Hyundai has built tons of hatches over the years, but not many that really count as true “hot hatches.” Now, finally, the company is building a powerful hatchback called i30 N, and we should all be excited. Except those of us in the U.S., because we may not be getting it.
The Volkswagen GTI is widely considered the first (well, there were some before it) really popular modern hot hatch as we know them: an economy car tweaked by the factory to be a sports car, of sorts. Interestingly, VW actually played with the idea of turning a cheap car into a sports car the year before the GTI, with…
We’re all thankful that the Ford Focus RS, an overpowered all-wheel drive hot hatchback with “drift mode,” even exists. But I know I’m not the only one who’s wondering how close its actual wheel horsepower is to the factory claim. And while we’re on the subject—how much power can you make with modifications? These…
There have been plenty of fast Fords in our time, with names like Shelby, GT, Cobra, Raptor and ST. But the latest Ford factory hot rod has a new one badge: RS. To understand why that’s such a big deal, you have to learn some history first.
Our friends at the CivicX Forum just posted this image of what they say is the 2.0 liter turbocharged heart of the 2017 Honda Civic Type-R we’re eagerly anticipating. Yes, even here in America. Take a look!
It’s a damn good car. My Focus ST has proved to be good at a little bit of everything over the past 75k miles. Track days, taking me to work, trips to the lake, winter storms, handbrake turns, everything a hot hatch should be capable of it’s done it. I’ve enjoyed it so much for the past 3 years and 75k miles that I…
Just 1,200 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition cars will be produced, and as much as I love to crap on "special editions" I have to admit matte blue paint, legit RAYS wheels, and a B&M short-throw six-speed are pretty cool factory options.
They say there's no business like snow business, or something like that. The seller of today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe Subie says it's right for either snow or dirt, but has he priced it to be right in your book?
Stand up, then sit down, just to be sure. Down? Good. Let's not beat around the RevoKnuckle: the 2016 Ford Focus RS is going to be an AWD, 2.3-liter Ecoboost-powered monster.
Seventy horsepower is considered to be such a low figure nowadays that in some cases, mechanically identical engines can make 70 more or 70 less horsepower depending on how the engine management software is setup. But back in the seventies, cars in Europe were light as a feather, and 70 horsepower could indeed make…
Italians like to drive and have a good time, but they also understand that not everybody can afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Since they are also brilliant at designing revy engines, it's not surprising that when it comes to hot hatches and nimble sports cars, they don't have to go for the Golf GTI or an MX-5. From…
The original Civic Si was Honda's entry into the Hot Hatch market, a class that defined '80s cheap seat performance. Finding an unmolested edition like today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe contender is rare indeed, but will its price make this a Hot Hatch you're cool with?
The closest we've ever gotten to driving a Corsa in the states is the older and larger Saturn Astra, which sold poorly in the U.S. and never offered more than a low-power 1.8-liter fourbanger. Therefore it's with great sadness we announce the smaller Euro-spec Vauhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition boosts power to over…
Hot versions of mundane econo-boxes preceded the Rabbit GTI, but none became iconically emblematic of the breed as did the VW. Today, Nice Price or Crack Pipe wants to know if this '84 puts a rocket in your pocket.
Last week we brought news of a harder-core Mugen-tuned Civic Type-R for the European market. This week we're presented with the fruit of Mugen's labor, the multi-winged and vented UKDM Mugen Civic Type-R 3D.
Ford looks to have a winner on its hands with the 2009 Focus RS, as the company has taken approximately 1,000 orders for the 275 HP Matchbox car. No matter whether you're a fan of the scooptastic SEMA-style bodywork or not, you can't argue with 295 lb-ft of torque flowing through a 6-speed stick in a little rocket…
Those Renault people are on their game — literally: The same day the official Twingo Renault Sport details come out, they've dropped a Twingo racing game onto their website. Now, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue it's not; however, it is pretty entertaining for a web application (which requires an .exe install, we expect to be…
The latest sporty Renault to hatch is the Twingo Renault Sport. The newest Twingo RS gets a whopping 33 HP boost from the most potent Twingo RS of yore, up to 133 HP and 117 lb-ft of torque from its 1.6 liter, 16-valve four. Combined with a 60mm wider track, 10mm lower stance, a set of stiffer springs and some bigger…
There are cars that are fun to drive, and then there are cars that, because you know you're a goner if you crash, are just scary to drive. But since most structurally unsound beaters aren't exactly capable of exciting speeds, fast and scary are often mutually exclusive. This, the Brilliance FRV 1.8T, may very well be…
Why you should buy the 2008 Mazdaspeed3:
You want a fast car, but have to pick up your children from school. You want a WRX STI, but can't quite afford the running costs and you don't need the AWD anyways. You got a bunch of tickets a few years ago; you still like driving fast, but want to preserve what little…
