5 Hottest Hatchbacks of the 1990s That Need to Make a Comeback

The year is 1992. Clothes are colourful, hair is big, Wayne’s World is the hit comedy in Cinemas and Rhythm is a Dancer dominates the airwaves. It may not seem very long ago, but things certainly were a whole lot different back then; there is no denying the early 90s had a whole lot of charm and hold some fond memories for a lot of us.

But what about the cars back then? While they might not have had the clean lines, fancy gadgets, and modern luxuries we are used to in our cars today, they gave us something else that isn’t so easy to recreate. Personality, charisma, and a golden moment in the era of the hot hatchback.

So, 30 years on from 1992, let’s take nostalgia-inducing dive down memory lane and revisit some of the hottest hatchbacks of the 1990s. We are sure at least one of these will pull you back into that time.

Renault Clio Williams

Renault’s 1993 admission into the annals of hot hatch history was an eye-catching, rally-styled number capable of turning the head of anybody who heard its 2.0-litre non-turbo engine, whether they were a petrol-head or not; and once they did, what they saw certainly did not disappoint either, with a deep blue paint job, gold alloys and raised rally bonnet detailing, the Clio Williams was easy on the eye, to say the least. The Williams also gave us this super cool paint/alloy colour combination before Subaru ever had the idea, and it did it with style.

This hot hatch sports a peak power of 147bhp, but with only a 990kg kerb weight, it’s nimble enough to tear away at an impressive 0-60mph in 7.8s and can accelerate all the way through to a top line of 130mph. The fun with the Williams doesn’t stop with its speed, as its independent suspension gives it the ability to stick to corners and handle with a tenacity its F1 team namesake would be proud of.

VW Golf VR6

The Golf VR6 in the 1990s was Volkswagens hot hatchback knight in shining armour. After the underwhelming release of the Mk III Golf, which was widely agreed to be a lacklustre effort in comparison with its predecessors, Volkswagen needed a fresh hot hatch to stake their claim.

The VR6 answered the call, with Volkswagen piling an impressive six-cylinder 2.8-litre engine into its modest frame, a decision which would have satisfied petrol-heads nationwide. This meant the VR6 could boast a whopping 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds. Despite this, the VR6 carried itself with an air of grace and refinement. A grown-up Golf GTI by all accounts. While this hot hatch might not be the most well-remembered, it certainly deserves to be, and we are happy to show it the love it might not have received in the day.

Peugeot 106 GTi

Peugeot was at the top of its game in the 90s, delivering to car enthusiasts of the day an impressive roster of hot hatches to enjoy, and for car enthusiasts of the present day to reminisce over and eulogise about. While the 205 GTi is the most widely remembered Peugeot offering of the time, the 106 GTi is its pocket rocket counterpart with a tiny frame but all the power to boot; this is a genuinely fun car.

The 106 GTi sported a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and peaked at a very respectable 120bhp. Sitting at a dainty kerb weight of 950kg, this car had a power-to-weight ratio that was not to be sniffed at. This meant it could achieve 60mph in a nippy 7.4 seconds, and with your foot pressed firmly to the carpet could achieve top speeds just shy of 130mph.

Nissan Sunny GTi-R

We know. The Nissan Sunny wasn’t a particularly exciting rendition of the 90s hatchback. This is why we could not be more grateful that Nissan realised this too, deciding to take it rallying and giving it a complete makeover of both the exterior and mechanicals in the process. The produce of this experiment was the Sunny GTi-R, the souped-up cousin that could leave the original Sunny in its dust and look like a work of art while it did it. Nissan’s short-lived stint in the WRC meant the Sunny GTi-R had a short-lived manufacturing run, limiting its numbers, but while the candle burned it certainly burned bright.

This entrance came with a 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder, capable of producing a staggering 227bhp. This lightning-fast car could whip through to 60mph from standstill in under 5.5 seconds, powering through with a brutal display of force until it topped out at 144mph; numbers that could give the boosted hot hatches of the present day a run for their money.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

This is a hot hatchback that needs no introduction. The Escort RS Cosworth became a rally icon in the 90s and an object of desire for hot hatch fans the world over. With its 30th birthday approaching next month, it’s only right we honour this special car. Based on its predecessor, the Sierra RS Cosworth, this model was a definitive edition in a long and sparkling history of both fast and impressive Fords. The Escort RS Cosworth leaves little to the imagination on what to expect from the driving experience with its extravagant rear wing and rally-style bodywork.

The numbers it produces certainly live up to the image it presents. Like the Nissan, the vehicle utilises a 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder to deliver 227bhp - frightening. The ‘Cossie’ could sprint up to 60mph in a mere 6.2 seconds, sticking the driver to their seat until it topped out at 137mph. This was a special vehicle and, in our opinion, a deserved winner of the number one hot hatch of the 90s.

There were so many special and defining hot hatches in the 90s – truly a golden era for motoring and motor enthusiasts. We would love to have any of these here at Jim Walton Penrith. We know we will have left off some deserving candidates, so please let us know below what you think we have missed, and which you would crown as your 90s hot hatch champion!