In the case of defining the best-handling automobiles, a typical assumption is that it should contain a automotive with rear- or all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel-drive automobiles are able to enabling energy sliding or drifting, which proves pleasant for most individuals. In addition they ship a extra splendid weight distribution. Alternatively, all-wheel-drive automobiles provide glorious grip to maintain all 4 wheels firmly planted on the street floor, translating into quicker lap occasions and a higher sense of safety at excessive pace.
FWD automobiles are typically missed when one thinks of the best-handling automobiles of all time. They’re extra generally related to cheaper, extra environment friendly fashions, and sometimes exhibit understeer when pushed. Nonetheless, the automobiles on the checklist buck these developments. They’re all well-tuned and extremely pleasant to drive. This checklist is a mixture of each present manufacturing automobiles accessible right this moment, automobiles out of manufacturing, and automobiles that had been by no means accessible for the US market.
1
Honda Civic Kind R (FL5)
The most recent iteration of Honda’s Civic Kind R is an ideal instance of a FWD automotive that delivers nice dealing with. The FL5-generation Civic Kind R comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at 315 horsepower and paired with a six-speed guide.
With a lot analysis and growth carried out at world circuits just like the Nurburgring and Suzuka Circuit, the newest Kind R options quite a few exterior and inside enhancements. These embody a helical limited-slip differential (permitting higher traction and fewer wheelspin when exiting corners), upgraded suspension parts, and a extra aerodynamic physique.
We drove the Civic Kind R when it first got here out in 2023, praising the entertaining driving expertise and efficiency of this scorching hatch.
Associated
Pushed: 2023 Honda Civic Kind R Is The Ultimate Degree Of Scorching Hatch Excellence
The traditional scorching hatch recipe has been perfected within the Kind R.
2024 Honda Civic Kind R (FL5)
Engine
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower
315 hp
Transmission
6-speed guide transmission
0-60 mph
4.9 seconds
2
Acura Integra Kind R (1997-2001)
One other member of the Kind R bloodline, the Acura Integra Kind R we have chosen (1997-2001) is the DC2-generation Honda Integra Kind R bought for the US market. It was a 90s import tuner hit. With its enhanced chassis and dealing with, it was one other memorable FWD Honda that can also be one of many best-handling sports activities coupes.
That includes a 1.8L four-cylinder with the model’s signature VTEC variable-valve timing and carry know-how, all 195 hp drove the entrance wheels through a five-speed guide transmission. Together with a excessive redline of as much as 8,400 rpm, the Integra Kind R makes use of a torque-sensitive Torsen limited-slip differential, revised caster and camber settings, and extra entrance/rear suspension bracing to ship a finely tuned FWD expertise.
To at the present time, this era of the Integra Kind R stays extremely wanted amongst these within the VTEC and tuner scene, with aftermarket assist remaining robust for this platform.
1997 Acura Integra Kind R Coupe
Engine
1.8L DOHC VTEC four-cylinder
Horsepower
195 hp
Transmission
5-speed guide transmission
0-60 mph
6.6 seconds
3
Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK8)
The most recent era of Volkswagen’s scorching hatch, the Golf GTI continues the legacy of the broadly regarded authentic scorching hatch, because it did with the MK1-generation Golf GTI.
The MK8 Golf GTI includes a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with both a six-speed guide or Volkswagen’s signature DSG dual-clutch transmission. The GTI additionally comes commonplace with an digital torque-sensing entrance differential – permitting for higher grip and fewer understeer by exhausting cornering.
Our first impressions of the MK8 Golf GTI in Autobahn spec and with the six-speed guide had been constructive. It highlighted the dearth of torque steer, because of the digital entrance differential distributing energy evenly between each entrance wheels, making the GTI a pleasure by the twisties.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Engine
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Horsepower
241 hp
Transmission
6-speed guide or 7-speed dual-clutch automated
0-60 mph
~ 5.7 seconds (with DSG)
Associated
Pushed: 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Is Nonetheless The Scorching Hatch King
But it surely’s not an ideal day by day driver.
4
Hyundai Veloster N
One other providing from Hyundai’s high-performance N division, the Veloster N is likely one of the best-handling automobiles for these trying to discover choices from the KDM (Korean Home Market) sphere.
