If you want a hot hatchback, even in North America, there are quite a number of options. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is an obvious candidate. The Ford Focus ST is certainly a viable option. And if you’re willing to sacrifice the “hatch” part of the equation, the Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX are sufficiently fun for thousands of buyers.
There’s even the option of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Kia Forte5 SX Turbo, Mini Cooper S, and – sort of – the Nissan Juke Nismo.
2013 Ford Focus ST Driven Review
2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI Driven Review
2015 Kia Forte5 SX-L Turbo Driven Review
2016 Subaru WRX Driven Review
But if you want a proven hot hatch with proper credentials, proper power, proper hatchback flexibility and a very affordable price tag, you’re essentially limited to the Ford Fiesta ST. That’s not so bad; the Fiesta ST is a genuine hot hatch and it’s priced at just $21,000 in America.
Don’t you deserve options? Across the pond, where Brits are paying £17,395 for the Fiesta ST, the Volkswagen Polo GTI costs £18,900. That’s approximately 30% less than the cost of a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Imagine if that pricing scheme held up in America: the Polo GTI would be priced below $18,000.
Even if the Polo GTI required a slight premium over the Fiesta ST, it’d still be interesting to be offered a tartan seated, 189-horsepower 1.8L turbo, cut price GTI.
Timothy Cain is the founder of GoodCarBadCar.net, which obsesses over the free and frequent publication of U.S. and Canadian auto sales figures. Follow on Twitter @goodcarbadcar and on Facebook.
