PistonHeads, the UK’s largest car community, has a list of ten of the best hot hatch collected over the last twenty years. One brand seems to be the absolute king.

The history of this much-loved hot hatch is rich. The idea to equip small cars with powerful engines and stiffer chassis originally came from Volkswagen. Although there are differences of opinion on this, as Abarth and John Cooper, for example, have made faster versions of the Autobianchi A112 and Mini.

Peugeot 205

In the 1980s, the hot hatchback center moved to France, where Peugeot created a true legend in the form of the 205. The 1.6 GTI and Rallye are still considered the best of their kind. But Citroën and Renault also participated, in the form of the Saxo, 5 and sporty versions of the Clio. The range of this type of car has grown rapidly over the years. Everyone has a few favorites, but asking which is the best often results in a heated battle.

The best hot hatch of the last twenty years

Why PistonHeads, Britain’s largest car community, determines the best models of the 21st century. However, they want to do this democratically. It asked all its members to list their favorite hot hatches of the last twenty years.

From all the nominations, the Top 10 is then created in the form of a poll, from which members can then vote again for their favorites. The following list appears:

10. Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

9. Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

8. Ford Fiesta ST Mk7

7.Renaultsport Clio V6

6.Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5

5.BMW M140i

4. Renaultsport Clio 172 Cup

3. Honda Civic Type R EP3

2. Renaultsport Megane R26.R

1. Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup

The list shows one of the absolute kings of the 21st century: Renault with its Sports division. The Clio in particular, and the 182 Trophy in particular, are – rightly – very popular with hot hatchback fans. Autovisie editor Peter Hilhorst drove a very special Clio RS Trophy for the Peters Test Drive two years ago and described the little Frenchman as one of the best hot hatches ever. Curious about the video? Watch below!

“People see the 80s as the golden age of hot hatches. And it’s true that some crazy, unrepeatable classics were built during that time that served as inspiration for the future. But the reality is that the choice and performance of hatchbacks in this century is also unprecedented,” said Nick Cackett, editor of PistonHeads.

Not satisfied with a hot hatch? Then watch a few more episodes of Peter’s Test Drive, like the one below with the legendary Clio V6. You can enjoy more via the playlist on our website or at our YouTube channel.