80’s/90’s Hot Hatch

At Cotswold Classic Car Restorations

the hot hatch era

The 80s was a time when performance and speed were highly valued, and hot hatches were seen as a way to express this enthusiasm without breaking the bank. The popularity of motorsports and rallying also contributed to the appeal of hot hatches, as they were often used in these events and had a certain cool factor associated with them.

Overall, the combination of practicality, affordability, and performance made hot hatches a beloved car category in the 80s, and their popularity continues to this day.

We are passionate about all marques of classic car and would love to hear from you at Cotswold Classic Car Restorations about your hot hatch passion.

CCCR Film Coming soon

THE FRENCH

Some of the most iconic hot hatches of all time have come from French manufacturers such as Renault, Peugeot, and Citroen.

FORD XR and COSWORTH

The XR3i was a hot hatch that was introduced in the 1980s and was known for its sharp handling and responsive engine. It was powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produced around 105 horsepower, and was popular among young drivers who wanted a fun and affordable performance car.

The Sierra Cosworth, on the other hand, was a high-performance saloon car that was introduced in the late 1980s. It was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produced up to 220 horsepower, and had a top speed of over 140 mph. It was highly successful in motorsport, winning numerous championships and becoming an icon of the era.

THE US CALLED THE GOLF, RABBIT

Golf GTI's combination of practicality, performance, reliability, and design has made it one of the most popular hot hatches ever made, and it continues to be a favorite among car enthusiasts today.