The hot hatch is a UK institution, with generations of pocket rockets that cram genuine sports car performance into a shopping trolley hatchback body.
Once a category of cars heavily resisting the shift to electrification, the electric age is now in full swing, and there is more than a handful of performance-focused battery-powered hatchbacks promising pace and agility in equal measure.
As you might expect, new hot hatch launches were few in number over the last 12 months. There were only three, and all of them were electric. The eligible cars this year were:
Our awards recognise both the best new models launched over the last 12 months and the best overall cars in each category – because newest doesn’t always mean best, as you can see below.
Best new hot hatch: Alpine A290
The Alpine A290 takes all that’s good about the Renault 5 (our Best Small Car Award winner last year) and dials everything up a couple of notches.
For many people, the A290 will be their first experience with the Alpine brand, so it was important for the company to get it right. And it’s more than done that. The A290 blends retro-futuristic style, sharp handling and a massive want factor that makes a Mini Cooper look rather old-hat.
While it’s not the best choice for those looking for ample cabin space or long battery range, the car’s sleek styling and driver entertainment make it one of the most desirable compact cars on sale right now.
Class champion, electric: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Winner of our Best Performance Car award in 2025, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N set a new benchmark for performance EVs when it arrived on UK roads last year. Staggering performance and superb handling, all while retaining the same practicality as a regular Ioniq 5.
Anyone who still says that EVs can’t be fun to drive needs to get behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 N.
Class champion, petrol/diesel: Toyota GR Yaris
While our Expert Rating Index doesn’t rank the Toyota GR Yaris well in the eco, running cost and warranty categories, it has an exceptional Media Rating score. Reviewers truly adore this petrol-powered three-door pocket rocket, which was originally designed for entry World Rally Championship.
The British motoring media have near-universal praise for the way the GR Yaris drives, with particular acclaim for its performance and handling. The key issue here is availability. While not technically retired, you can’t currently buy one from a Toyota dealership at the time of writing. Toyota now sells the car in small batches, which means newsletter sign-ups, higher price tags and long waiting lists.
The Car Expert Awards 2026 – all the category winners
