers 323 hp which is enough to achieve acceleration from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds.
If you would want more power a tiny increase in speed then you can always go for the Nismo version which has an increased power output with 339 hp and manages to shave the acceleration to 5.2 seconds.
9 BMW M135i
The BMW M135i aims to offer more bang for your dollar and it truly delivers in all the necessary areas. It may be set to be replaced by the M140i but until then it just about hedges in the top ten hot hatches. There is more power in it keeping to the new tradition of performance geared hatchbacks that are making 300 hp and more the new norm.
It has a massive output of 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque which enables it to hot acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The BMW M135i also has a top speed of 155 mph and its loads of fun to drive.
8 Subaru WRX STI
A legendary name in the business had to feature on this list. The Subaru WRX STI is a car whose name alone would have any cop think twice about taking it on a chase. What it lacks in superior styling it makes up for grit and handling and years of racing pedigree.
It goes slow on the on the exterior looks but it is more refined and comfortable compared to most rivals and it is available in only a manual transmission.
The WRX STI lets its performance do the talking and even with a 2.5-liter turbo-4 has an output of 305 hp and 290 lb-ft. Superior handling and suspension all help as the car hits a top speed of about 160 mph and acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
7 Ford Focus RS
As a model, the Ford Focus has been setting standards in the compact segment and its performance model, the Ford Focus RS has been without a doubt a magnificent presence in the class. With an output of 345 hp and 347 pound-feet of torque, the engine is among the most powerful in the class. The latest version features all-wheel drive and has responsive steering. The chassis allows for easy handling and the RS comes with significant speed numbers. 0-62 is achieved within just 4.7 seconds and the car reaches a top speed of 165 mph. These are fast figures and when you add the overall driving experience, you understand why this is regarded as the best hatchback around.
6 BMW M140i
The new BMW hatchback makes a case for itself demonstrating how invested the brand is in topping the small car class. Where the BMW M135i held back, the BMW 140i goes all out and the blistering pace shows that.
It comes with an even more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that has an output of 335 hp and offers great driving engagement that miss in cars with the same price bracket.
You have an option of a 6-speed manual engine transmission but the best bet for crazy speeds is the 8-speed ZF automatic which sees the M140i hit 62 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds.
5 Audi S3
The Audi S3 was revised and the new offering while not as stylish as its close rivals, allows one to enjoy comfort and practicality without missing out on the thrills of speed. While its near supercar performance can be bettered by a few other cars here, few can do so while sitting five adults inside.
It may not have broken the 300 hp barrier but even the 292 hp provided by the 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder feels quite a lot when taken in light of its body weight which is 70 Kg lesser than the previous version. With an acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 4.6 seconds and top speeds of 155 mph, you can be riding circles around cop cars all day.
4 Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R is a hatchback that covers all aspects one could be looking for in a hatchback. Its versatility makes it all-rounded and a satisfying car to ride. This is largely because it is much similar to the Golf GTI only faster.
The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine even gets a proper engine sound depending on how you like your engine to roar.
The ultimate choice is the twin clutch seven-speed DSG transmission which offers the real whizzing speed and acceleration. The sprint from 0-62 mph is done in 4.6 seconds helping the car achieve top speeds of 166 mph.
3 Mercedes Benz AMG A45
The AMG A45 hatchback is a powerful almost bullish entry by Mercedes aimed at the usual class toppers but with a different audience in mind. It has been jostling for the position of the most powerful hatchback in production and keeps swapping the position with the Audi RS3 but it has the title of the most powerful 4-cylinder engine all on its own.
The styling is certainly aimed for performance and stands out among a class that has few engaging designs. The grip is endearing and it is powerful on all surfaces. The 376 hp power and four-wheel drive ability all help get the A45 from 0-64 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
2 BMW M2 Coupe
The BMW M2 Coupe keeps in line with the expectations of an M model and adds the playfulness you would expect from such a small car. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that was present in the M3 and the M4 is present here only with reduced power. However, for a lighter and smaller car, 365 hp and 343 pound-feet of torque feel make the car feel like it is on steroids. Yet the handling is excellent, the steering well weighted and the brakes powerful enough while the engine purrs nicely. As for the race with a cop car, the poor uniformed men will not have an ounce of a chance. 0-62 mph is achieved in a shocking 4.2 seconds while other tests have timed 0-60 mph at 3.9 seconds.
1 Audi RS3
It was among the first pioneers that set the whole hot hatchback arms race going and it has just upped its game even more. It is truly hard to imagine it is related to its easier brother, the S3.
The RS3 takes performance to a whole new level first by clearly establishing itself as the most powerful hatchback ever with its 400 hp and 354 pound-feet of torque.
This is produced by a turbocharged inline five-cylinder and the power delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch automatic transmission system. All these systems help bolt the Audi RS3 from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Sources: autotrader.ca, carmagazine.co.uk, topspeed.com, motor1.com