Superminis have evolved over the years, and today they are almost inescapable on the road. While most superminis have three doors, five-door models are becoming more popular. Their rear end is typically smaller than that of a family hatchback. But that doesn't mean superminis have cramped interiors. Since superminis tend to have a larger distance between the front and rear wheels than most cars, the interior space can sometimes accommodate up to five passengers. Just think of a supermini as somewhere in between a family hatchback and a city car.
If you need a car that's small enough to easily find its way around tight city streets, a supermini is your best bet. Superminis are also quite comfortable for long-distance trips and reasonably affordable to buy and maintain. Superminis may not be the fastest choice out there, but they are reasonably quick on their feet. Here are nine superminis that will impress you with their speed.
9 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTi - 6.5 Seconds
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI was unveiled at the 2021 International Motor Show in Munich, Germany. The significant visual upgrades instantly grabbed the attention of enthusiasts and threatened rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST and the Hyundai i20 N. For the 2022 Polo GTI, Volkswagen brings back the same old 2.0-liter TSI turbo inline-four found in the Golf and Polo GTIs.
The new Polo GTI churns out 204 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With so much torque kicking in at 1,500 rpm, the engine feels peppy and pushes the Polo GTI from standstill to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
8 2022 Ford Fiesta ST - 6.5 Seconds
The 2022 Ford Fiesta ST comes with an enlarged grille that gives it an aggressive look. Whether you are trawling through the city or plying the highway, the new Ford Fiesta ST is designed to maximize fun, with responsive and engaging handling. The Fiesta ST offers 236 lb-ft of torque and 197 hp from a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine.
With a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds, the 2022 Fiesta ST is fit for the racetrack. Also, the mechanical limited-slip differential automatically enhances the Fiesta's cornering ability and stability by transferring power to the wheel with the best traction.
7 2021 Toyota GR Yaris - 5.2 Seconds
With the likes of GR86, Supra, and GR Yaris, Toyota's ability to build performance cars is never in doubt. The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris is a rally monster and not just a commuter car. The GR Yaris is the smallest entry in Toyota's lineup and features a 1.6-liter inline-three turbo engine.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and pumps out 268 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. This power is routed to all the wheels for optimum performance. The 2021 Toyota GR Yaris tops out at 143 mph and sprints to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
6 2022 Mini JCW Clubman All4 - 4.7 Seconds
If you want a healthy dose of extreme fun and a memorable driving experience, just get behind the wheel of the 2022 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman All4. The four-door Clubman All4 offers more practicality than a classic Mini, yet feels nimble and high-spirited, thanks to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Putting out 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, the 2022 Clubman All4 can match the performance of rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The JCW Clubman All4 dashes to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
5 2022 Hyundai i20 N - 6.2 Seconds
While the standard i20 is perfect for school runs and grocery shopping, the i20 N is a focused weapon that takes pride in its sporting prowess. The Hyundai i20 N is small enough to easily find its way around tiny streets and big enough to accommodate a family of five. Hyundai stuffed a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine under the hood of the 2022 i20 N.
The 2022 Hyundai i20 N slightly outpowers the Ford Fiesta ST, with an output of 201 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque. It takes the South Korean supermini only 6.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph with a top speed of 140 mph.
4 2014 Audi S1 - 5.8 Seconds
Only a few superminis on the market hit as many sweet spots as the 2014 Audi S1 package. Audi offers plenty of power and a reassuring grip for the S1. On the outside, Audi replaces the mild rear spoiler with a larger one, while the interior looks absolutely menacing in the dark. However, what's under the hood is more threatening.
The 2014 Audi S1's power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that spits out 231 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain is capable of launching the S1 to 62 mph in just 5.8 seconds and topping out at 155 mph.
3 2015 Fiat Abarth 695 Biposto - 5.9 Seconds
Abarth describes the 695 Biposto as the world's smallest supercar that's based on the 595 Competizione and Fiat 500. In building the 2015 Fiat Abarth 695 Biposto, the Italian carmaker narrowed its focus to engine performance and weight reduction. The 1.4-liter T-Jet engine pumps out 190 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Abarth claims a specific power of 139hp/liter, which is a record-setting output for this engine category. The 2,198-lb 2015 Abarth 695 Biposto achieves 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and tops out at 143 mph.
2 2022 Suzuki Swift Sport - 8.7 Seconds
The Suzuki Swift Sport is a supermini with a nippy turbocharged petrol engine, sporty handling, and fun to drive daily. Although on paper, the Swift Sport doesn't come close to the level of the Ford Fiesta ST and the burly Honda Civic Type R, it tells a different story on the road.
The Swift Sport's 1.4-liter Booster Jet four-cylinder petrol engine puts out 170 lb-ft of torque and 138 hp. The Suzuki Swift Sport is very agile and easy to drive through corners. It goes from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
1 2018 Vauxhall Corsa VXR - 6.5 Seconds
The 2018 Vauxhall Corsa VXR looks quite aggressive, but just enough to let you know it's performance-driven. With Koni dampers and other adjustment features, the Corsa VXR allows you to get on the power with minimal wheel tug. Pulling through corners comes easy for this ‘lil hatch.
Vauxhall understands that a hot hatch needs a free-revving engine, so it equipped the Corsa VXR with a 1.6-liter turbo inline-four engine that cranks out 202 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Vauxhall Corsa VXR tops out at 143 mph and takes 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.