Much quieter than expected, the John Cooper Works Cooper 3-Door doesn't roar, nor pops and crackles, but with 380Nm, it is still a riot to drive.
A selection of design upgrades don't detract from the fact that this Audi RS3 continues to deliver scorching hot performance and fine handling aplenty.
The original poster child of Cupra's pivot to electrification is a perky, stylish and well-specced little (hot) hatch, whose charm feels truly singular.
The M135's tried-and-tested hot hatch formula admittedly isn't new - but in a world quickly skewing electric, it actually feels paradoxically refreshing.
The Audi RS3 Sportback comes with a unique drivetrain and an aggressive yet compact shell. Do you still need more in your hot hatch?
The Toyota GR Yaris combines nimble handling with the most powerful three-cylinder there is right now.
The Hyundai i30 N is an everyday sizzling hot hatch that is best-suited for the car enthusiasts.
In typical Volvo-ness, the Swede automaker ups the ante with the Cross Country, promising a playful town ride.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC not only regains the title of 'quickest and fastest' hot hatch but is tweaked with an optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, which makes the car more dynamic than ever.
The latest MINI Cooper S may have grown up but its fun-to-drive character is still intact.
The Audi S3 Sportback - an enthralling hot hatchback of the highest order.
Big power figures encapsulated in small metal bodies - hot hatches are the new definition of motoring fun. Both the Astra OPC and Megane RS fit the bill, but which is better?
The 1 Series three-door hatch 118i M Sport is one of the best small cars you can buy because it's hugely desirable, fun to drive and looks good from almost every angle.
The MINI JCW Hatchback integrates blistering speed, top notch handling and economical fuel efficiency into one car, making it an accomplished package.
With incremental improvements across the board, the latest Volkswagen Golf is an evolutionary package that's outstanding and complete.
The latest Ford Focus ST is faster, more powerful and greener than the car it replaces, making it one impressive machine in the hot hatch crusade.
It's out with the old and in with the new for the third generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class - bringing levels of driver involvement and an upmarket feel never before seen in one.
In a time when hot hatches cost more than an arm and a leg, the Swift Sport maintains its stand as a cheaper alternative without losing its fun factor.
When it comes to manufacturing a hot hatch, striking a balance between driveability and practicality is a helluva tricky job.
Well at least that's what we imagine the GTD says to its petrol sucking GTI sibling every time they meet. We find out if the GTD is really just all torque in our 24 hour sprint up to Cameron Highlands and back...