Hot hatches

The 2020s has really turned into the decade of waiting. Waiting for normality. Waiting for travel. Waiting to see our friends and loved ones. Waiting for new cars.

Ford’s flagship hot hatch, the Focus ST, has levelled up with a new high-performance variant, with the Edition introducing sporty features that were previously unavailable

Just 30 Australians will be able to get behind the wheel of the new special-edition Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro, which has now arrived in the country.

Skoda Australia has increased the pricing of its Octavia mid-size sedan and wagon, but buyers will be getting some extra equipment in return.

Mazda has confirmed that it is working hard behind the scenes to make the Mazda3 Turbo available elsewhere a reality for Australian hot-hatch fans sooner rather than later.

Australia’s favourite hot hatches have sky-rocketed in price in the past five years, with some models now costing more than 25 per cent more than they previously did.

Hyundai Australia has confirmed pricing and specification details for the second and third members of its emerging N performance sub-brand, the i20 N light hatchback and Kona N small SUV

Volkswagen has revealed the new-generation Golf R wagon, which will enter Australian showrooms alongside its hatchback sibling early next year, likely in February

Hot hatches typically flex their muscle in terms of power and handling, but the new 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI is all about its technology upgrade.The final member of the facelifted Polo family has been unveiled and the refreshed GTI introduces a tweaked appearance, with new ‘IQ.Light’ LED matrix headlights, new grille with light strip that the company claims is designed to visually connect the Polo to its new ID range of electric vehicles. Other cosmetic changes include a new front bumper design and fresh alloy wheels, while at the rear there are new LED lights including an animated indicator. But it’s what’s underneath the surface that has been the real focus of the Volkswagen team. For the first time the Polo GTI has semi-autonomous driving technology thanks to Volkswgaen’s ‘IQ.Drive Travel Assist’, a system that can control steering, accelerating and braking under certain road conditions all the way from stationary to 210km/h. Basically, it combines the functions of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to keep you a safe distance from cars ahead and inside the lane.The infotainment system has also been updated to the latest version, which allows for wireless integration of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The powertrain is carried over from the previous model unchanged, which means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 147kW/320Nm paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also retains the same dynamically-tuned chassis, which sits 15mm lower than the standard Polo, to offer a more engaging driving experience to try and keep up with its rivals including the Ford Fiesta ST.Volkswagen Australia says the new Polo GTI is due to arrive in the second quarter of 2022. Full pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to its local launch.

The Toyota GR Yaris is effectively sold out in Australia, with the brand putting a stop on new orders as it waits for supply to catch up with demand.