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Hatchbacks are one of the most popular vehicles in the UK and Europe. Their practicality makes them great for everything from city driving to long trips. Now hot hatches take it to another level, combining style and performance with the best features of the hatchback. You’re probably wondering, ‘What is a hot hatch and which vehicle qualifies as one?’ Well, this article has the answers. Stick around to find out what makes a hot hatch and if this car is perfect for your next hire.
A hot hatch is a car that combines the performance of a sports car with the regular frame of the hatchback. The term, which is a shortened form for hot hatchbacks, is often used for faster factory versions of hatchbacks.
Since being launched in the 1970s, hot hatches have risen in popularity across the UK as their small size and amazing speed make them perfect for the city road.
Hot hatchbacks provide a perfect balance of style, cost, performance and functionality, making them a firm favourite among thrill seekers looking for compact vehicles. The vehicle is also available in five and three-door options to fit different needs.
Characteristics Of The Hot Hatch
What makes a hot hatch tick? Here are some of the specific features that can help you identify hot hatches.
Size
Like regular hatchbacks, hot hatches are small cars. These vehicles typically fall without compact and subcompact classifications of cars, making them very agile and easy to manoeuvre. Their small footprint makes them perfect for tight parking spaces or city driving on crowded roads.
Practicality
Another reason hot hatches are so popular today is because of their practicality. Despite their small size, they boast versatile interiors with decent space for both cargo and passengers. They also tend to have adjustable rear seats that you can fold to create extra space for load. This blend of utility makes them perfect for everything from daily commuting to weekend getaways.
Performance Features
The best hot hatches are known for their spirited performance. They are usually equipped with powerful engines and responsive transmissions, which enhance acceleration and improve the driving dynamics. Some of these vehicles even come with sports mode that you can activate for a better driving experience.
If an appealing design is all you seek in a hatchback, you should consider the sportback, a sleeker version of the hatchback that prioritises style and comfort.
Efficiency
Despite their impressive performance, hot hatches have similar levels of fuel economy to regular hatchbacks. This is mostly down to their lightweight construction and aerodynamic designs. Many new hot hatchback models also come with advanced engines, designed to minimise fuel consumption.
Design
Hot hatches often feature more aggressive and sporty frames than conventional hatchbacks. Sleek aerodynamic design, large alloy wheels and sculpted bodywork are just some of the features that can help you identify a hot hatch. Overall, hot hatches are usually more appealing than cars with the standard hatchback design.
Cost & Maintenance
Due to their better performance and more stylish design, you can expect to shell out slightly more for a hot hatchback than standard hatchbacks. However, these vehicles are still fairly affordable when compared with other high-performance sports cars and luxury automobiles.
History Of The Hot Hatch
The AMC Gremlin was the first vehicle to meet the criteria of the hot hatch. This vehicle, which was launched as a subcompact car in 1970, emphasised performance and a radical design in comparison to other cars in its class. It didn’t feature a rear door; however, one could lift the rear window for easy access to its boot.
Even though the Gremlin met a lot of criteria for a hot hatchback, another vehicle is credited with establishing the popularity of this car body style – the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This car, launched in 1976, set the template that other hot hatchbacks follow to date.
The VW Golf GTI was released as a modern front-wheel-drive, long-range replacement for the Volkswagen Beetle. Initially, it was a 3-door hatchback, but Volkswagen later launched 5-door models of the popular hot hatch.
Since its inception, the hot hatchback has continued to evolve with vehicles from different manufacturers. All modern cars now have a powerful engine and a high top speed. Since 2010, all-wheel drive has also become a feature in some hot hatchbacks but the average hatchback still comes with the traditional front-wheel drive layout.
The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-selling hot hatches in the UK and all of Europe.
Hot Hatch Vs Hatchback Vs Super Hatch
What sets a hot hatch apart from a hatchback is the performance level. Hot hatchbacks typically have more powerful engines and other performance enhancements that a regular hatchback may be lacking. You may also notice some differences in design, as hot hatchbacks tend to be more appealing than their traditional counterparts, with aggressive styling.
The super hatch is just a term hot hatchback manufacturers use to describe models that offer the highest level of performance and luxury. These cars come with the most advanced technology features and are made from premium materials.
You may also come across the term ‘warm hatch’. This refers to a hatchback car that has some sporty features but is not as fast and performance-oriented as the best hot hatchbacks.
Popular Hot Hatches
Within the hot hatchback segment, there are a few particularly well-liked cars. These popular models come to mind when you think about the term, ‘hot hatchback’. One example is the VW Golf GTI, which stands out for popularising the hot hatchback body style. Other popular cars in the hot hatch segment include the Ford Fiesta ST, the Ford Focus ST, the Renault Clio Williams RS models and the VW Golf R.
Why Should You Hire Or Buy A Hot Hatch?
Anyone looking for a performance-oriented version of the hatchback should buy a hot hatch. These cars are great fun to drive due to their improved handling and powerful engines. They also do not compromise on practicality, despite their improved performance. Additionally, a hot hatch is a great option for anyone seeking a sporty vehicle at a low price point, as these cars tend to be more affordable than other sports cars.
SDVH offers small cars for hire to meet the needs of those looking for stylish city vehicles. You can also reach out to us for a range of other car hire services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Defines A Hot Hatch?
Performance and sporty styling define a hot hatch. Hot hatchbacks are known for their enhanced performance when compared to regular hatchbacks. They also feature sporty styling cues, which make them more appealing than standard hatchback models. Despite their performance and design, these vehicles are practical and affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Why Are Hot Hatches So Popular?
Hot hatches are so popular because they combine practicality and performance. These vehicles blend the best attributes of a traditional hatchback with those of a muscle car, allowing them to appeal to a wide range of drivers. They’re also fairly affordable, which makes them great for anyone who needs a new car with better performance. This has led to their unparalleled sales success, especially in the UK.
Is The Hot Hatchback A Good Family Car?
The hot hatchback is a good family car but only for a small family. The vehicle provides decent boot space, with seating for four or five passengers. It is a great option if you’re looking for a vehicle that can get you to work and take your children to school without getting stuck in traffic. On the downside, if you have a large family a hatchback might not be the best option because of its limited space.
Are Hot Hatches Fuel Efficient?
Yes, hot hatches are fuel-efficient. Their lightweight and aerodynamic design means that these vehicles generally offer better fuel economy in comparison with saloons and SUVs. Many hot hatches are also equipped with modern turbocharged engines that provide a combination of power and performance. Keep in mind that your driving style can also influence the rate of fuel consumption in a hot hatch.
How Fast Are Hot Hatchbacks?
Hot hatchbacks are very fast; however, the speed of vehicles in this category varies based on engine power, aerodynamics and drivetrain configuration. The fastest hot hatches can go from 0 – 62mph (100kph) in only 3.8 seconds with top speeds of around 180mph (290kph). Entry-level vehicles, however, may struggle to offer this level of performance.
Conclusion
So, to everyone wondering, ‘What is a hot hatch?’, you have your answer. Hot hatchbacks present the perfect blend of performance and practicality for anyone looking to hire a vehicle. With their potent engines and versatile design, you can get the exhilarating driving experience you desire without compromising on everyday usability.
