A couple of decades ago, small cars were under-powered and mainly used for commuting from point A to B. However, technology has gotten better over the years as automakers have turned to using turbochargers, adaptive suspensions, and traction aids to turn their normally sedate commuter cars into pocket rockets.These are the hopped-up small cars that can do double duty by taking the kids to school and then tearing up the track, or an open road, afterward. And while there aren't too many pocket rockets in the new market, we found a few old models that could pique your interest if you're in the market for a fun small car that can make any drive exciting.In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. The following entries were chosen for their small sizes and are ordered by their horsepower ratings. 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth Horsepower: 160 HP Fiat The 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth is a small car with a lot of personality. The Abarth is the high-performance version of the 500, so it comes equipped with a rowdy turbocharged engine that produces nearly 200 horsepower. And while that doesn't seem like much, keep in mind that this compact cruiser only weighs around 2,600 pounds. Performance Specifications That power-to-weight ratio leads to some impressive performance numbers, but what is more impressive is the car's ability to carry more than two adults. However, don't expect it to carry all their stuff, because the cargo area is pretty small. The 500 Abarth is quite the pocket rocket, nonetheless. Pros Fun size means it's fun to drive Turbocharged engine Manual transmission Cons Compact dimensions Small trunk space Lots of plastic in the interior 2019 Ford Fiesta ST Horsepower: 197 HP Ford The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST may be long gone, but it shouldn't be forgotten. The Fiesta ST is a quick little hatchback that's motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also comes equipped with a manual transmission, so you know that it's a blast to drive. Performance Specifications But when you're not bombing down your favorite backroad or dodging cones on an autocross track, the Fiesta ST is a good runabout car to do errands and commute with. It even gets 37 mpg on the highway, so it can go far between fill-ups. Pros Turbocharged engine Manual transmission Agile suspension Cons Small back seat Cheap interior materials Cramped trunk space 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Horsepower: 228 HP Michael FrankMini has always produced some of the most recognizable cars on the road, starting with the classic Cooper hardtop. And while the standard-issue Cooper is plenty fun to drive, as is the higher-performing Cooper S, the John Cooper Works edition is the one to get for the most fun. Performance Specifications The Mini Cooper JCW kicks things up a notch with a little more boost, which equates to over 200 horsepower. But that's not all. This special Mini is fortified with a set of Brembo brakes, a more aggressive suspension, and an electronically-locking front differential for added traction, making this little car quite the rocket. Pros Strong turbocharged engine Agile handling Sporty exterior design Cons Cramped cabin Small trunk Rough ride 2025 Mazda3 Turbo Horsepower: 250 HP Mazda If you're in search of a more mature version of the quintessential hot hatchback, the 2025 Mazda3 Turbo is it. The up-level Mazda3 trim levels come equipped with a potent turbocharged engine that produces well over 200 horsepower, a sports suspension, and an all-wheel-drive system to get all the power to the ground. Performance Specifications That's the "hot" part of the equation, but the "hatchback" part refers to the Mazda3's practical bubbly architecture, which offers plenty of room for five and a lot of cargo. As an added plus, the Mazda3 has a comfortable interior that features plenty of premium materials and upscale trim. Ultimately, if you're looking for a fun-to-drive car that's hot-rod-quick without looking like you're trying to relive your teenage years, the Mazda3 Turbo is a good choice. Pros Elegant looks Strong turbocharged engine All-wheel-drive Cons No manual transmission Rear seat is a little small Infotainment system is clunky to use 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Horsepower: 300 HP ToyotaIf you're into the hot hatchback lifestyle, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla has everything you desire. This includes a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine, which may be very mini, but it's also very mighty. In addition to the potent little engine, the GR Corolla has an all-wheel drivetrain and a six-speed manual transmission to get the power to the pavement. Performance Specifications If you don't like doing the three-pedal dance, an eight-speed automatic transmission is also available. But no matter which transmission you choose, the GR Corolla is a proper hot hatchback in that it's quick and very practical. Just keep in mind that it rides a little rough on the street. Pros Very strong turbocharged engine Practical hatchback shape Manual transmission option Cons Rides rough Small back seat Cramped trunk area 2025 Honda Civic Type R Horsepower: 315 HP Honda Newsroom The 2025 Honda Civic Type R is practically an icon at this point. Anyone in search of one of the ultimate pocket rockets should look no further than the Civic Type R, provided they have deep pockets to buy the rocket. This high-performance Civic costs around $45,000, but you get a lot for that money. Performance Specifications The rowdy Civic picks up where the base model leaves off by adding a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces over 300 horsepower, a slick-shifting manual transmission, and a race-inspired interior. The Type R also comes with data-logging software so you can keep track of your track times and other stats. Technically, the Civic Type R is great for drivers with a lot of experience, but it's user-friendly enough to be driven by anyone, which is what makes it so iconic. Pros Turbocharged engine Manual transmission Practical cabin Cons Very high-strung for daily commuting Small rear-seat area Polarizing look 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Horsepower: 328 HP Volkswagen of AmericaIf you're looking for a pocket rocket with the capability to drive on nearly any road surface while maintaining a premium feel, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is a great choice. The Golf R is powered by a strong turbocharged engine and sends over 300 horsepower to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Performance Specifications That setup gives the Golf R the ability to grip onto a variety of roads, while keeping a composed ride, making daily commuting a fun, but not harsh, affair. Additionally, the Golf R has room for five and a fair amount of cargo, which makes it as practical as it is powerful. Pros All-wheel-drive Dual-clutch transmission Turbocharged engine Cons No manual transmission High price of entry Pricey maintenance costs 2016 Ford Focus RS Horsepower: 350 HP Ford The Ford Focus RS went extinct after 2016, which is a shame, considering how cool it was. The Focus RS wasn't just any hot hatchback as it boasted a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that could send up to 70 percent of the car's power to the rear wheels and even 100 percent to one wheel, depending on the driving situation. Performance Specifications Of course, the Focus RS also had a turbocharged engine that sent 350 horsepower to all four wheels and was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, so you know this little hatchback meant business. It's too bad Ford stopped making it, but you still buy a Focus RS on the used market for a fair price. Pros Turbocharged engine All-wheel-drive Spacious interior Cons Rough ride quality Cheap-feeling interior pieces Discontinued 2025 Audi RS3 Horsepower: 394 HP AudiThe 2025 Audi RS3 is the cream of the crop when it comes to the A3 lineup, which means that it comes with a lot of horsepower and a matching elevated price tag. The RS3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine that makes over 400 horsepower, which gives the small sedan the ability to rocket up to freeway speeds in less than four seconds. Performance Specifications The best part is that you can take the whole family with you when you get up to those speeds, thanks to the RS3's practical cabin. It's not very spacious, but it is packed with premium materials and the technology that you need for your daily commute. Pros Strong turbocharged engine All-wheel-drive Quick-shifting automatic transmission Cons Small rear seat Small trunk Lacks some power accessories for its price range 2025 BMW M2 Horsepower: 473 HP BMW Group When it comes to small cars with big performance, the 2025 BMW M2 takes the cake. The M2 is a small sedan that is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that pushes well over 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, allowing it to get to 60 mph from a standstill in less than four seconds. Performance Specifications And while the M2 might be small, it's still fairly practical with seating for up to four adults and a usable trunk. Just don't think it's as plush as the other cars in BMW's lineup, because it's not. It is fast, though, and that's what you're paying for. Pros Powerful turbocharged engine Manual transmission Semi-practical interior Cons High price tag Rough ride for the street No all-wheel-drive