The Hot Hatch: A History of Speed and Practicality

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What is a hot hatch? 

The term, which is short for hot hatchback, refers to a high-performance version of a hatchback car, which is a car with a rear door that opens upwards to access the cargo area. The term was first used in the UK in 1983, and became widely accepted as a mainstream, albeit informal, term by 1985.

But what makes a hatchback hot? There is no definitive answer, but some common characteristics of a hot hatch are:

  • A front-mounted petrol engine, usually with a turbocharger or a supercharger, to provide more power and torque than a standard hatchback.
  • A front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive layout, to improve traction and handling.
  • A lightweight and compact body, to reduce weight and improve agility.
  • A sporty suspension, brakes, tires, and exhaust system, to enhance the driving dynamics and performance.
  • A distinctive exterior and interior styling, often with spoilers, stripes, badges, and bucket seats, to differentiate the hot hatch from its regular counterpart.

The Origins of the Hot Hatch

The first car to meet the criteria of a hot hatch was the AMC Gremlin, which was introduced in the US in 1970. It had a 3.3 L straight-six engine with an optional 3.8 L or 5 L upgrade and could reach 60 mph in 12 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph2 However, the Gremlin was not very popular or influential, and is often overlooked in the history of hot hatches.

The first European hot hatch was the Autobianchi A112 Abarth, which was launched in 1971. It had a 1.3 L engine with two Weber carburettors, producing 82 hp. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11.4 seconds and had a top speed of 105 mph. It also had a reinforced clutch, stiffer shocks, bigger brakes, and a special paint.

The car that is widely considered as the spiritual father of the hot hatch genre is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which debuted in 1976. It had a 1.6 L engine with a Bosch fuel injection system, producing 110 hp. It could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds and had a top speed of 113 mph. It also had a lightweight construction, a sporty suspension, and a distinctive red stripe around the grille. The Golf GTI was a huge success, both commercially and critically, and inspired many other manufacturers to create their own hot hatches.

Some of the most notable hot hatches of the late 1970s and early 1980s were:
  • The Renault 5 Gordini (or Alpine), which was launched in 1976. It had a 1.4 L engine with 92 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph. It also had front and rear spoilers and racing stripes.
  • The Fiat 127 Sport, which was launched in 1978. It had a 1.3 L engine with 75 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph. It also had a black bonnet, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.
  • The Ford Fiesta XR2, which was launched in 1981. It had a 1.6 L engine with 84 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph. It also had a body kit, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.
  • The Peugeot 205 GTI, which was launched in 1984. It had a 1.6 L engine with 105 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph. It also had a stiff suspension, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.

The Legacy of the Hot Hatch

The hot hatch genre continued to evolve and expand throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with more power, technology, and variety. Some of the most iconic hot hatches of this era were:
  • The Lancia Delta Integrale, which was launched in 1987. It had a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 185 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 134 mph. It also had an all-wheel drive system, a rally-inspired body kit, and a legendary reputation in motorsport.
  • The Honda Civic Type R, which was launched in 1997. It had a 1.6 L engine with a VTEC system, producing 182 hp. It could reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph. It also had a high-revving engine, a close-ratio gearbox, and a red badge.
  • The Renault Clio Williams, which was launched in 1993. It had a 2.0 L engine with 150 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 134 mph. It also had a blue paint with gold wheels, a numbered plaque, and a connection to the Formula One team.
  • The Ford Escort RS Cosworth, which was launched in 1992. It had a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 227 hp, and could reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph. It also had an all-wheel drive system, a huge rear wing, and a rally pedigree.
The hot hatch genre is still alive and thriving today, with new models and innovations. Some of the most impressive hot hatches of the 21st century include:
  • The Volkswagen Golf R, which was launched in 2009. It has a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 296 hp, and can reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. It also has an all-wheel drive system, a dual-clutch gearbox, and a sophisticated chassis.
  • The Toyota GR Yaris, which was launched in 2020. It has a 1.6 L turbocharged engine with 257 hp, and can reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. It also has an all-wheel drive system, a lightweight body, and a rally-inspired design.
  • The Honda Civic Type R (FK8), which was launched in 2017. It has a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 306 hp, and can reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 169 mph. It also has a front-wheel drive system, a manual gearbox, and a record-breaking lap time at the Nürburgring.
  • The Hyundai i30 N, which was launched in 2017. It has a 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 271 hp, and can reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. It also has a front-wheel drive system, a manual gearbox, and a customizable driving mode.
The hot hatch genre is one of the most popular and diverse segments in the car market, offering a blend of speed, practicality, and fun. The hot hatch has a rich and fascinating history, and a bright and exciting future. It is a genre that appeals to a wide range of drivers, from enthusiasts to commuters, from young to old, from rich to poor. The hot hatch is more than just a car, it is a lifestyle, a culture, and a passion.

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