Hot Hatches MCS Performance Loves And Recommends
Here at MCS Performance, we’re big lovers and enthusiasts of hot hatches. If you want the ultimate in performance and most premium option from a manufacturers lineup, a hot hatch is a quintessential buy. Here are just some of our absolute favourites.
Volkswagen Golf R
Performance
As you would expect, the Golf R is extremely powerful; under the bonnet lies a 320bhp, 2.0L turbocharged engine. This nifty little hot hatch can reach 0-60mph in approximately four seconds, and achieves 420 Nm of torque.
The standard automatic DSG gearbox shifts incredibly quickly, and for a four wheel drive car, can achieve up to 36.2mpg.
Looks
There’s no denying the latest Golf R is an incredibly stylish car. The looks are more aggressive and sporty, thanks to its 18 inch alloy wheels and lowered suspension.
The interior is minimalist, yet classy. There are limited buttons and controls, which are instead replaced by touch sliders that can be slightly sensitive, as well as a touch screen centre console. There’s lots of coloured trim around the interior too, including on the steering wheel and the seats.
Talking of the seats, they’re incredibly comfortable if you’re looking to do long journeys, and give you plenty of support when driving on bendy roads. However, the fabric and colour trim stitching does feel a little cheap.
Performance
The Volkswagen GTi Performance makes for a good contender against other popular hot hatch rivals including the Ford Focus ST and the Honda Civic Type R.
It comes with 242bhp under the bonnet, and you can either choose between the six speed manual gearbox or seven speed dual clutch automatic. As for the manual, it has quicker inputs, but the precision of the gear shifts aren’t as exact as the Ford Focus ST or Honda Civic Type R. The automatic is a better option to go with for easy everyday use. The GTi Performance also reaches 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds, and carries you swiftly along the roads.
Grip and stability around corners is wonderful, while the optional adjustable suspension can make the drive feel even more playful and exciting. There’s also limited road and wind noise if you’re hoping to use the car for longer motorway journeys. Average mpg is around 36.8, annual road tax is between £165-£180 annually, and it sits in insurance group 29.
Looks
The Golf R has the more distinctive design between the two, however in our option the Golf GTi Performance is quietly understated. It’s sporty and refined but isn’t too ‘in your face’ for a hot hatch. VW have really focused on the smaller details with this car, including the accent stripe that runs across the top of the grille and becomes one with the headlights, front diffuser blades and large alloys with coloured brake callipers. The interior features hints of chrome which add to the luxury, as well as coloured stitching and roof lining.
Performance
The Ford Focus ST comes in either a hatchback or estate body style, in both petrol and diesel engine variants. You get 187bhp from the diesel and 276bhp from the petrol. An electronically controlled limited slip differential is fitted as standard to all petrol Ford Focus ST’s, which helps to minimise wheel spin and keep you tight when driving round sharp corners. Larger brakes are also fitted to the Focus ST compared to the standard model and the lowered suspension and lighter wheels make the car feel very playful to drive.
Comfort levels aren’t as good as in the Golf GTi mentioned above, however the Ford ST Edition model manages to find a good balance.
The Focus ST petrol manages to get from 0-60 in approximately 5.7 seconds while the diesel is a little slower, taking 7.6 seconds. You also get some lovely sounds from the exhaust when you rev and accelerate with the petrol, however the diesel is slightly underwhelming in comparison.
Looks
The Ford Focus ST definitely looks more like a family car, with its 5 doors and larger overall build. The larger alloy wheels, sporty body kit and integrated rear spoiler all combine perfectly ensuring the car doesn’t appear too flashy, but you still get that quintessential hot hatch look.
The styling is overall very similar to its younger brother, the Ford Fiesta ST, and has a more aggressive look than more conservatively styled rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTi.