Hot hatch gallery

This is the car that started it all. Created by a group of enthusiastic engineers as an out of hours project, the Golf soon gained legend status. First 1976 examples had a 110bhp 1.6-litre fuel-injected motor, and set the template that other manufacturers still follow today.

When it was launched, the Uno Turbo was seen as a Ferrari for the masses. Blistering performance was assured thanks to 118bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre motor. Unfortuantely, rust, ropey electrics and crash damage make finding one today impossible.

It may not have been the best-looking car, but the Visa was a proper hot hatch. Engineers raided the PSA parts bin for a Peugeot 205 GTi engine and gearbox. The Citroen was just as fun as the Pug, but thanks to a longer wheelbase proved to be less twitchy.

The dour Renault 11 seemed liked an unlikely base for a hot hatch, but that didn's stop the French firm having a go. Using a 1.4-litre turbocharged motor it could sprint from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds. Rally version proved to be a giant-slayer on tarmac events and put out nearly 200bhp.

If the Golf is the definitive hot hatch, then the 205 is arguably the best. The 1.6-litre was launched in 1984, follwed two years later by the even quicker 130bhp 1.9-litre. Surviving for a decade, the GTi had a scapel sharp chassis that rewarded the skilled and punished the unwary.

Not to be confused with the awesome mid-engined 5 Turbo, the GT is still an impressive hot hatch. Driving the front wheels was a blown 120bhp 1.4-litre. Weighing just 830kg, this rapid French motor would sprint from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds. It was even a match for the 205 GTi through the corners.

If it was sophistication you were after, then the Vauxhall disappointed. However, the mighty 156bhp 2.0-litre 16V engine gave the Astra incredible tyre-shredding, torque-steering acceleration. There was little to touch it in the traffic light Grand Prix. Wooden chassis let it down in the bends, though.

Don't be put off by the boxy exterior - the Tipo was a real rode-burner. Underneath the practical five-door body lurked a 148bhp 2.0-litre motor and fine chassis. Drivers also got extra dials, Recaro seats and a gorgeous leather-trimmed Momo wheel.

Williams F1 team only donated their name for this special Clio. Developed to go rallying, it had a 150bhp 2.0-litre engine, a tweaked chassis and distinctive gold wheels. Released in three separate production runs between 1993 and '96, this distinctive blue pocket rocket is now a collector's item.

For flat-out, frentic fun the 106 was untouchable. Tweaked for motorsport, the Peugeot was a stripped-out rally car for the road. Despite the modest 100bhp 1.3-litre motor, the Rallye was the most fun you could have at any price. However, minimal sound proofing and short gearing made for painful motorway progress.

Based on the already excellent GTi-6, the Rallye was the enthusiast's choice. The French firm stripped the 306 of uneccesary kit meaning the 167bhp 2.0-litre had less to haul around. Marked out by its discreet Peugeot racing stripes, it possessed one of the finest front-drive chassis of the day.

When the Japanese decide to do a hot hatch, they pull out all the stops. For hardcore thrills, the first Civic Type-R was hard to beat. Under the snub nose was a screaming 197bhp 2.0-litre that revved well past 8,000rpm. Uncompromising ride and adjustable chassis made it feel like a racer.

Fitted with the focussed Cup chassis, the 182 was the last of the truly tricky hot hatches. Stripped of ESP and single mindedly set-up for driving thrills, the Clio demanded respect. Get it right and there was little that could keep up with the rapid Renault over twisting tarmac.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda was clattery 1.9-litre diesel. However, it was turbocharged to give 130bhp and enough torque to pull the moon. For overtaking performance there is little to touch the Czech. Best of all, it'll even return 50mpg when driven sensibly - which isn't very often.

The hottest Clio celebrates Renualt's 2006 F1 success. Based on the 197, it gets even stiffer suspension and a lurid set of stickers. High-revving 2.0-litre powerplant, quick-shifting six speed gearbox and razor sharp chassis make this one of the finest hot hatches you can buy.

With the MKV, VW made a triumphant return to the top of a class it created over 30 years ago. The previous two generations had lagged way behind the competition. However, thanks to its 197bhp 2.0-litre engine, balanced chassis and beautiful build, the latest version is one of our firm favourites.