News Editor

19 Dec 2020 • 1 min read

From Toyota Yaris GR and Ford Fiesta ST to Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Mini JCW GP, 2020 has been the year of the hot hatch

Tung Nguyen

News Editor

19 Dec 2020 • 1 min read

What was your favourite hot hatch that launched in 2020?

There is no doubt 2020 has been a tough year all round, but hot hatch fans had more than a few reasons to rejoice with a long line of fresh metal to keep them happy.

No less than six new or refreshed hot hatches have hit Australian showrooms this year, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down as 2021 will play host to a new Hyundai i20 N, automatic i30 N, Volkswagen Golf GTI, BMW 128ti and more.

However, these were 2020’s most tantalising models that combined both pace and practicality.

Ford Fiesta ST

Starting at the smaller end of the spectrum, 2020 saw the launch of the new-generation Ford Fiesta ST, which now uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to deliver a 147kW/290Nm punch.

Priced at $32,290 before on-road costs, the Fiesta ST is also one of the most affordable hot hatches available in Australia, and can compete against the likes of the one-size-up Volkswagen Golf GTI in straight-line performance.

The six-speed manual-only gearbox might turn off some customers that get stuck in traffic, but should appeal to those who want the most engagement from their vehicles.

Ford Fiesta

3.9

Ford Fiesta

From

$30,250

Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota also unleashed its hotly-anticipated GR Yaris to commercial success, selling out its first 1000 units in just one week.

However, the first lot of GR Yaris’ were sold at a special discounted price of $39,950 drive-away to boost interest in Toyota’s new performance sub-brand.

Toyota GR Yaris

4.1

Toyota GR Yaris

From

$55,490

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Ford Focus ST

Ford’s second hot hatch to hit showrooms in 2020, the updated Focus ST is now the top dog in the small hatchback range with news that the RS version will not make a return.

Adopting the 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine from the previous gen Focus RS and current Mustang EcoBoost, the 2020 Focus ST punches out 206kW/420Nm.

A first though is the availability of a seven-speed automatic version, which is priced identically to the six-speed manual at $44,890 before on-road costs.

Ford Focus

3.8

Ford Focus

From

$44,000

Honda Civic Type R

Arguably the best front-drive vehicle on the market, the facelifted Honda Civic Type R just arrived in Australian showrooms in October.

With a $3000 price jump to $54,990 before on-road costs, the Type R is more expensive than ever, but buyers are compensated with quicker-acting adaptive dampers, revised steering, better-performing brakes and more optimised engine cooling.

The engine, sadly, remains the unchanged, but still delivers a punch 228kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit, which is paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Honda Civic

3.7

Honda Civic

From

$49,900

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Mini JCW GP

Though limited in number, the Mini JCW GP is probably the most hardcore hot hatch that launched in in 2020.

Removing the rear seats in favour of a strut brace, as well as much of the active safety equipment means the JCW GP is designed primarily for track use.

The lower ride height, rock hard suspension tune and mechanical limited-slip differential also alludes to its track-focussed intent, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has been tuned to 225kW/450Nm.

Mini 3D HATCH

3.8

Mini 3D HATCH

From

$41,000

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Mercedes-AMG A45 S

The new king of the hot hatch world thanks to its scarcely-believable 310kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S shot straight to the number two position on the AMG sales charts this year.

With big power though, comes a big pricetag, as Mercedes now asks $93,600 before on-road costs for an A45 S.