Primarily based on the second-generation Veloster launched for the 2019 mannequin 12 months, the Veloster N includes a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired to both a six-speed guide or eight-speed N-DCT (N-Twin Clutch Transmission). Additional additions made by Hyundai N’s division embody an digital limited-slip differential.
The Veloster N has ended manufacturing and is now not accessible, however lovers needn’t fear – loads of different FWD choices from the Hyundai N vary take its place, from the Kona N crossover to the Elantra N sedan.
Associated
2022 Hyundai Kona N First Drive Overview: A New Kind Of Scorching Hatch
The recent hatch is useless. Lengthy stay the new hatch.
2022 Hyundai Veloster N
Engine
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower
275 hp
Transmission
6-speed guide or 8-Pace N-DCT (N-Twin Clutch Transmission)
0-60 mph
~ 5.1 seconds (guide)
5
Ford Fiesta ST
A quick Ford hatchback is the right recipe for driving enjoyable, and the Fiesta ST was precisely that. The small scorching hatch arrived within the USA for the 2014 mannequin 12 months.
That includes a 1.6L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and a six-speed guide transmission, the Fiesta ST supplied every thing a contemporary fanatic wished. It was a succesful FWD scorching hatch at an accessible value level. With 197 hp, the ST additionally featured electrical energy steering with modified steering knuckle to permit fast steering, and highly effective disc brakes – all in a compact hatchback.
Add CarBuzz to your Google Information feed.
The Fiesta ST additionally gained additional consideration from lovers when the ‘Hoonigan’ legend, the late Ken Block, utilized a modified instance for a number of viral Gymkhana movies.
Associated
Watch Ken Block Shred His New All-Electrical Fiesta ST
It is a true Hoon machine.
2019 Ford Fiesta ST
Engine
1.6L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder
Horsepower
197 hp
Transmission
6-speed guide transmission
0-60 mph
6.9 seconds
6
Mini John Cooper Works GP
Primarily based on the F56-generation Mini Cooper S JCW, the John Cooper Works GP3 served as the newest iteration of the fashionable, restricted version Mini ‘GP’ mannequin, succeeding the R53-generation GP1 and R56-generation GP2.
Powering the JCW GP is identical 2.0L turbocharged TwinPower four-cylinder engine utilized by the Cooper S and JCW siblings, however now upgraded to supply 301 hp. Additional enhancements to the chassis and dealing with embody GP-specific suspension lowered by 0.4 inches (in comparison with the JCW’s suspension setup), a extra highly effective brake system, and new exterior physique components to enhance aerodynamic downforce and cooling. The GP additionally options simply two seats up entrance – the rear seats had been deleted for added weight saving and changed by a set strut bar.
Solely 3,000 of those GPs had been ever made.
2019 Mini John Cooper Works GP3
Engine
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower
301 hp
Transmission
8-speed Steptronic automated transmission
0-60 mph
4.7 secs
7
Peugeot 205 GTI
Traditional French scorching hatches are nice examples of FWD automobiles, and the Peugeot 205 GTI is not any exception. Primarily based on the 205 hatchback, the 205 GTI includes a 1.6L four-cylinder engine (with later fashions additionally accessible with a 1.9L engine), a five-speed guide transmission, upgraded suspension settings, and larger alloy wheels.
The 205 GTI was identified for its very sharp turn-in and fast steering – visualized when the automotive was on three wheels, with the rearmost exterior wheel lifted within the air; along with being liable to liftoff oversteer. These qualities solely made the Peugeot appreciated amongst its followers and proprietor teams, which continues to the current day.
The 205 additional established itself in motorsports when homologated because the 205 Turbo 16, permitting it to satisfy Group B rally laws and finally, win a number of WRC victories within the Eighties.
1994 Peugeot 205 GTI
Engine
1.6L or 1.9L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
Horsepower
104 hp (1.6L), 126 hp (1.9L)
Transmission
5-speed guide
0-62 mph
~ 8.6 – 8.7 secs (1.6L); ~ 7.8 secs (1.9L)
8
Honda CR-X Si (1988-1991)
One other sporty Honda that includes FWD and VTEC below the hood, the CR-X Si was the top-of-the-range mannequin for the CR-X.
