A multitude of spirited hot hatches align themselves side by side, forming a formidable presence alongside some of the most vigorous and commanding automobiles in history. Here, we present the elite compilation: the ten swiftest hot hatches to conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
1. Renault Megane RS Trophy R: 7:40.10
Four years ago, in 2019 (where does this time go), the Renault Megane RS Trophy R conquered the renowned track with a remarkable lap time of 7:40.1, firmly establishing itself as the ultimate frontrunner among
hot hatches at the Nurburgring.
Underneath its surface, the Megane RS Trophy R takes the form of a street-legal racing machine, harnessing a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that empowers the stripped-down dynamo with 296 kW and 400 Nm of torque.
Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox – a lighter alternative to the dual-clutch automatic in the regular Trophy variant – the Trophy R showcases its dominance. While holding the title as the fastest FWD hot hatch around the Nürburgring
Nordschleife, it's
noteworthy that this model's production series is limited to a select few units.
2. Honda Civic Type R FL5: 7:44.88
The latest rendition of Honda's Civic Type R, known as the FL5, has solidified its standing as one of the most finely-tuned front-wheel-drive vehicles accessible to the public. Earning its credentials as the
fastest FWD production car to
navigate the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the FL5 maintains continuity by inheriting the same powerplant from its predecessor. Boasting the 2.0-liter K20C turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the FL5 boasts a robust power delivery of 318 bhp at
6,500 rpm, accompanied by 420 Nm of torque spanning from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm.
This energetic K20C engine joins forces with a six-speed manual transmission, equipped with intelligent features like auto-rev matching. Notably, the FL5's
acceleration to 100 km/h from zero is achieved in a swift 5.8 seconds, surpassing the benchmarks set by numerous contenders on this esteemed list.
3. Golf 8 R 20th anniversary: 7:47.31
Exhibiting a groundbreaking record for a production Volkswagen adorned with the distinguished R-Line badge, the 20th-anniversary edition showcases unparalleled dynamism. Sharing the same turbocharged
four-cylinder engine with the standard mk8 R
models, this commemorative edition experiences a power surge of 13 bhp, coupled with enhanced acceleration capabilities that enable a 4.6-second dash from 0 to 100 km/h, thanks to it's four-wheel drive system.
Standardized with the MK8's Performance Package, the 20th-anniversary model empowers drivers with manual gear selection mode, creating an immersive driving experience.
4. Golf GTI Clubsport S: 7:49.21
Within Volkswagen's portfolio of GTI iterations, the distinguished GTI Clubsport S emerges as the elite choice, reigning supreme among its front-wheel-drive counterparts. While its exclusivity is marked by a
limited production run of only 400 units,
the Clubsport S boasts a character defined by its minimalist interior and distinctive honeycomb exterior design.
As a result, it stands as one of the lightest entries on this roster, tipping the scales at 1,360 kg, although you may not enjoy
it quite as much as a daily driver.Propelled by an engine producing 305 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, the Clubsport S places emphasis on weight reduction, achieved through the omission of rear seats and other components. Yikes!
5. Golf 8 R: 7:51.00
One of the most popular daily drivers on UK roads, the Golf 8 R asserts itself as Volkswagen's most track-oriented production R-badged model. Fueled by the EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 8 R
roars to life with 315 bhp and 400 Nm of
torque.
Its power delivery is harnessed through the firm's adept DSG transmission, distributing power to all four wheels for a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.05 seconds. At only 1.8 seconds slower than the stripped out Clubsport S, it
really is worth considering.
6. Renault Megane R.S 275 trophy R: 7:54.36
The second Renault Megane on the leaderboard, with a lap time of 7:54.36, the R.S 275 Trophy R was etched into Nurburgring folklore. This achievement was made possible by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
engine generating 270 bhp and
360 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, albeit down on power compared to others on the leaderboard.
This energetic TURBO 4 engine finds its partner in a six-speed manual transmission. Remarkably, this lap time was recorded around 2016, highlighting
just how timeless this car is becoming.
7. Seat León Cupra 280 MKIII: 7:58.40
Our first and only Seat on the leaderboard, the Seat Leon Cupra 280 mk3 has emerged as a formidable rival to the coveted Golf R, showcasing remarkable performance on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Driven by a
2.0-liter turbocharged inline
four-cylinder engine, the Cupra 280 delivered 276 bhp and 350 Nm of torque to its front wheels.
This spirited engine collaborated with a six-speed DSG gearbox, culminating in a 5.7-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. It's still over 7
seconds slower than the mk8 Golf R.
8. VW Golf GTI Clubsport: 8:03.00
Volkswagen's lineage of special edition Golfs seems unending, and among these offerings stands the spirited GTI Clubsport. This variant, characterized by a claimed power output of 285 bhp and 380 Nm from its
2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine, inherits the brand's DSG gearbox.
A further gap starts to emerge from here on out, with the GTI Clubsport a whopping 23 seconds off top spot. Still, we'd take one in a heartbeat.
9. Mini John Cooper Works GP: 8:04.00
A personal favourite of MyCarDimensions, these pocket-rockets are propelled by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 301 bhp, coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The MINI John Cooper Works
GP blazes a trail to 100
km/h from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds.
Alas, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is reserved for a select few, limited to a production run of 3,000 units. Over 300 bhp in a Mini, sheesh!
10. Hyundai i30N Performance: 8:05.19
Fast catching up the competition, the Hyundai i30N Performance strides into the top 10 shootout with a respectable lap time of 8:05.19. This puts it infront of manufacturers such as Ford, with the Focus RS not
making the cut. Hyundai's
spirited hatchback emerges in a duo of versions, discernible through the Performance Package's distinction.
The embrace of this package doesn't just augment style; it fortifies potency, elevating output from 245 bhp and 353 Nm to a commanding
275 bhp and 392 Nm. Posing versatile choices, the transmission options span a six-speed manual and the firm's advanced N DCT transmission, spotlighting its versatility and prowess in the realm of performance. More than enough to choose from.