The hot hatch segment has always been a beloved staple in Europe, maintaining its appeal through the decades. Originating with the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 in the late 1970s, these cars offered motor enthusiasts a taste of power and performance at a more accessible price than supercars.
Hot hatches combine daily practicality with the thrill of a race car, and now, the electric revolution is infusing new life into this exciting segment. Here are the most intriguing electric hot hatches of 2024.
Abarth 600e
The Abarth 600e marks a significant leap compared to the first electric model of the brand, the Abarth 500 electric. Developed by Stellantis’ sport division, it features the new Perfo-eCMP platform dedicated to high-performance electric vehicles. With 240 horsepower and front-wheel drive, the 600E sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 6 seconds.
Notable enhancements include a limited-slip differential, upgraded braking system, stiffer and lower suspension, and a specially tuned power steering. For enthusiasts craving auditory feedback, the 600E also offers a Sound Generator that simulates engine noise.
Alpine A290
Alpine, renowned for its purist driving machines, has turned heads with the announcement of its electric hot hatch, the A290. Unveiled at Le Mans 2024, the A290 draws aesthetic inspiration from the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, blending 80s-style angular lines with modern cyberpunk LED accents.
Mechanically, the A290 impresses with electronic torque vectoring for superior handling, finely tuned driving modes, and bespoke Michelin tires. It boasts a range of 380 km, powered by a 52 kWh battery and a single front-mounted electric motor delivering either 180 or 220 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Cupra Born VZ
Cupra’s already thrilling Born gets an upgrade with the VZ variant in 2024, becoming the brand’s most powerful electric vehicle to date. Maintaining its sleek design, the VZ introduces new color options and distinctive wheels.
With a rear-mounted motor delivering 326 horsepower and 545 Nm of torque, the Born VZ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. It features adaptive suspension, regenerative braking controls, and a larger 79 kWh battery, offering up to 570 km of range.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Lauded as the best hot hatch currently available, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N aims to win over even the most skeptical petrolheads.
The N division has equipped this model with an innovative simulated 8-speed gearbox and driving modes that mimic the power delivery of a combustion engine, while still offering the seamless acceleration typical of electric motors.
The Ioniq 5 N delivers up to 650 HP with its Boost mode, positioning it at the higher end of the market both in performance and price, nearing €80,000. Yet, its combination of power and driving engagement makes it a standout.
MG4 XPower
The MG4 XPower combines traditional hot hatch charm with modern electric performance.
It features an all-wheel-drive system and a powerful 435-horsepower motor, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.8 seconds.
With its competitive pricing (even cut in Denmark!), the MG4 XPower is significantly quicker than many of its petrol-powered counterparts, including the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf R, though its top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX
Volkswagen’s challenge was to create an electric alternative to its legendary Golf GTI, and the ID.3 GTX appears to have succeeded. Sharing its platform with the Cupra Born, the ID.3 GTX benefits from a rear-wheel-drive layout, enhancing driving dynamics.
The ID.3 GTX matches the Golf’s 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds, yet feels faster due to the instantaneous torque of its electric motor. The GTX produces 286 horsepower, with the GTX Performance variant pushing up to 326 horsepower and a top speed of 200 km/h. Its 79 kWh battery provides nearly 600 km of range.
