Best hot hatches – driven, rated and ranked

Playful handling, genuine everyday practicality and deployable B-road performance. These have long been the hallmarks of one of our favourite classes: the hot hatchback.

The traditional formula has been fine-tuned over the past few decades, but the idea has remained unchanged: take a conventional hatchback, fettle its chassis and boost its performance, all without harming its usability. 

But this revered breed of performance car is currently navigating tricky waters, with combustion-engined models rubbing shoulders with newfangled electric offerings that are redefining the class. 

Strict emissions regulations mean that petrol cars are no longer the most affordable performance models they once were. We’ve recently had to wave goodbye to two hot hatch stalwarts, the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST, both victims of an evolving industry. 

But there is still cause for optimism. While petrol hot hatches are an endangered species, a handful of brilliant cars remain – and new EVs are proving to be similarly fun and engaging to drive, 

But which should you choose? We think the Toyota GR Yaris is the benchmark, offering stunning cross-country pace, engaging handling and compact proportions. 

Read on for our full top ten list of the best hot hatches on sale today.