Hot hatches occupy a sweet spot in the performance car world, offering an appealing blend of speed, playful handling, genuine practicality, and sometimes, surprising affordability. It’s hard to find fault with that combination.
The classic hot hatch formula, refined over many years, is simple yet effective: transform a standard hatchback by significantly boosting its performance capabilities, enhance its engine and chassis technology, and let the fun commence.
Some car makers even hand them over to their own in-house performance sub-brands to work their magic. Think Mercedes-AMG, Hyundai N, Toyota's Gazoo Racing and Ford Performance.
Hot hatchbacks are equally capable of zipping through city streets or tackling winding roads, offering exhilarating driving experiences without sacrificing everyday usability.
You should make the most of them while you still can. Increasingly strict emissions regulations mean hot hatches are no longer the overtly affordable performance machines they once were.
Although internal combustion still rules the roost, there’s a definite sense that these petrol-engined machines are the last of the breed. Two cars on our list are actually electric.
But which should you choose? We think the Toyota GR Yaris is the best hot hatch money can buy today, offering stunning cross-country pace, engaging handling and compact proportions.
Read on for our full top ten list of the best hot hatches on sale today. Whether you're after speed, style, or versatility, these cars have it all.

Best for: All-round ability
First launched in 2020, the Toyota GR Yaris is the current pinnacle of the hot hatchback and the best you can buy today.
Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, the GR Yaris initially produced 256bhp and 266lb ft of torque, but an update in 2024 upped the stakes to 276bhp and 288lb ft.
As a capable performance hot hatchback, the GR Yaris is better than ever. Not only will it hit 0-62mph in 5.2sec, but there’s also a choice a manual or automatic transmission. That’s something most of the other cars on this list simply cannot offer.
The GR Yaris isn't just a hot hatch; it's a seriously capable performance car and a genuine five-star entertainer. This four-wheel-drive, rally-derived model whizzes from 0-62mph in 5.2sec and will go on to a top speed of 143mph.
While several gains have been made with its most recent iteration, including a new infotainment system and reworked driving position, the first-generation car was also fantastic to drive and probably just as fun.
Read our Toyota GR Yaris review
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The following cars should be removed from the list as they are not hot hatchbacks:
- Mercedes
- BMW
- Renualt (Since Facelift)
- Audi
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