The original VW Golf GTi made small performance cars accessible to most budgets, but what are the best hot hatches around today for under £10,000? Is there anything on the road that gives the driver the same thrill that the original hot hatch did all those years ago? Let’s find out…
Honda Civic Type R – the driver’s hot hatch
Despite being around since 2007, the Type R is still a strikingly attractive car with styling that hasn’t dated at all. It’s not the most powerful engine around, but the fantastic Honda engineering means that it’s happy trundling around as a family car… until you put your foot down and all hell breaks loose! Nimble and responsive handling and excellent reliability make the Type R one of the best hot hatches ever made.
Ford Focus ST
The Focus changed the way we viewed the family hatchback with its stylish design and incredibly satisfying chassis, so everyone was excited when the original ST hit the streets. The 2.5-litre turbocharged Mk2 version produces 221bhp – 50bhp more than the original – and easily lives up to the Focus reputation for drivability.
Volkswagon Golf GTi Edition 30
The Edition 30 came out to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the original GTi in 1976 – and what a fantastic way to do it! Based on the standard GTi, the 30 has had an engine tweak to boost it from 197bhp to 227bhp, which makes it a spectacular car to drive. Even better is the fuel economy, which is around 35mpg around the houses – as good as a regular hatchback!
Suzuki Swift Sport
Perhaps no car on this list captures the vibrancy of the original hot hatches quite as well as the Swift Sport. 10k will easily get you three-year-old car – much newer than any other here – and we guarantee that nothing will put a smile on your face so easily. With handling that’s insanely good, the Swift uses its 1.6-litre 134bhp producing engine to create a thrill a minute… but don’t take it on the motorway unless you have earplugs!
We think this shortlist of the best hot hatches under ten grand offers something for everyone, but if you think we’ve missed something off the list pop over to our Twitter page and let us know. In the meantime, be sure to leave your pocket rocket with us at Trafalgar Street so we can admire it while you shop!