Top 10 Hot Hatch and Performance Saloon Cars of the Last 10 Years
The past decade has seen some fantastic hot hatches and performance saloons, combining everyday usability with thrilling performance. Here’s a look at the top 10, their global sales, performance statistics, and investment potential.
Hot Hatches
Volkswagen Golf R (2014-Present)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 315 hp (2022 model)
- 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Global Sales: Approximately 70,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate, particularly for earlier models and special editions.
Ford Focus RS (2016-2018)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.3L turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 350 hp
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 165 mph
- Global Sales: Around 15,000 units
- Investment Potential: High, due to its short production run and performance pedigree.
Honda Civic Type R (FK8) (2017-Present)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 306 hp
- 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 169 mph
- Global Sales: Approximately 25,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate, especially for well-maintained examples.
Renault Megane RS Trophy (2018-Present)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.8L turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 296 hp
- 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 161 mph
- Global Sales: Estimated 10,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate, with a focus on limited edition models.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S (2019-Present)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 416 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 168 mph
- Global Sales: Around 7,000 units
- Investment Potential: High, due to its segment-leading performance.
BMW M3 (F80) (2014-2020)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged I6
- Horsepower: 425 hp (standard), 444 hp (Competition Package)
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
- Global Sales: Approximately 40,000 units
- Investment Potential: High, particularly for special editions like the Competition Package and CS models.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2016-Present)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6
- Horsepower: 505 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 191 mph
- Global Sales: Around 10,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate to high, given its Ferrari-derived engine and limited numbers.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S (W205) (2015-2021)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8
- Horsepower: 503 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 180 mph
- Global Sales: Approximately 20,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate to high, especially for models with desirable options and low mileage.
Audi RS3 (8V) (2015-2020)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.5L turbocharged I5
- Horsepower: 400 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 174 mph
- Global Sales: Around 30,000 units
- Investment Potential: Moderate, with a focus on special trims and limited editions.
Cadillac CTS-V (2016-2019)
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 6.2L supercharged V8
- Horsepower: 640 hp
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 200 mph
- Global Sales: Estimated 3,000 units
- Investment Potential: High, due to its powerful V8 engine and limited production run.
Summary and Investment Potential
- Volkswagen Golf R: Moderate investment potential due to its consistent popularity and performance.
- Ford Focus RS: High investment potential due to its limited production run and enthusiast appeal.
- Honda Civic Type R: Moderate investment potential, particularly for well-maintained examples.
- Renault Megane RS Trophy: Moderate potential, especially for limited edition models.
- Mercedes-AMG A45 S: High potential, given its segment-leading performance.
Performance Saloons
- BMW M3 (F80): High investment potential, particularly for special editions like the Competition Package and CS models.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: Moderate to high potential, with its Ferrari-derived engine and limited numbers.
- Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Moderate to high potential, especially for well-optioned and low-mileage examples.
- Audi RS3: Moderate potential, particularly for special trims and limited editions.
- Cadillac CTS-V: High potential, due to its powerful V8 and limited production.
