A hatchback, a vehicle that combines rear passenger space with cargo space, is often confused with a station wagon. However, hatchbacks are typically shorter in length. Despite their compact size, hatchbacks offer ample cargo space, making them popular among young drivers.
The term hot hatch describes fast and high-performance hatchback models. For consumers who want both an SUV’s spacious cargo area and a sedan’s compact size, the top three hot hatches of 2024 are ready to hit the market.
Mercedes’ hot hatch AMG A45 S has a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
The AMG A45 S from Mercedes is a four-wheel-drive hot hatch with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of delivering 416 horsepower and 51kgf.m of torque. This turbocharged engine features roller-bearing technology for improved responsiveness, and its cooling function has been significantly improved compared to previous models. The engine’s cylinder lining is coated with the same friction-reducing nano slide material found in Mercedes AMG’s Formula 1 engine.
The AMG A45 S also features a two-stage fuel injection system to improve engine flexibility and reduce exhaust emissions. Power is transferred to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and AMG’s 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system. This allows up to 50% of the engine’s torque to be sent to the rear axle, and the newly installed rear differential device can appropriately distribute power to the wheels.
Audi’s representative hot hatch, the RS3, has a torque-vectoring four-wheel-drive system
The Audi RS3, a model representing Audi’s hot hatch lineup, is equipped with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that produces 401 horsepower. The powertrain is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a unique soundtrack. Moreover, all RS3 models come standard with a torque vectoring four-wheel-drive system, allowing the car to accelerate to 100km/h (62 mph) in about 3.3 seconds.
The interior of the RS3 is similar to that of Audi’s A3 and S3, but the front seats are more reinforced. Below the central touchscreen is a climate control device with control buttons, and beneath that is a storage compartment integrated into the center console. The dashboard of the RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen equipped with the same infotainment system found in the A3 and S3.
The representative model of the hot hatch, the Golf GTI, boasts excellent driving performance
The Golf GTI from Volkswagen is another model that cannot be missed when discussing hot hatches.
The Golf GTI has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower and 37kgf.m of torque. The power is transferred to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed automatic transmission. The Golf GTI’s excellent driving performance is backed by improved suspension, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and brake-based torque vectoring technology.
The interior of the Golf GTI combines a modern aesthetic with Volkswagen’s traditional heritage.
The iconic checkered pattern and red trim accents catch the eye immediately, and the 3-spoke steering wheel delivers a fun driving experience with its touch-sensitive controls. Also, a 10.3-inch gauge cluster display is installed, and the slightly longer wheelbase provides more space than previous models.
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