The second-generation CR-X Si was made for the 1988 to 1991 mannequin years for the US market. The three-door coupe featured a 1.6L VTEC inline-four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed guide. The engine solely pushed out over 100 hp, however the CR-X’s gentle curb weight meant it was surprisingly quick and nimble. The CR-X Si’s additionally benefited from stiffer suspension settings, wider tires, and four-wheel disc brakes – all featured as commonplace on this ‘high-performance’ CR-X grade. The outcomes allowed for large enhancements to the dealing with and driving expertise, in comparison with the usual CR-X.
Although the CR-X Si has been out of manufacturing for a very long time, JDM lovers and Honda followers nonetheless convey loads of consideration to this understated 90s Honda mannequin.
1991 Honda CR-X Si
Engine
1.6L VTEC four-cylinder
Horsepower
108 hp
Transmission
5-speed guide
0-60 mph
~ 9-10.5 seconds
9
Lotus Elan (M100)
British sports activities automotive model, Lotus, made a number of mid-engined, RWD sports activities automobiles – fulfilling founder Colin Chapman’s phrases, ‘Mild is Proper’. A little bit-known reality is that Lotus briefly produced a FWD, two-door sports activities automotive.
Often called the Elan (M100), it was produced between 1989 and 1995. Lotus aimed to discover front-wheel drive with good intention – aiming to market the model to a brand new era of shoppers because the Nineties started and FWD scorching hatches started to rise in reputation. Weighing round 2,200 pound and with a 1.6L straight-four cylinder engine (with and with out turbocharging) sourced from GM’s Isuzu model, the Elan’s FWD setup was initially questioned by critics. However because of its inflexible chassis and minimal physique roll, the identical critics praised the Elan for its fast and direct steering.
Finally, the Elan fell wanting gross sales targets and didn’t discover a successor on the finish of its manufacturing run. A return to Lotus normalcy changed the Elan, within the type of the RWD Elise.
1995 Lotus Elan (M100)
Engine
1.6L straight-four (with and with out turbocharging)
Horsepower
130 hp (naturally-aspirated), 162 hp (Elan SE, turbocharged)
Transmission
5-speed guide
0-60 mph
~ 7.9 seconds (naturally-aspirated); ~ 6.5 seconds (turbocharged)
10
Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy
A minimum of one Renaultsport scorching hatch needed to make this checklist. RenaultSport has many examples to suit these standards – from the Clio Williams to the Megane R26.R, however one which stands out above all is the Clio 182 Trophy.
This was a restricted version mannequin primarily based on the Renaultsport Clio 182. Together with vibrant Capsicum Purple paint, Trophy fashions featured subtle, costly (reportedly price 10 occasions greater than an everyday damper) Sachs Race Engineering dampers. These are primarily utilized by competitors race automobiles. Notably, these characteristic a distant reservoir that accommodates 50% of the oil and fuel utilized by the dampers. This allows higher damping management at pace, higher traction, and decreased physique roll/pitch – notably evident on tough, winding roads.
Solely 500 examples reportedly exist – primarily for the right-hand-drive UK market (with a small variety of left-hand-drive fashions made for Switzerland).
2005 Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy
Engine
2.0L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
Horsepower
180 hp
Transmission
5-speed guide
0-62 mph
6.5 seconds
11
Fiat 500 Abarth (2019)
On the lookout for a enjoyable, micro-sized pocket rocket that isn’t a Mini? How concerning the Fiat 500 Abarth?
That includes a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a five-speed guide transmission (with an automated choice added later in its life), dealing with is additional improved with Abarth-tuned suspension and brake techniques outfitted as commonplace. Complementing its nimble dealing with and placing design, this Italian scorching hatch additionally options an Abarth-tuned dual-exhaust system that makes this compact metropolis automotive sound as aggressive as an Italian sports activities automotive.
Now extra competitively priced in right this moment’s used automotive market, the five hundred Abarth is much more attractive for contemporary lovers, providing the right mixture of a sensible metropolis automotive with an exhilarating driving expertise behind the wheel. For these additionally searching for some open-top thrills, the five hundred Abarth additionally got here as a softop convertible generally known as the 500C Abarth.
2019 Fiat 500 Abarth
Engine
1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower
157 hp (with 6-speed automated), 160 hp (with 5-speed guide)
Transmission
5-speed guide, 6-speed automated
0-60 mph
6.9 seconds (automated)