Why Can't We Get Supermini Hot Hatches

In Europe superminis are very popular, because they are small, easy to park, fuel efficient, and inexpensive. The new superminis can get 5 star crash test ratings from EuroNCAP and are good to drive. They are even avialable with turbocharged engines that make them fast and very fun. These supermini hot hatches were started in the early 1980's with the Renault 5 Turbo. At the time it was an ordinary French supermini that had the engine moved to were the back seats were in the normal car and rear wheel drive. Bigger hot hatches like the Volkswagen GTI came first. Renault also used the 5 Turbo as a rally car with 350hp, the 5 Turbo later became a front engine and FWD hatchback. The best of these cars was the Peugeot 205 GTI from the early 1990's, it wasn't very powerful (only 130hp), but very light meaning they were very fast and huge fun to drive. In 1995 Renault brought out the Clio Williams which was a tiny hatchback, much like the 205 GTI, but with more power, less made, and better handling. Renault and Peugeot continued to make these supermini hot hatches with the 206 GTI, Clio 172, Clio 182, and mid engine RWD Clio V6 (227hp for 2001-2002 and 255hp for 2003-2006 cars). Citroen brought out the C2 VTS with 125hp in 2004, Ford has the 150hp Fiesta ST, Seat (part of Volkswagen) has the 180hp Ibiza Cupra, the 150hp Volksagen Polo GTI, and one of the best deals (also a great car) available is the 123hp Suzuki Swift Sport. Fiat is bringing out Abarth versions of the new 500 (135hp) and Grande Punto (150-175hp), both of which will be great cars. The best of the new supermini hot hatches (besides the two new Fiats) are the 175hp Peugeot 207 GTI, 192hp Opel/Vauxhall Corsa VXR, the 173hp Mini Cooper S, and the best one of all the 197hp Renaultsport Clio 197 and even better the Clio Cup. Of these cars we only get the Mini Cooper S, which is an extremely fun to drive car, but not as good as the Clio. All four of those cars got 5 star crash tests along with the two Fiats. As a whole I think North America needs Renault to come back and the Renaultsport Clio is just one of their great cars. Many of these fast and fun to drive superminis are great cars.