&width=75&fastscale=false)
Ah the 1980s. The decade of big hair and even bigger technological advances. And driving the change (excuse the pun) in the motoring world were hot hatches. First seen in the 1970s and not to become mainstream for another 10 years, the ‘80s was an implemental year in the development of the diminutive driver-focussed hatchback.
Video: The best hot hatches of the 1980s
Turbocharging was a real statement of intent from manufacturers, who treated Joe Public to race-inspired machines from the Peugeot 205 GTI to the Ford Escort RS Turbo, the Renault 5 GT Turbo to the second-generation Golf GTI.
While the world celebrated the end of the Cold War, the first Space Shuttle and early IBM computers, petrolheads across the globe drooled over the aforementioned models and many more. But which were the best hot hatches to emerge from the decade? Here’s our two pennies’ worth…
Love this video? Read the full list here: The seven best hot hatches of the 1980s
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
Most popular from News
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)
Join our motorsport community
Get closer to motorsport at Goodwood! Join the GRRC Fellowship to be first in the queue for event tickets, to attend the GRRC-only Members' Meeting and to enjoy year-round, exclusive benefits.
&width=75)
&width=75)
&width=75)