For years car experts, us included, have been telling you that hot hatches are a dying breed. Well, accept our apologies for misleading you. Here we, are about to welcome the 2025 model year, and with it a surprisingly large number of all-new or recently refreshed pocket rockets! We’ve got for you a lineup of internal combustion and all-electric models that are ready to smoke the competition on tight city streets and tracks!
Other #AutomotiveTerritory videos that you might want to check out:
Best upcoming Japanese sports cars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJCzPN4BhGM
Latest supercars that offer 4-door practicality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZRv3okzrF8
Rundown of all models cars that were shown in this #AT_New_Cars video:
00:00 Introduction
00:38 VW Golf R
volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/world-premiere-for-the-most-powerful-golf-new-r-and-r-variant-launch-with-245-kw-333-ps-18467
2025 VW Golf R is being facelifted for the new model year, getting a new mid-generation designation MK 8.5.
02:08 Cupra Born VZ
seat-mediacenter.com/CUPRA-Brand/presskits/CUPRA-BORN-VZ
Despite being released under the SEAT’s high-performance subbrand, until recently Born has been sold in the underpowered trims that would hardly qualify as a hot hatch. The arrival of the Cupra Born VZ version rectifies this issue and finally gives the VAG client base a worthy electric pocket rocket.
03:40 Alpine A290
media.alpinecars.com/alpine-a290-the-hot-hatch-for-the-electric-age
Renault 5 came out as an affordable yet stylish electric hatchback of the modern era, but with a 120-horsepower motor, it was strongly lacking in the performance department. Luckily, the French-Japanese Alliance did not let this EV platform go to waste and released the Alpine A290 hot hatch.
05:12 Audi S3 Sportback
audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/high-performance-agile-expressive-the-new-audi-s3-15980
The Audi S3 is a middle-ground model between the standard A3 and the potential new Nurburgring record-holder RS3 Sportback. It gets a well-rounded set of mild updates with a major focus on better performance.
06:26 BMW 1 Series & M135
press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series
2025 BMW 1 Series enters its 4th generation, designated F70. It gets a heavy exterior facelift, grows in size, and features a new generation BMW Curved display.
08:06 VW Golf GTI Clubsport
volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/the-new-golf-gti-and-golf-gti-clubsport-18410
Unlike its all-wheel drive sibling that offers unmatched traction and fast straight-line acceleration, the front-wheel drive GTI is lighter and delegates more control to the driver rather than to the electronic systems. The facelifted model of 2025 comes in the standard and enhanced Clubsport variants respectively making 241 and 296 horsepower.
09:42 CUPRA Leon
seat-mediacenter.com/CUPRA-Brand/presskits/new-cupra-leon
2025 CUPRA Leon is redesigned for a more distinct look and sporty performance. The hatchback now offers a wide range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid drivetrains, with the flagship model being powered by a 2.0L TSI rated for 300 horses of output.
11:42 VW ID3 GTX
volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/the-all-electric-id3-gtx-18284
The ID3 GTX is VW’s first electric hot hatch, but it unexpectedly breaks the trend set by the electric SUVs of the German brand and get a single-motor powertrain with 326 hp.
13:08 MINI Cooper S JCW and JCW Electric
press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0443918EN/the-new-mini-cooper-s-in-jcw-trim:-sporty-design-with-brand-typical-performance and press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0443443EN/first-electric-mini-john-cooper-works-to-debut-at-goodwood-festival-of-speed-ahead-of-its-world-premiere
When it comes to the higher performing versions of the Mini Cooper, they remain extremely agile and stylish driving tools for the urban environment, that now have a split personality with TwinPower Turbo and all-electric identities.
14:35 Fiat 600e and Abarth 600e
media.stellantis.com/uk-en/abarth/press/abarth-reveals-the-new-abarth-600e-the-most-powerful-ever
The next stage in the evolution of this cross hatch will be an Abarth treated 600e Scorpionissima launch edition limited to 1949 units. It will be equipped with a 240-horsepower motor, an exclusive mechanical limited-slip differential.
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Today we are looking at the class of compact sports cars that is barely staying afloat – hot hatchbacks. Which of these is your top pick?
My favorite category it is❤