Image: Honda
Image: Fiat
Image: Suzuki
Image: Toyota
Driver engagement is becoming a less crucial aspect of motoring and with it comes the demise of the manual gearbox. Despite this, there are still some manufacturers that offer sporty derivatives of their lineup with a clutch pedal. Here are our Top 4 manual hot hatches.
With pricing taken from the latest October issue of CAR Magazine, we have compiled a conclusive list of manual hatches that inspire some driving satisfaction when behind the wheel. There are slim pickings when it comes to a hot hatch with that lucrative third pedal, but the several automakers below still offer a manual derivative of their sporty models in our local market.
Suzuki Swift 1,4T Sport
Starting out with the best value for money in this Top 4 manual hot hatch list is Suzukis supermini. Using the platform of the light, agile Swift as a basis, the Japanese automaker dropped a four-cylinder, turbocharged 1,4-litre motor coupled to a six-speed gearbox ahead of the front axle. This all translates to 103 kW and 230 N.m which drives the front wheels and can catapult the 970 kg model to 100 km/h from standstill in 8 seconds.
Image: Suzuki
Suzuki Swift 1,4T Sport – R377 900
DRIVEN: Suzuki Swift Sport
Abarth 500 595 Turismo 1,4T
The venerable 500 has been in Fiats lineup for over a decade with the retro-themed model receiving very few updates over its time in the market. As long as it has been around, in-house tuning company Abarth has also had their hand at a sportier version of the popular Italian people’s car. Over its lifecycle, it has experienced several evolutions, with three manual Abarth 500 models on sale in our market right now. Our choice would be the 595 Turismo 1,4T, which is the most affordable to wear the scorpion badge but slighly down on power and torque compared to the more expensive Competizione model. The four-cylinder turbocharged motor still offers a sufficient 121 kW and 230 N.m which can get the model to 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds with a 5-speed manual alongside it.
Image: Fiat
Abarth 500 595 Turismo 1,4T – R409 900
Toyota GR Yaris 1,6T GR-Four Rally
The GR Yaris has been one of the most hotly anticipated models for enthusiasts to hit our shores in recent years. It is also the only model in this list that powers all four wheels with a three-cylinder motor. With rally-derived technology, the 198 kW and 360 N.m which pulses to all four corners will get the Japanese hot hatch to 100 km/h in 5,5 seconds. The 6-speed gearbox also has an intuitive rev-matching feature built in for sharper gear changes when upshifting. Savvy!
Image: Toyota
Toyota GR Yaris 1,6T GR-Four Rally – R761 00
Honda Civic Type R
Last but not least on our list of Top 4 hot hatches is the outgoing FK8 generation Honda Civic Type R. The iconic hatch has served in the Japanese automaker’s lineup since 2017 and will be retired once the newly revealed successor arrives on our shores. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder motor puts out an impressive 228 kW and 400 N.m which makes it the second fastest here, with a 100 km/h sprint time of 6,3 seconds. Connecting the inner workings of the third pedal to this motor is a 6-speed manual transmission which powers the front wheels exclusively. Our advice? Wait for the new model which comes with more power and is touted to be even more driver-oriented.
Honda Civic Type R – R839 000
Let us know your thoughts on this list in our social media comments section on what you think constitutes good value for money in this segment. Spending over half a million Rand on a hot hatch is a justification less and less buyers deem sensible which is partly why the Top 4 manual hot hatch list is a dwindling one.
Keyword: Here are our Top 4 manual hot hatches on sale in South Africa right now