Prefer your hatchback with serious heat? These are the 5 most powerful hot hatches available on South Africa’s new-vehicle market right now…
While budget hatchbacks clearly still have a place in the local market, there are also various options at the other extreme of the pricing (and power) scale. Yes, we’re talking about South Africa’s 5 most powerful hot hatches, each featuring monster outputs and all-wheel drive.
Interestingly, there’s no space on the list for Toyota’s GR Yaris and GR Corolla siblings (which each generate 210 kW from their fiery 3-pot motors), while Mzansi is still awaiting – patiently or not – the arrival of the 245 kW Volkswagen Golf 8.5 R.
In addition, the 235 kW FL5-series Honda Civic Type R was recently quietly discontinued in SA. Note, too, that the Mercedes-AMG hot-hatch twins in the list below are seemingly on the way out, with production expected to end later this year.
1. Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ – 310 kW
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S still holds the title of South Africa’s most powerful hatchback. Priced from a heady R1 461 469, this “hyper hatch” employs Affalterbach’s “M139” turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which sends a whopping 310 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- 0-100 kph: 3.9 seconds (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 8.9 L/100 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a Mercedes-AMG A45 S on Cars.co.za
2. Audi RS3 Sportback quattro – 294 kW
The priciest hatchback on the local market today, Audi’s RS3 Sportback starts at R1 498 200, with the Carbon Edition kicking off at a whopping R1 591 900. Offering 294 kW and 500 Nm from a turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder petrol powerplant (known as the “EA855 Evo”), the all-paw RS3 Sportback features a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as standard.
- 0-100 kph: 3.8 seconds (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 9.0 L/100 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find an Audi RS3 Sportback on Cars.co.za
3. Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro – 245 kW
The current version of Audi’s 8Y-series S3 Sportback offers maximum figures of 245 kW and 420 Nm from its “EA888” turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor. Drive is delivered to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Local pricing for Audi Sport’s deputy hot hatch starts at R1 091 100.
- 0-100 kph: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find an Audi S3 Sportback on Cars.co.za
4. Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatch 4Matic – 235 kW
Billed as the understudy to the full-fat A45 S, Mercedes-AMG’s A35 Hatch (from R1 303 932) uses a 225 kW/400 Nm version of the “M260” turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill, which benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system providing a brief power boost of 10 kW (taking total power to 235 kW). An 8-speed dual-clutch cog-swapper and all-wheel-drive are standard.
- 0-100 kph: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 7.4 L/100 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatch on Cars.co.za
5. BMW M135 xDrive – 233 kW
The only model on this list with a starting price below R1-million (though, at R988 768, only just), the M135 is powered by BMW’s “B48” turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. This motor’s peak outputs of 233 kW and 400 Nm are delivered to all 4 corners via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.
- 0-100 kph: 4.9 seconds (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 7.8 L/100 km (claimed)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a BMW M135 on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most powerful hot hatch currently available in South Africa?
A: The Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ holds the title as SA’s most powerful hatchback. Its M139 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generates a massive 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque, achieving a claimed 0–100 kph sprint in just 3.9 seconds.
Q: Why are notable hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and VW Golf 8.5 R missing from this top 5 list?
A: The FL5-series Honda Civic Type R was recently discontinued in South Africa, while the updated 245 kW Volkswagen Golf 8.5 R has not yet officially arrived in the local market. Additionally, options like the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla fall just outside the top 5 with 210 kW each.
Q: Which of South Africa’s top 5 most powerful hot hatches is the most affordable?
A: The BMW M135 xDrive is the only vehicle on the list priced below R1-million, starting at R988 768. It produces 233 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds.
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