Hot hatches

The already angry looking Toyota GR Yaris GTS race car for the road has been given an Aero Performance package that not only makes it more dynamic but it now looks downright furious.

A new hybrid hot hatch concept has just been revealed in Japan.Nissan has unveiled a new fiesty hybrid hatchback called the Aura Nismo RS concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.With the car still only a concept, Nissan has said it is still exploring the potential of bringing it to market as a production car.Nismo is Nissan's performance branch, derived from its motorsport endeavours.The car is based on one of Nissan’s hybrid hatches found overseas, and also has the same power set-up found on the X-Trail Nismo — a performance version of the popular mid-size SUV.It  has been pitched as an “Agile Electric City Racer” concept, using Nissan’s e-Power hybrid set-up, which differs from the conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies.Its dual electric motors are powered by a 2.1kWh battery, which is charged by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.The engine produces 106kW and 250Nm, but it has no role in powering the wheels and acts purely as a generator to fill the battery, with the front and rear mounted electric motors driving the wheels exclusively.The front motor produces 150kW and 330Nm, while the rear motor produces 100kW and 195Nm.It drives using Nissan’s specialist all-wheel drive system.In addition to these performance upgrades, the RS has undergone some big physical changes in comparison to the original Aura Nismo to give it increased track and race capabilities.The RS is 145mm wider, with its beefed up fenders.The overall ride height has been dropped by 20mm, designed to improve handling in hard cornering.It comes in 142mm longer, taking its total length to 4262mm, and weighs 100kg more at about 1500kg.The brakes have also been beefed up, with new large opposed-piston calipers.Its exterior design features sleek bodywork, appearing in a dark grey, with roof-mounted spoiler and a standout red front splitter.Red elements surround the base of the car, contrasting the paint work.The car has plenty of blacked out elements, including the front grille and roof, while RS badging shows on the doors.Despite its different power set-up, its hot hatch status sees it as a potential rival for Hyundai’s i30 N and Toyota GR Corolla.

Here for a good time not a long time could be the hot hatch motto.

This hatch is gone for now, but is it gone for good?

A hot hatch has just been given a serious boost to its performance kit.

An updated version of an iconic hot hatch could be in the works.

To some surprise, Honda Australia has confirmed the city-sized electric sports hatch revealed yesterday at the Tokyo Motor Show will come to Australia.

Subaru has unveiled two STI-badged performance concept cars at the Japan Mobility Show.

Toyota’s local arm has confirmed it is bringing to Australia the updated GR Corolla announced just weeks ago for Japan.

Cupra is a performance brand, and the Leon VZx is its hero hot hatch.