Introductory segment for 2018's Red-Hot Hatchback Face-Off
Hot Hatch Megatest: A Battle of Ten Titans
The automotive world is abuzz with the results of the Hot Hatch Megatest, a thrilling showdown that pitted ten mouthwatering choices against each other at Haunted Hills, a track purpose-built for hot hatches.
The competition was fierce, with contenders spanning a wide range of prices and performance levels. At the upper end of the price bracket, set at $52K, the Honda Civic Type R represented the most extreme end of the collection. It scored an impressive 9/10, cementing its position as a formidable force in the hot hatch class.
However, it was not the only standout performer. The Hyundai i30 N, the car that spawned this test, emerged as the winner with a score of 9/10. The design of the Hyundai i30 N was developed by Albert Biermann and his high-performance development team at Hyundai's N division, and it seems their efforts have paid off.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a car that has defined the hot hatch class for four decades, remained a benchmark for other hot hatches. It scored 8/10, while the Golf R Grid and the Golf GTI Original both received 8.5/10 and 8/10 respectively.
The Mini Cooper S JCW and the Subaru WRX Premium scored 6/10 and 6.5/10 respectively, indicating room for improvement in these models. On the other hand, the Ford Focus ST and the Renault Clio RS220 Trophy both scored 7.5/10, showing they are solid choices in the hot hatch market.
The Subaru WRX STI and the Peugeot 308 GTI 270 also received scores of 7/10 and 8.5/10 respectively. The Peugeot 308 GTi 270's high score is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a suave rear-drive outlier in the test.
Finally, the BMW 125i, with its rear-drive setup, offered a unique contrast to the other contenders. However, it scored 6.5/10, indicating that it may not be the best choice for those seeking a true hot hatch experience.
Throughout the test, Renato Loberto, a Ferrari Corsa Pilota instructor and GT3 racer, provided valuable feedback on each car's track performance. He performed early-morning familiarisation laps at Haunted Hills in a hired VFII Commodore before the test began.
In conclusion, the Hot Hatch Megatest was a spectacular display of the best hot hatches the market has to offer. With a wide range of prices, performance levels, and designs, there is certainly a hot hatch to suit every taste and budget.
