Culture|Garage

I was leafing through a bunch of automotive websites lately, and other than the normal spew about “green cars” and “the death of Detroit,” I noticed an interesting trend- the gravitation towards the hot hatchback in the United States. In Europe, hot hatches are a fixture, an institution, a part of the landscape. They are the backbone of European car enthusiasts, and almost always promise a good drive, lots of fun, and decent quality, all at a manageable price. With the (thank you God!) Euro-spec Focus making it’s way to US shores in the next few years, and the Ford Fiesta set to make a comeback tour, the hatch is the next big thing.

All of this brings me to this week’s Question of the Week. The Mini, GTI, Mazdaspeed 3, C30, etc., are all great cars. They all have their foibles- issues that some would refer to as “character”- but they all deliver on the promises they make stylistically and in the performance department. Thus, I ask you- What’s YOUR favorite “hot hatchback,” and why?

For me, I LOVE the Volvo C30, but I think it’s a little overpriced. For a true “hot” hatch, I look to the “flying H” for my favorite- based not on packaging, looks, or performance, but rather, the accessibility and affordability of the car. My pick is the Honda CRX.

So, why not pick the SVT Focus or the Golf? Simple. Hot hatchbacks are all about having fun on a budget, while still retaining their streetability and utility. The CRX is loved far and wide by college students and pizza-delivery drivers alike, and why not? The shape is as distinct as anything else, and yet it is bottom-basement pricing on used ones that make them so attractive. They take to modification well, and if you DO happen to have a fender-bender, no biggie, parts cost next to nothing to purchase- the perfect concoction for a weekend track car/ hassle-free daily driver.

The other thing to think about is the cultural impact the CRX had on drivers. The distinct shape, which finds itself wedged firmly into the 80’s, makes it feel “retro,” because it is retro. A LOT of people have had one at some point in their lives, and recall them like owners of old Chargers or MG’s do-fondly. Heck, check out the video- it still remains a relevant choice for tuners- much like classic Mustangs, GTIs and others.

Sure, it’s not the prettiest, but it’s distinct, unique, and fun enough to garner my vote for best hot hatch. Betcha didn’t see that one coming, didja? But enough about my choice, what say you?

via: Winding Road, ScoobyBlog, Honda Tuning Magazine, Super Street Online

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