Hot Hatch
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The new Focus ST isn’t the only hot hatch brewing at Ford. The automaker’s European division is also readying a brand new Fiesta ST, a prototype of which has been filmed at the Nurburgring race track in Germany. While the Focus ST is expected to go on sale near the end of the year, this sporty Fiesta variant isn't expected to appear in showrooms until late next year as a 2013 model. The previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST sold overseas was fitted with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Duratec engine and had 148 horsepower on tap, so expect the new 2013 model to offer a definite power...
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Next-Gen Ford Focus RS In The Works: Report
The new Ford Focus RS is due in late 2013 or early 2014 and should have more power than the current 305 horsepower model.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Power Boost For MkVII Volkswagen Golf GTI: Report
Development of Volkswagen’s MkVII Golf is well underway, with the new car on track to come onto the market towards the end of next year as a 2013 model. While a conventional hatchback shape will remain, designers are thought to be going for much sharper styling in an effort to make the new...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Suzuki Swift Sport On Sale In Early 2012, But Not In U.S.
The Suzuki Swift is a hot little hatch still sold in most parts of the globe and in its Swift Sport guise can be a hoot to drive, easily upsetting some much more expensive models when it comes to fun factor.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Which Hot Hatch Is King? #YouTellUs
From Ford and Volkswagen to Subaru and Mazda, the hot hatchback segment is growing. But which hot hatch is the king? #YouTellUs
Joel Feder -
2013 Chevrolet Sonic To Get RS Treatment: Report
The Aveo RS could yet see production under the model's new name, Sonic, but Chevrolet has yet to lend official confirmation to the idea.
Nelson Ireson -
Details are sketchy, but this prototype testing at the Nurburgring hints at a possible MINI JCW Challenge Edition car to close out the current generation's sales.
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Volksagen GTI Edition 35 Coming To U.S.?
Volkswagen's Golf range is already set to get a lot more exciting here in the U.S. with the impending release of the Golf R, but VW may be adding to the mix with an American version of the Edition 35, renamed for our shores. The rename would be a simple matter of counting the years since the GTI...
Nelson Ireson -
2012 Ford Focus ST Spy Shots
Over the next 12 to 18 months or so, we’re about to see two new hot hatches from Ford make their debut, the long-awaited ‘ST’ variants of the latest 2012 Ford Focus and Fiesta. While the Fiesta ST isn’t expected to bow in until late next year as a 2013 model, its bigger...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
2013 Ford Fiesta ST Spy Shots
We've previously spied Ford testing its new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the U.S., with engineers using a sporty variant of the 2011 Ford Fiesta three-door hatchback as their guinea pig. This sporty variant will be known as the Fiesta ST when it goes on sale late next year as a 2013 model...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo To Pack 208 Horsepower: Report
Since we first started capturing spy shots of the Hyundai Veloster in action, we've reported a turbocharged version was in the works, and that fact was confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, some of the first specs on the turbo Veloster have slipped out, and they're promising. The hot-hatch...
Nelson Ireson -
2013 Ford Fiesta ST To Pack 180-HP EcoBoost Engine?
We've seen the spy shots of Ford's upcoming pint-sized powerhouse, the Fiesta ST. With a turbo four-cylinder under the hood, an aggressive look, and an automotive Napoleon complex, it's potentially the most interesting hot hatch on the near horizon. Today's rumor mill has ground out a tidbit that...
Nelson Ireson -
There’s been talk of a more powerful Honda CR-Z in the works ever since the hybrid ‘hot’ hatch was first launched. This was mostly because the car that was billed as the first sporty hybrid was neither sporty nor even that fuel efficient, with official performance specs coming in at only 122 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque and fuel economy of 35 mpg city/39 mpg highway. Why Honda chose to launch the CR-Z with such lackluster performance may never be known but at least the automaker is aware of its folly and is now out to remedy it. Over the past year we’ve seen...
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Report: Kia Considering High-Performance Rio Hatch
You only have to look at the popularity of such cars as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST/RS to understand that there is serious money in the hot-hatch segment. Not surprisingly, Kia is now reportedly considering launching its own hot hatch based on the recently revealed 2012 Kia Rio...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Breaking: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R Confirmed For U.S.
The rumors have proved true: the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R will be making its way to America in late 2011 or early 2012, according to Volkwagen of America CEO Johnathan Browning at an International Motor Press Association meeting today. So what can we expect? According to Browning, the U.S. version of...
Nelson Ireson -
Report: True Quattro Audi S1, AWD VW Polo R Could Be In The Works
The unveiling of the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI left some a bit disappointed, despite its 185-horsepower output and sportier styling. We wanted an S1, and we got a front-wheel-drive hot hatch instead. But that may yet change, according to the latest reports. The PQ25 platform that underpins the Audi A1 and...
Nelson Ireson -
Ford Racing Soups Up 2011 Fiesta To 350 HP For SEMA
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is already selling well, and at higher prices than its big brother, the Focus. Now Ford is getting into the accessories game for the small hatch, with a set of cars to debut at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas. One of the cars on display at SEMA will be a bit more special than...
Nelson Ireson -
2011 Volkswagen Golf R Preview
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch is as near as Americans will be able to get to the even hotter Scirocco R20 hatch.
Nelson Ireson -
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI returns with the new sixth-generation Golf styling and an affordable price tag.
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JE Design cranks the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI up to 205hp
America's love affair with diesel is just being rekindled, but in Europe, it's already in full swing. But even now diesel isn't typically associated with high-performance. JE Design is hoping to change that perception with its new Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI. To make its case, JE starts with...
Alex Kaufmann -
Fiat updates the Grande Punto Abarth SS for 2009
Europe's love affair with - and America's envy of - hot hatches knows almost no bounds, with makers from all quadrants throwing out spiced-up versions of just about everything imaginable, from Skodas to Peugeots to Fiats. One of the latest to join the club is an updated version of the Fiat Grande...
Kenneth Hall -
Seat launches Leon Linea R hot hatch
The Seat Leon hatch is in the midst of its second generation, with a facelift expected early next year. The all-new Linea R version of the car has come early, however, featuring a range of engines and a fresher design. Two four-cylinder petrol engines - a 1.8L rated at 160hp (119kW) and a 2.0L...
Nelson Ireson