Leon Cupra, Golf GTI Clubsport S, A 45 4MATIC, Civic Type R, Focus RS… We have combined the «heavy artillery» of the C-segment in a single item.
Having a sports car with a pedigree is the dream of any four-wheel fan, but for the common man, it is in the spicier versions of models with familiar characteristics that this dream materializes. And the truth is that in many cases, these little “family on steroids” manage to leave machines from other championships behind.NOT TO BE MISSED: Nürburgring TOP 100: the fastest of the «Green Hell»
Therefore, there are several brands that use these models not only to captivate future customers for the more «civilian» versions, but also to show the full potential of engines and technologies developed in-house.
Here at Razão Automóvel, the week that has just started is being quite busy in terms of sport hatchbacks: we are testing the new Ford Focus RS and, at the same time, we went to Barcelona to see the renewed Seat Leon Cupra, now with 300 hp of power. But the range of the best sport hatchbacks of the moment does not stop there: there are cars for all tastes. These were our choices:
Audi RS3
After presenting the new RS3 Limousine, the «rings brand» has recently unveiled its Sportback version, a model that once again uses the services of Audi's 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine. The numbers are overwhelming: 400 hp of power, 480 Nm of maximum torque and 4.1 seconds in the sprint from 0 to 100km/h. Still not convinced?
BMW M140i
Directly from Bavaria comes the spiciest version of the 1 Series range, the BMW M140i, and the only rear-wheel drive of the selected. At the heart of this “bimmer” is a nice supercharged inline six-cylinder block with 3.0 liters of capacity, capable of delivering 340 hp and 500 Nm.
Ford Focus RS
When it comes to sport hatchbacks, the Focus RS is without a doubt a name of reference. As if the 350 hp of the 2.3 EcoBoost engine weren't enough, Mountune (in close collaboration with Ford Performance) now offers an official power kit that raises the Focus RS to 375 hp and 510 Nm in overboost mode.
Honda Civic Type R
With “only” 310 hp of power, the Civic Type R proved to be a true circuit animal: not only did it claim the title of “fastest front-wheel drive car on the Nürburgring” (although surpassed by the Golf GTI Clubsport S) as it was able to match some historic names in the automotive world: Lamborghini, Ferrari, among others. The current Civic Type R will soon meet its successor (above) at the Geneva Motor Show.
Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC
Since 2013, the sporty version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has proudly carried the title of “the most powerful hatchback on the planet”. Four-cylinder turbo engine, four-wheel drive system, four driving modes: in addition to this, in the next generation the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC could reach 400 hp. We can't wait…
Peugeot 308 GTi
It may not have the power of its rivals, but the Peugeot 308 GTi makes use of its weight/power ratio to put the competition to attention. Peugeot Sport managed to extract 270 hp and 330 Nm from a small 1.6 e-THP engine, this in a hatchback that weighs only 1,205 kg on the scale.
SEAT Leon Cupra
The new Leon Cupra debuts the 2.0 TSI engine with 300 hp, making it the most powerful series model ever produced by the Spanish brand. In addition to an additional 10 horsepower compared to its predecessor, the Leon Cupra climbs from 350 Nm to 380 Nm of maximum torque, available in a rev range that extends between 1800 rpm and 5500 rpm. The result is “confirmed and powerful throttle response virtually from idle to near engine cutoff,” according to SEAT.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S is nicknamed “King of the Nürburgring”, and this is no accident. With a 310 hp engine, chassis, suspension and steering specially configurable to the specific characteristics of the famous German circuit, the first timed 'deep' laps on the Nürburgring could only be a record.
Volkswagen Golf R
If you prefer a model a little quieter – or rather, if you weren't one of the 400 lucky ones who could buy the Golf GTI Clubsport S… – the Golf R is an excellent alternative. In addition to sharing the same qualities as the rest of the Golf range – build quality, comfort, space and equipment – the Golf R does not do without its sporting pedigree: just select Race mode to feel the 300 hp coming from a 2.0 TSI engine – more details here .