5 best hatchbacks released in 2023 are named

Hatchbacks rightfully occupy top positions in car sales rankings. Manufacturers often equip this compact family car with a powerful engine, as well as good suspension and brakes, to provide a safe and comfortable, yet agile vehicle.

Autocar has compiled a rating of the best hatchbacks of 2023. And here are its top five.

Toyota GR Yaris

In terms of amazing performance, handling, and pure sportiness, few can come close to this Japanese car. The model was developed as a rally car, but the latest safety and environmental requirements almost killed it until the current Toyota boss Akio Toyoda believed in it again. The updated Yaris has a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 257 horsepower, and an all-wheel drive, accelerating to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. It also has a chassis and suspension developed with the participation of the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC team, perfectly tuned for fast driving on secondary roads in almost any weather.

Honda Civic Type R

The previous version of Honda's hatchback was one of the top models in its class. Therefore, expectations from the updated version were high. And they were justified. The Civic Type R continues to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but now it has a lighter flywheel, a redesigned air intake, and a freer exhaust, which helped raise power from 316 to 325 horses. Add to that improved shifting, a stiffer body, and a 15mm wider track, and the result is greater handling and responsiveness. The only drawback of the Civic Type R is that its prices went up.

Ford Focus ST

This is the first Focus ST with adaptive dampers and the first with an electronic limited slip differential for the drive front axle. The latter remains quite rare in this price category. The Track Pack option impresses the owner with a manually adjustable coilover suspension, larger brakes, and lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. For relatively little money, it improves the car's handling. The result is a fast car that can do more than just take you to and from work every day.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is an all-wheel drive hatchback with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 416 hp. It impresses with the quality of the transmission, high handling even at high speeds and a supple chassis. And the precision, weight, and feedback of the electric power steering rack can easily match the best in its class. However, the manufacturer has set a rather hefty price for this model, so the A45 S cannot be called a truly popular car.

Volkswagen Golf R

The highly acclaimed all-wheel drive Golf R has taken a big step forward in its latest form. Among its undoubted strengths is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 316 horsepower. But it has another advantage. The Golf R has become even more controllable, and the driver has a large number of options available that allow them to drive it even in "drift mode". Experts note that the dynamic capabilities of the new Golf have expanded significantly. Obviously, its cost has increased too.

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