Hatchbacks are great SUV alternatives, especially if you’re after something fun to drive. Despite the decline in car sales, there are still a number of fast hatchbacks out there spanning all price points, giving you plenty of choices. From small pocket rockets to outright track monsters, there’s a sporty hatchback that’ll fit your needs. Here are 10 of the best performance hatchbacks currently available.
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe – $100,945
Think of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe as a modern day Hammer; a German muscle car with slick handling chops to go with its impressive straight-line speed. With seating for four and a liftgate, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is an Autobahn-ready hatchback with great performance credentials. Opt for the 630-hp GT 63 S if you want a sports car that’s also family-friendly.
Porsche Panamera – $88,550
Want a fast hatchback that’s also luxurious? The Porsche Panamera has your name on it. Despite its size, the Panamera offers excellent handling without sacrificing ride comfort. In addition to gas-only models, the Panamera is also available as a plug-in hybrid, including the 677-hp Turbo S E-Hybrid. In addition to the standard model, there’s also a long-wheelbase Executive model and a wagon called the Sport Turismo.
Tesla Model S – $76,200
At first glance, you might think that the Tesla Model S is a sedan, but it actually has a hatch. Its performance variants offer ludicrous acceleration, making it one quick hatchback. When we tested the Model S P100D, its electric powertrain with instant torque made it the quickest car we’ve tested, and easily one of the best performance hatchbacks.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – $45,745
Although it’s almost due for a redesign, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe still offers a good balance of performance and practicality. If you’re after the most potent version, the 440i Gran Coupe with the M Sport package, gives you a hatchback with great performance and sleek looks.
Audi A5/S5/RS 5 Sportback – $45,195
Available in three flavors, the Audi A5 Sportback lineup offers a performance hatchback for everyone. The base A5 Sportback is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that makes a respectable 248 hp. But spring for the 444-hp RS 5, and you’ll get a fun-to-drive hatchback that’s also unequivocally fast. The car’s svelte, clean exterior gives it a timeless design and its standard all-wheel drive system turns it into an all-weather sporty hatchback.
Honda Civic Type R – $37,230
The Honda Civic Type R is the performance hatchback to beat these days. With its 306-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, slick six-speed manual, and a superbly balanced chassis, the hottest Civic reigns supreme on and off the track. Just make sure you can handle the polarizing looks and the giant wing mounted on the hatch.
Mini JCW Hardtop – $34,250
Quirky and charming, the Mini JCW Hardtop has tons of character to go with its sporty handling. Like every Mini model, the JCW Hardtop’s exterior appearance and interior can be customized extensively with things like a Union Jack roof, interior trim with ambient lighting, and a two-mode exhaust system. A potent JCW GP model with around 300 hp is expected to arrive soon but will be production-limited.
Kia Stinger – $33,985
The Kia Stinger put the Korean automaker on the map and showed that it knew a thing or two about making sporty cars. In GT guise, the Kia Stinger turns into a drift-happy 365-hp hatchback with great performance for less money than similar vehicles with equal credentials. There’s also a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four if you think the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 is too tail-happy.
Volkswagen Golf GTI – $28,490
The Volkswagen Golf GTI invented the hot hatchback segment when it first debuted in the mid-1970s. Since then it’s become the default choice for consumers wanting a well-balanced sport compact that gives you fun without sacrificing every day comfort. With its restrained exterior styling, the Golf GTI easily flies under the radar, making it a great sleeper and one of the best performance hatchbacks on the market.
Hyundai Veloster R-Spec/Veloster N – $24,070/$28,320 ($30,420 w/ Performance package)
Hyundai’s first sporty hatchback is the real deal and it comes in two distinct flavors. The Veloster R-Spec punches above its weight with engaging driving dynamics for less than $25,000. For around $30,000, the 250- to 275-hp Veloster N gets you track-ready performance and the ability to choose how sporty hatchback.
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Source: WORLD NEWS
