If you pay attention to automotive headlines, it isn’t hard to find a front-page article in popular automotive publications that highlight Uber Hot Hatchbacks. An Uber Hot Hatchback (UHH) is usually based on an already hot version of a normal hatchback. UHHs take the established Hot Hatch formula and tweak it to give drivers more of everything. More power, bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, and even all wheel drive are all important ingredients in the delicious UHH recipe. It’s important to remember that, although UHHs are special, they do not all deserve the title of UHH. The current selection of UHH is better than ever and this growing segment will remain a force to be reckoned with far into the future.

The automotive industry has seen a huge shift in available and hot cars in the past ten years, much to the benefit of the average American UHH enthusiast. Ford, Mercedes and VW have brought some stellar specimens into the market, which has given the UHH gurus something to rejoice about.


GTI to GOLF R



Volkswagen is no stranger to a good UHH. The company practically invented the segment in the 1980’s with the Mark 1 Rabbit (Golf) GTI. Since then, VW has stuck to the same basic formula with varying degrees of success. The GTI formula is very simple: take the Golf Hatchback, add power, tune the suspension, add a plaid interior, subtly make the exterior more aggressive, and Wha-La! a GTI is born. The GTI is the yardstick for which all Hot Hatches must be measured, and is as import to UHHs as the M3 is to German sport sedans.


It comes at no surprise that VW has been creating an UHH based on the GTI since the MK4 R32 in the early 2000’s. The R32 is unique since it used VWs famous VR6 engine. Although this engine is heavier, back in 2004 displacement was still king over forced induction and VW used the 3.2 VR6 engine up until 2008 in the MK5 R32.

Todays, Golf R models lose the VR6 engine for a lighter more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder turbo, which has become the norm in this segment. Unlike the R32’s VR6 engine, which chugged premium fuel like college student performing a perfectly executed keg stand, the new 2.0T in the Golf R sips fuel like a responsible adult out on the town for a night of craft beer sampling and wine tasting. Sure refinement can be fun, but it didn’t take long before the nostalgia for the VR6 returned.


The MK6 Golf R had a few issues surrounding its undefeatable stability control and underwhelming bump in power to compete with competition from Subaru and Mitsubishi. Now, with the introduction of the MK7 Golf R, it appears VW has done their homework correcting the known issues to make this a very compelling package in this growing segment. Not to mention the competition of the past is either gone or weaker than ever which makes this the perfect opportunity for VW to come out one top.


Ford Focus ST to Ford Focus RS

Ford USA has kept Americans in UHH prohibition for decades. Most Americans only think of the Mustang when considering a sporty product from the blue oval; however, just a short way across the pond, there were rumors of Ford Focuses that were fast and fun to drive. Eventually the secret got out as Europeans taunted us with their Ford Focus ST’s and RS’s that were affordable, practical, and fast. When Ford created the Ford Focus for the world, making ours the same as Europe’s, it opened the door to include the performance models that Europeans have enjoyed for a decade.


When Ford brought the Focus ST to America it was the first time an American company made an UHH that could compete with the likes of the VW GTI. The GTI and ST contested in Europe for many years prior, but now Ford brought the fight on its home shores. While the Focus ST competes directly with the GTI, Ford did not keep the long awaited MK3 Focus RS from bringing the battle to the Golf R in the USA. Ford’s reputation for building outstanding UHHs has now taken a firm root in American car culture and the Focus RS will be at the top of the food chain.

The Focus RS promises to be one of the most exciting Fords this side of the GT350 and appeals to a whole new segment of enthusiasts. Whether you love Ford’s Hot Hatch legacy or just enjoy watching Ken Block in his “Hoonicorn,” the Focus RS promises to be a very important halo car for their Hot Hatch ambitions. The Focus RS will be the enthusiasts favoite coming with a manual only and over 340 horse power running to all four wheels via a very complex four wheel drive system. Keep an eye out for upcoming road tests of this amazing addition to the Ford performance portfolio here in America.


CLA45 AMG/GLA45 AMG

When Mercedes announced it was going to build an entry level front drive compact car it made many purists feel sick. It caused others to throw their hands to the sky with rage. How could a company that makes a product like the S-Class decided it needed to make something with the same description as a lowly economy car? The answer is quite complicated, with a number of deciding factors including fuel economy mandates, sales volume, and moving young people up the brand. As our favorite car models grow in size each year they make room for new models to fill the void left behind. The C-Class is no exception and its growing proportions made room for the CLA and GLA in America. The GLA45 AMG is not a traditional UHH, it is a lifted A45 AMG from Europe, and is the result of America’s addiction to SUVs while eschewing the superior Hatchback body style.


The good news is that in 2015, you can now buy a small, all wheel drive Hatchback crossover or small sedan with over 350-horse power and as an added bonus it comes with an AMG Badge. The Badge not only makes this one of the most exclusive UHHs on the market, but it also gets you a hand made engine, which is one of the most power dense engines in production.. This all adds up to a top of the line UHH that retains exclusivity while moving the AMG brand down market.

Honorable Mention

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI used to be the standard bearer for this segment in America, with the introduction of the 5-door Hatch body style, back in 2008. The current Impreza STI now comes in sedan only. The choice to move to a sedan only platform alienated about 50% of previous STI buyers and cut down the practicality of the STI.


Uber Hot Hatchbacks offer a unique blend of performance, practicality, and all weather performance. As car enthusiasts are faced with the growing need for a car to do everything, Uber Hot Hatchbacks offer a great platform to do it all.