There’s a never-ending debate raging on in the motoring world and the hot hatchback is smack-bang in the middle of it all. If I had to ask you what the best hot hatchback is, what would you say? Think carefully now, it’s not that simple to answer.
We took to social media with our weekly #ChooseDay to dig a little deeper and find out what you, our readers, considered to be the hottest hatchback and the results were very interesting. Not only did we receive hundreds of responses, we also received a diversity of opinions which is to be expected when debating hot hatch supremacy.
Before we reveal the results, some clarification is in order. We could only select four hot hatchbacks to lead the question, so many potential favorite hot hatches took the back seat. One key prerequisite however was that power output had to exceed 200 kW. With this in mind, we chose the following hot hatchbacks to start the debate: Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy, Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and the ever popular Volkswagen Golf R.
Admittedly, the Focus RS is a curve ball as it’s not even available in South Africa yet, but it will in all likelihood shatter dreams when it arrives on our shores in 2016. Likewise, the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy was literally launched in South Africa this month, so it’s new to our market and has a lot of convincing to do to oust its competitors, but it’s very pretty nonetheless. Also be sure to take a look at best value for money hot hatchbacks here!
Hot Hatchback Popularity in South Africa
At the time publishing this article, our sample was taken from 400 votes to determine which of these hot hatches was held in highest regard. And the winner is…
1. Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG – 49% of total votes
With a landslide victory, 49% of respondents were convinced that the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is the hottest hatch on the road. It’s difficult to argue with that, especially when you consider that the world’s most powerful production 2.0-litre turbo engine is lurking under the bonnet. With its 265 kW and 450 Nm of torque delivering blistering performance through a seven-speed DCT gearbox, the A45 AMG with 4Matic all-wheel drive is a freak force that’s tough to beat. The 0-100kph sprint is achieved in 4.6 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 250kph. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is all yours for R659 717.
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2. Volkswagen Golf R – 25% of total votes
There’s no doubt about it, the Volkswagen Golf R is very much loved in South Africa and its monthly sales figures, which are in excess of 100, are testament to this fact. What’s not to love? The Volkswagen Golf R offers 206 kW and 380 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. The Golf R is available with either a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission and acceleration to 100kph takes only 5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250kph. Pricing starts at R510 400 for the manual while the DSG derivative is priced at R525 900. Judging by our drag race video (see above) between the A45 AMG and the Golf R, second place is just about right for this hot hatch.
3. Ford Focus RS – 23% of total votes
Snapping at the heels of the Golf R with 23% of the votes is the Ford Focus RS. It was surprising to see such huge interest in a car that will only be available in South Africa in 2016, but you can bet your top dollar that the RS is going to rustle some feathers in the hot hatch roost when it arrives. We know that the RS is equipped with a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive which makes it a strong contender. Official figures have just been released and Ford claims 257 kW and 450 Nm with 470 Nm available on overboost for 15 seconds. Gear changing will happen via a 6-speed manual transmission and for the speed freaks among us, you can expect sub 5 seconds in the 0-100kph sprint and a top speed of 250kph, easy. South African pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed.
4. Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy – 4% of total votes
The Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy, despite its sexy looks, came in limping across the finish line with only 4% of the total votes. But don’t laugh, the Trophy is underrated and its 201 kW and 360 Nm of torque is no joke. This hot hatch comes fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 0-100kph sprint is achieved in 6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 255kph. The Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy is priced at R449 900. We currently have the Trophy on test, so you can expect a full review soon.
Feel free to name your favorite hot hatchback in the comment section below…The debate rages on.
