One could argue that 2022 will be the year of the hatchback
by Nicholas Waithaka, onThe hot hatchback has come a long way since its inception in the seventies. The current hot hatches have an accepted formula: taking a standard model, increasing the engine output, and beefing up the suspension to go round corners a bit too quickly. The current high-performance versions offer between 250 and 400 horsepower, with better agility than they did decades ago. The emissions and running costs are infinitely much better. For 2022, automakers have upped the ante with a few offerings that will maintain the ongoing theme.
Cupra Leon
Cupra is the performance spinoff of the Seat, so it has some rally pedigree. Based on the Seat Leon, the Cupra Leon’s nose will feature large air intakes, and a rear diffuser will add to the sporty appearance.
It will have an option of three 2.0 liter turbocharged engines producing 187, 241, or 296 horsepower.
There is also a plug-in hybrid alternative with an electric driving range of 60 kilometers. For those of you who would prefer the fuel-efficient version, though, the Leon e-hybrid would be the preferred alternative. The base model will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. The cabin will feature an edgy design with copper trim for the air vents and the steering wheel. The 380-liter boot is also on par with the Volkswagen Golf, and it will be larger than the Ford Focus ST.
Read our full review on the Cupra Leon.
Hyundai i20 N
The base i20 is quite a fun car, though the range-topping N makes it even better. while the regular i20 gets a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, the N will have a modified 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. It will also have an over-boost function that allows it to produce 224 pound-feet of torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm for short periods. The i20 N will have a six-speed manual transmission, which has been tweaked to handle the extra torque and power for launch control. It also accelerates to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is great for its segment. The Hyundai has a typical hatchback feeling as it is light and agile around the corners. It also has six different drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and N. The interior is well packaged with the checkered flag-designed leather seats and theme of configurability, which extends to the infotainment.
Read our full review on the Hyundai i20 N
Honda Civic Type R
The 2022 iteration of the Civic Type R will be more reserved than the former version, though that does not mean it will be less exciting. The new Type R will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, though the output will be more than 306 horsepower. It will also keep the same six-speed manual transmission and accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds. Interestingly, it will have a more minimalist design than its predecessor, which should give a more mature impression. It will feature the latest infotainment from Honda with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and the regular Apple Car-Play and Android Auto packages. The hatchback will also have Honda’s sensing driver-assist and active safety suite along with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
Read our full review on the Honda Civic Type R
Skoda Octavia vRS
It has been claimed that Octavia vRS is essentially a longer version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI though it has more cabin space.
There is a point to this since the 2022 iteration will have the same engine from the GTI, which is a 2.0 liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.
It will produce 242 horsepower and be linked to a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission, like the GTI. The 0 to 62 miles per hour acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, slightly slower than some competitors. Like many competitors as well, there will be a hybrid version known as the vRS iV. Skoda has claimed the hybrid will enable the hatchback to achieve a fuel economy of up to 235 miles to the gallon though that will depend on the journeys taken and how often the battery is topped up. When it comes to the interior, though, it will have more actual buttons as compared to the Volkswagen. However, most media, satnav, and drive modification functions will be accessible via the 10-inch screen. It will also have voice control which is handy for skipping the touchscreen menus when on the go. The boot is one of the beneficial attributes considering the 640 liters of cargo capacity.
Read our full review on the Skoda Octavia vRS
Toyota GR Yaris
The Yaris is somewhat of a unicorn because, unlike the other Toyota models, this one exists for the sole purpose of motorsport and rallying to be specific. It has been so successful in fact that Toyota won the constructors World Rally Championship in 2018 and the driver’s title in 2019 and 2020. The new hot hatch has a three-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that is rated at 257 horsepower. It also has an all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual transmission. The even more aggressive body kit currently includes air extractors behind the front wheels and a large wing on the rear. There are rumors as well that there will be an even more limited edition released sometime in 2022.
Read our full review on the Toyota GR Yaris
Peugeot 308
The 2022 308 will incorporate Peugeot’s new lion logo, which is the first time the face was illustrated without the body since the 70s. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Golf, and the Ford Focus. The 308 will have sleek proportions, including Ferrari-style shields to the front wheels and fang-like daytime running lights. There are various engine options, including a 1.2-liter PureTech 120 and 1.5-liter BlueHdi diesel that each produces 128 horsepower. Peugeot will also offer the 308 as a plug-in hybrid entailing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, 12.4 kWh battery, and 81 kWh motor. These are rated at 150 horsepower. It has been said that Peugeot benchmarks its materials and quality from the Golf, but it will exceed it in this iteration. The contemporary design and finish stand out. The new 10-inch infotainment display looks great, and it will be backed up with a smaller interface with shortcuts to the big functions.
Read our full review on the Peugeot 308.