Here are the most frugal hot hatches of 2022
Hot hatchbacks have always stood for accessible performance combined with everyday usability. Hot hatches are the ultimate everyday drivers in many ways. This segment blends the passenger and cargo space of a modest but practical family vehicle with the performance of a sports car. In fact, the engines and the power they develop really put the “hot” versions of hatchbacks in a different league compared to the base models.
As with all vehicle segments, fuel consumption and emissions are becoming increasingly important. Governments are applying ever stricter regulations, subjecting vehicles to increased taxation and penalties for urban use. The hatchback segment traditionally offers cars with good fuel economy, especially when compared to other segments like sports cars and SUVs. Of course, hot hatches have increased fuel economy compared to the standard cars, but technology has allowed even these hottest versions to improve their efficiency. Here are the most economical Hot hatches of 2022.
8th Mazda 3 Turbo: 26mpg
Only available in North America, the Mazda 3 Turbo uses the powertrain of the Mazda 6 and CX-5. The 3 Turbo is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder developing 253 hp.
0-62mph takes 5.6 seconds and the car’s top speed is 130mph. Fuel economy is rated at 26mpg on the combined cycle. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, making it more aggressive, and the car lasts longer in gears since it’s a pure automatic car. The car has great handling characteristics as a result of the car’s suspension damping.
7 Mercedes-Benz AMG A35: 27 MPG
As a Mercedes-Benz model with the AMG emblem, the A35 raises high expectations. The car’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces enough power not to disappoint. With 302 hp, the car will reach 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and can reach a limited top speed of 155 mph.
Given the performance achieved, the car does well to return a combined MPG figure of 27.
6 Toyota GR Yaris: 28MPG
One of the most compact hatches on this list, the GR Yaris can definitely be described as a “pocket rocket”. The 0-60 mph run takes 5.5 seconds and the car has a limited top speed of 143 mph.
The GR is powered by a supercharged 3-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with 260 hp. The car returns a combined MPG of 28. The GR was designed by Toyota to allow homologation into the World Rally Championship (WRC) series.
5 Ford Fiesta ST: 28mpg
The standard Ford Fiesta has always been one of the best-handling hatchbacks in its class, and the ST is no exception. The car’s damping system, called Ride Control 1, stiffens the suspension to support hard cornering, then softens when the demand for grip eases. Powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the car produces 200 hp. 0-60 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 143 mph.
Compared to the previous version, the exhaust sound of the new ST has been amplified and has a sportier sound. On the combined cycle, the ST returns 28 MPG.
4 BMW M135i: 31MPG
As the hatchback version of the “Ultimate Driving Machine”, buyers rightly expect a lot from an “M”-badged 1 Series. Updated for 2022, the M135i doesn’t disappoint. The car’s suspension springs and dampers have been upgraded with the intention of providing a more forgiving handling with reduced body roll in corners.
Likewise, the car has an upgraded exhaust system and the artificial exhaust note that is piped into the cabin has been changed with the intention of giving it a sportier touch. Up front sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 hp. 60mph is possible in 4.8 seconds and the car returns 31mpg combined.
3 VW Polo GTI: 32 MPG
The smaller brother of the Golf GTI, the Polo GTI, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 204 hp. The car returns 32 MPG on the combined cycle.
The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and then to a top speed of 149 mph. This latest version of the Polo GTI really is like a mini-Golf, with Volkswagen’s design language clearly evident.
2 VW Golf GTI: 32 MPG
Arguably one of the most famous and recognizable hot hatches. The current version of the GTI was released in 2020, the original was released in June 1976. The GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with turbocharger and 245 hp.
The 0-60 mph run takes 6.4 seconds in manual and 6.2 with the DSG dual-clutch automatic. The car’s top speed is a limited 155 mph. The GTI returns 32 MPG combined.
1 Hyundai i20 N: 33mpg
The Hyundai i20 N is the most fuel-efficient hot hatch on our list, returning 33mpg combined. As Hyundai’s first foray into the hot hatch market, the brand has certainly made an impression. Inspired by their World Rally Championship (WRC) car, the car makes a visual impact. The i20 N has enlarged air intakes, chunkier bumpers, a rear diffuser and a roof-mounted spoiler.
The i20 N is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 204 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds and the top speed is 230 km/h.
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