Go faster for less with these great cheap hot hatches.
There’s still plenty of choice if you want a used hot hatchback. We’ve focused on lower-mileage and newer cars for this list, rather than recommending you buy an older or higher-mileage example of something like a Volkswagen Golf R or Audi S3. More powerful hot hatches like these may not have been treated sympathetically by previous owners, and we’ve spotted many with aftermarket modifications – which we’d recommend avoiding.
Best hot hatches under £20k
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST is a bit of a greatest hits compilation of modern hot hatchbacks. Its engine is related to the Mustang’s, it boasts a fantastic manual gearbox, its sports seats are immensely supportive and it goes like the clappers. Whereas something like a Golf R or BMW M135i can settle down on the motorway, the Focus ST is like an excitable spaniel – always sniffing for camber on a road surface and always wanting to play. It'd go mad for a scabby tennis ball.
Shop used Ford Focus ST cars for sale at Motorpoint
Hyundai i30 N
The Hyundai i30 N is like a shot of gochujang into your arteries. Hyundai, previously known for sensible and cheap cars, turned the sensible and cheap i30 into an exciting and driver-focused hot hatch. The i30 N is boisterous, muscling its way through a set of bends thanks to its 280hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. There isn’t much concession for fuel economy or ride comfort, but you’ll probably be having too much of a good time to care.
Shop used Hyundai i30 N cars for sale at Motorpoint
BMW 128ti
In the 1 Series pecking order, the 128ti sits beneath the range-topping M135i. But this ‘lesser’ option is the one to pick, and not only because it’s cheaper. The front-wheel-drive 128ti might be a few horsepower down on the four-wheel-drive M135i, but it’s lighter, more agile and better to drive.
Shop used BMW 128ti cars for sale at Motorpoint
Ford Fiesta ST
While it can’t compete with the Focus ST for flat-out performance, the smaller Fiesta ST is just as entertaining. Feeling like it’s perfectly suited for British B-roads, the Fiesta is one of the most fun cars at any price. And you can still fit in four adults and a bootful of stuff.
The Fiesta’s main rival is the Hyundai i20 N, and it’s worth checking out this as well – it’s another playful pocket rocket.
Shop used Ford Fiesta ST cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Ford Fiesta ST review
Renault Megane RS
For a couple of decades, Renault was a master of the hot hatch sphere – but the last Megane RS isn't as widely available as the likes of the Focus ST and Golf R. Don't think it's a car to avoid, though, because the RS is a top-tier hot hatch. Its 1.8 engine is shared with the exotic Alpine A110, the seats are delightful, and there's four-wheel steering to boost agility. And you can get it in yellow or orange.
Shop used Renault Megane RS cars for sale at Motorpoint
Best hot hatches under £15k
Volkswagen Up GTI
A 115hp engine and a nine-second 0-62mph time don’t sound very hot hatchy, but those stats were enough for the original Golf GTI and they’re enough for the featherweight Up GTI. It’s a scaled down hot hatch experience, which means the fun happens at lower speeds. In other words, you can razz about to your heart’s content and keep your licence intact.
Shop used Volkswagen Up GTI cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Volkswagen Up GTI review
Abarth 595
You know how the angriest dogs are the smallest ones? The same is true for the Abarth 595, which is more than the sum of its Fiat 500 parts. Even the entry-level models offer a perky driving experience, while higher-spec ones add racing car goodies to deepen the appeal. Clearly, practicality isn’t the 595’s strongest suit but it’s perfectly suited to singles or couples.
Shop used Abarth 595 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Abarth 595 review
Mini Cooper S
Even if you can stretch to the more powerful John Cooper Works, there are plenty of reasons to plump for the Mini Cooper S. For one, the ride is a little more compliant and less skateboard-like than the JCW. The performance is still strong and the driving experience is still much more eager than most small hatchbacks. Even if you’re having a miserable day, a quick blast in a Cooper S will turn that frown upside down.
Shop used Mini Hatchback cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Mini Hatchback review
Suzuki Swift Sport
A Suzuki Swift is reliable and easy-going transport. That still applies to the Swift Sport, despite its uplift in power and its nippy acceleration. It’s not as powerful as the other cars on this list, but it’s still enough to put a smile on your face – and without putting a strain on your bank account. The Sport also has plenty of creature comforts and plenty of red accents – which, as we all know, makes a car go faster.
Shop used Suzuki Swift Sport cars for sale at Motorpoint
Hyundai i10 1.0T
It’s not a hot hatch in the traditional sense, but the Hyundai i10 with a turbocharged engine suits the brief well. The i10 is spacious despite its diminutive body, along with being well equipped and built to last. And, opting for the boosted engine means you get eager performance as well. Light and small, the i10 is very chuckable, but it’s fuel-efficient, too – Hyundai reckons you’ll get up to 52mpg.
Shop used Hyundai i10 turbo cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Hyundai i10 review
