Has the sports compact segment turned into a sacrilege?

The automotive world is moving forward at an unprecedented pace, in which continuous technological advances unlock a new level for this sector. Undoubtedly, this has numerous benefits for everyone, but does it really benefit every segment? Sports compacts have always been presented as a genuinely attractive area of the automotive field, since they boast the rare combination of versatility and sportiness, a pairing much coveted by many customers in today’s market. However, at Highmotor we wanted to ask ourselves a question: do hot hatchbacks still remain faithful to their original concept? Let’s find out.

It was the 1970s, a time when owning a sports car was within reach of only a fortunate few, but one brand decided to offer a very appealing alternative. It was in 1976 that Volkswagen launched the first Golf GTi onto the market, a badge that brought out a much spicier and sportier side of the German compact.

An unprecedented concept

It is true that its price at the time was not low either, but it was undoubtedly a vehicle far more practical to maintain and acquire than a Ferrari 308 GTB or a Porsche 911. In this way, various brands conceived their own sports compacts, which were warmly received thanks to their versatility and their excellent power-to-weight ratio.

In that era, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines were used, capable of producing close to 110 CV. This figure, combined with a weight hovering around 1,000 kilos, delivered a level of fun and driving sensations that was unique, something that has been lost today?

Let us return to the present day, in which the sports compact segment remains alive, partly thanks to the warm reception given to its predecessors. However, something has changed: hot hatchbacks are still undoubtedly fun cars, but the concept is different. Today, it is no surprise that these vehicles comfortably exceed the 300 CV mark, such as the Ford Focus RS or the Honda Civic Type R. But many already play with this figure, with the Hyundai i30 N and the Renault Megane R.S being two clear examples.

Yes, these figures can certainly put a smile on our faces, but the essence and purity of those first sports compacts are gradually being lost. If we want access to this level of fun, we will have to face an outlay that, in most cases, will exceed 30,000 euros and even 40,000 euros. It is true that technological and mechanical progress comes at a price, but are there no longer options like those of old?

Loyalty still exists

Models such as the Volkswagen Polo GTi or the Ford Fiesta ST have already firmly entered the 200 CV range, gradually moving away from their predecessors. However, we can still find models that seek to keep the original concept of the sports compact intact, and that are able to offer a more affordable value for money.

The small Suzuki Swift Sport remains at the forefront with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of generating 140 CV and 230 Nm of torque. Combine these figures with a weight of 1,045 kilos, and we get the perfect recipe that evokes so much nostalgia among those who lived through the golden era of hot hatchbacks.

The Opel Corsa GSi not only revives a legendary badge, but also preserves the essence with a very similar cocktail. A four-cylinder engine, also turbocharged, powers the German compact with 150 CV and 220 Nm of torque. It is true that the weight in this case rises to 1,214 kilos, but it still presents itself as a very good ratio.

Finally, we can include in this lineup the SEAT Ibiza equipped with the 1.5 TSI engine producing 150 CV, which, although it is not presented as the sporty variant — since that role falls to the CUPRA Ibiza — meets certain requirements. Its engine delivers 150 CV, as we have already said, along with 250 Nm of torque, figures that move a mass of 1,184 kilos. If we want to spice up the package, we can always opt for the FR trim, which adds a dose of sportiness.