The 6 (brilliant) hot-hatches that no one talks about anymore
Do you remember any of these little monsters?
The hot-hatch is one of the most lovable genres in the car world. Cheap yet fast, stylish yet practical - nothing seems to tick so many boxes at once! It's easy to see why us enthusiasts (including this one) love them so much. It's a popular genre too as, let's face it, most of us will know modern hot-hatches like the back of our hand. And for those looking towards the classics we have the usual heroes: the turbo Renaults, classic Peugeots, and ever present Golfs, etc.
However, despite this, there are still hatches that don't seem to get much air time these days. So to remedy the situation, I've compiled a list of forgotten hot-hatch heroes:
Fiat Panda 100HP
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The 100HP is one of my favourite hot-hatches of all time, but for some reason no one really gives a damn about it. This doesn't really make any sense because the little Panda was received with rave reviews, offering a communicative chassis and a free revving 1.4 litre engine. But most interestingly, there's something very Italian and classless about the way the 100HP looks - it's hard to put your finger on it but it almost like spiritual successor the the old Fiat 126. You could almost imagine a celebrity turning up to a glamorous red carpet event in this thing and no one batting an eyelid.
Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Another rally homologation special, the Nissan Pulsar is one of the best hot-hatches that no one's ever heard of. The reason behind this is probably because it's styling is so vanilla it could have been made by Baskin Robbins. But if you look past the bland looks you 'll quickly realise that this car was a monster. Four wheel drive; a unique turbocharged 2 litre engine and functional aero - it all combines to make an incredible drivers car that prioritises function over form.
Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
Fact: old car maker Talbot were doing rear wheel drive hot-hatches way before BMW. What makes the Sunbeam even cooler is that it's handling was engineered by Lotus themselves (okay the name somewhat gives the game away i'll admit!). The Sunbeam also had a powerful 2.2 litre engine (big even by today's standards) and stuck to the tried and true Lotus philosophy of lightness. As a result the car had some decent rally success, winning the World Rally Championship in 1981.
Citroen AX GT
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ever wondered what would happen if you put a powerful engine in a car made of papier mache? Well your prayers were already answered way back in 1989 with the Citroen AX GT. It's build quality was dubious, but this also meant that the little Frenchie was light on its feet - definitely one for those that value agility over outright pace!
Mazda 323 Turbo
Credit: Wikipedia
When people think of Mazda, the usual suspects are the Rx7 and Mx5 but, believe it or not, Mazda have also tried their hand at the hot-hatch! However, as a rally homologation special the 323 was more than "just" a hot-hatch - the car was incredibly light, had four wheel drive like a Delta Integrale and saw a decent amount of rally success at the time. Unfortunately Mazda only made 500 of these little beasties, but that only means they're all the more unique when they come up for sale!
MG Maestro Turbo
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Okay, the standard MG Maestro isn't exactly the most desirable car in the world I'll admit, but the Turbo model was actually a surprisingly good hot-hatch! The main reason for this is that the car was light as a feather and had a massive 2 litre motor plonked inside of it...which is big even for today's heavier hatchbacks. All this meant that the Maestro Turbo got to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds...albeit with massive torque steer but hey - guess it makes the car more exciting right?
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Comments (75)
And were is the brillant Daihatsu Charade Gtti?
Ahh I don't have much experience with the Gtti, we didn't really see slot of them here in the UK! What were they like?
They go like the clappers quick car
I do mis the Talbot. Awesome car AND was the fastest hot hatch for decades
What about the e36 323ti and the 325ti?
Real pocket rockets
Excellent suggestions Sebastian! Those cars definitley helped pace the way for future BMW hatches as well!
Good choices. Sunbeam is the model not the manufacturer- Talbot.....previously Chrysler and part of Roots group. Owned one for 5 years and at the lotus owners club North Weald sprint in mid 80s it was between the Sunbeams and 7s for FTD - faster than Esprit Turbos and Elans etc. Even with my mediocre driving skills - although we did all have LSDs and bilstein suspension by skip brown cars. MG Maestro turbo was a blast but Non turbo Efi was also well regarded for being quicker than contemporary golf and escort. My Dad had 4 including 1 turbo with all the tuning gear from Daryl at Motobuild. Efi was @ nicer drive but the turbo was properly quick and good for over 130 with boost turned up. Also nobody remembers Renault 5 GT turbo.....every bit as good as a 205 gti and my replacement for the Sunbeam.
Ahh thanks for the spot Richard, I'll get that changed!
Incredible to hear about how quick the Sunbeam was...kind of incredible that they put such a powerful engine in it in those days!
Was it an expensive car to buy at the time?
No uno turbo or Punto turbo
Glad you mentioned the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus; that's my favourite hot hatch.
Yeah I love the thing! They're super rare though, I honestly don't think I've ever seen one on the road...