Have you ever heard of the term ‘hot hatch’ before? While you might know some examples of hot hatches, you may need help understanding the meaning of this term. A hot hatch is relatively uncommon, particularly in the United States. However, they are all-around great cars if you’re looking for a combination of practicality and performance, and they have a lot to offer.
What Defines a Hot Hatch
Initially, the phrase ‘hot hatch’ was used as a nickname for a group of cars. Like how the Corvette and Mustang were America’s ‘muscle cars’, the United Kingdom created a new classification of cars: the hot hatch.
A hot hatch is a front-wheel drive with an engine mounted in the front. However, these features aren’t necessary conditions for something to qualify as a hot hatch. To improve their performance-oriented experience, many of these vehicles have now become all-wheel drives over the past decade.
Hot hatches are the high-performance version of their more well-known production hatchbacks. They might not look as different in appearance. Still, they often have a more substantial amount of power and handling to create a performance-oriented experience compared to their base-model counterparts.
Some Examples of Hot Hatches You Can Buy Today
Although they are not as common as other types of vehicles, hot hatches are decently popular among car buyers. Since hot hatches are the high-performance versions of popular production hatchbacks, they sometimes come in packages that are common and less exciting than one would expect.
The popularity of all-wheel drive has grown dramatically in recent years, with many consumers now viewing it as a viable option. This includes some impressive hatchbacks that offer great performance and luxury.
Two examples of the best-selling hot hatches in the United States are the Audi RS3 and Ford Focus RS. They look sporty but timid, which skillfully covers their handling and power capabilities. In general, hatchbacks are less popular in America. However, that can also give you an unsuspected benefit. While they are niche cars, they’re uncommon— you may only find very few cars that look like yours.
A hot hatch might look like the average commuter car, but you may never even have recognized one. However, they’re still popular among car buyers who love hatchbacks. Consider buying a hot hatch if you love the sporty experience or want something more practical than a coupe. Whatever your reasons for shopping in this segment, plenty of great options are available!
