Hot hatches: The top five – and one to avoid

The cars that prove the best things really do come in small packages

The hot Fiesta builds on the standard car's already impressive strengths

Hot hatchbacks bring together all the best aspects of a performance car in a neat, practical body, proving that the best things really do come in small packages.

The genre dates back over 40 years to the first Golf GTI, but while the Volkswagen is still very much a strong presence in the market, it has a lot more competition than it did back in the day. All contenders share similar characteristics: smile-inducing handling through the twisties, aided by a firm but not uncomfortable ride; a hotted-up engine; and family-friendly practicality.

What models make our top five – and what gets the booby prize?

Top of the tree:

Ford Fiesta ST (*****)

The hot Fiesta builds on the standard car's already impressive strengths

The hot version of this evergreen hatch builds on the standard Fiesta’s already impressive strengths – its excellent handling in particular. Boosted steering and suspension make the ST even better, while the revvy 1.6 turbo kicks out 178bhp. A superlative driver’s car.

Our pick: ST-2

Best of the rest:

BMW M135i (*****)

Unlike some of its porky ‘M’ stablemates, the svelte M135i genuinely deserves its revered motorsport-derived badging. A great chassis and engine give superb performance, yet it’s just as good to drive when you’re taking it easy.

Our pick: 3dr auto

Volkswagen Golf GTI (*****)

Here it is, the original and still one of the best. With its 2.0-litre turbo plus spot-on steering and suspension, the Golf GTI is a thriftier everyday driver than the Renault Megane Renaultsport, and boasts a much better sorted, classier cabin than the Fiesta ST’s. This classic VW still has it.

Our pick: 3dr

Seat Leon Cupra (****)

Price, kit and power all trump those of the Leon Cupra’s Golf GTI cousin, even if build quality isn’t quite up there. The Seat comes in two power outputs, 261bhp or 276bhp, yet the former is less expensive by quite some margin and still achieves a sub-6.0-second 0-60mph sprint.

Our pick: Cupra 265 3dr

Suzuki Swift Sport (****)

High equipment levels, including xenons, keyless entry plus cruise and climate control, complement the Swift Sport’s old-school appeal that comes courtesy of the nippy six-speed manual and non-turbo 1.6 petrol powerplant. Impressive steering and grip mean it tackles B-roads enthusiastically. Not bad for £14k.

Our pick: 3dr

One to avoid:

Nissan Juke Nismo 4WD CVT (*)

Slower, heavier, juicier and more money than the normal two-wheel-drive Juke, and not even as much fun... the four-wheel-drive Nismo doesn’t make an awful lot of sense. Go for the 2WD manual 1.6 DIG-T instead; it’s faster from0-62mph and £4000 less to buy.