Unobtanium: Seven Hot Hatchbacks that Should Exist

I love the fact that there are some sporty, scrappy subcompacts on the North American market these days. The Fiat 500 Abarth, the Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Juke Nismo and the MINI Cooper S are all examples. However, here are a few that I wish existed. Most should be pretty feasible to offer by swapping an engine, stiffening up the suspension, offering a limited-slip diff, and adding some aero parts. Or we could just put it this way:

Dear automakers, please build these.

Love,

Andy

Mitsubishi Mirage EVO (pictured above)
Ok, I know the likelihood of this is nearly zero, but I had to throw it in. Take the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and throw in a tiny turbocharged engine, or perhaps the 2.0-liter engine from the Outlander Sport. You could go with the trademark EVO front end, offer it in AWD, and have a truly interesting Mitsubishi, just like in the days of yore (aka the 1980s and early 1990s). OK, so an EVO version of the newest Mirage is truly just a dream, maybe a Ralliart version with a few more ponies and some suspension goodies could actually happen.

Of course someone has already thought about a customized Mirage, and even rendered it. I found the image from a Thai site at AutoCarNano.com.

MAZDAZPEED2
We've seen the MAZDASPEED3, so a MAZADSPEED2 should fit right in. If this vehicle existed, it could be powered by a small turbocharged powerplant, or perhaps by the existing 2.0-liter SKYACTIVE engine found in other Mazda vehicles. It'd have a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip diff. Knowing how Mazda likes to formulate its lineup, I could see this making anywhere between 130 and 170 hp. This car would be a blast, thanks to its already very good chassis and driving dynamics. Mazda: Make it happen for 2015!

FYI, the car above was a SEMA vehicle from a few years ago that was showcased in the Mazda booth.

Chevrolet Spark RS
Take the tiny Chevrolet Spark and throw in the 1.4-turbo engine out of the Sonic. Boom: instant A-sement hot hatch. While the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo already makes 138 hp and 148 lbs/ft of torque and is fun to drive, a Spark with the same engine would be a damn riot. Add a stiff rear sway bar, lower it a few millimeters, liven up the steering ratio, and you've got a super-fun A-segment brawler. Chevy—are you listening?

The car above has been customized by German tuner, KBR Motorsports.

Mugen Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a world-class subcompact that can be a really fun vehicle to drive thanks to a great chassis, a outstanding five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes. So how about a little more power? I know what you're thinking: K24 swap, right? That would be awesome, but highly unlikely from the factory. However, maybe the 143 hp 1.8-liter out of the Civic would be OKed by Honda top brass to create a Mugen Fit for North America? Or perhaps a Fit Si? That 1.8 liter engine likely weighs less (correct me if I'm wrong Hondaphiles of the world). Of course, you'd lower it, put stickier tires on it, and have some great-looking bodywork. People have been asking for this one since the Fit appeared in the U.S. I'd love to see it.

The vehicle pictured above is actually 2014 Mugen Fit for the JDM market. No word as to what's under the hood, but it does feature the body work, LEDs, projector headlamps, and cool wheels that could really up the fun factor on the Fit.

Toyota Yaris XRS
Toyota does offer a sporty trim level for the Yaris, which is the SE package. While it offers bigger wheels, quicker steering, a more tuned suspension, and some different bumpers, it still has the 106 hp 1NZ-FE engine. The easiest fix to this would to put the 128 hp 1.8-liter engine from the Scion xD under the hood (this was the Yaris T-Sport in the last body style). Alternatively, perhaps the new Corolla's 132 hp 1.8-liter powerplant could be shoehorned in. Let's face it: The xD isn't getting any younger, but the Yaris was redesigned not too long ago. Let's add some more juice to the already lightweight Yaris, Toyota!

Above is the Toyota Vitz RS "G's" model. This does exist in Japan, but is powered by the same 1.5-liter the U.S. gets.

Fiat 500L Abarth

Here's another no-brainer for me. Take Fiat's 500L and tune the 1.4-liter turbo to Abarth specs to make one fast four-door Italian. 

I found this image via Google Images, but the watermark goes to AutosBlog.com.ar. Gotta give credit where it's due. Regardless, this little car needs to happen.

Nissan Versa Note NISMO
The latest subcompact from Nissan, the Versa Note, is very practical and offers a good value. And while most NISMO-equipped Nissans get small bumps in power along with other goodies, I'd love to see a Note powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke. Plus, it wouldn't look as polarizing as the strangely shaped crossover. Oh yes. This would be awesome.

The car pictured above is actually from Japanese tuner IMPUL, and gives you an idea of the Versa Note's potential. Now with 180 hp, this thing would really scoot.

Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed 3: A great combination of performance, practicality, and price

THE SHORT STORY

Pros: Turbo thrust; limited-slip differential; outstanding overall performance; bang-for-the-buck factor .... and it's even practical.

Cons: Smiling front end doesn't do it for me.

Overall: Great performance, driving dynamics, tech features, and practicality make this vehicle a standout.

The Mazda 3 has always been “a driver’s car”—especially the turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3— and the redesigned 2010 model aims to keep a good thing going. Speaking of the Mazdaspeed 3, it, along with the rest of the 3 lineup, has been redesigned for 2010. Go-fast goodies include a 16-valve DOHC, direct-injection 2.3-liter turbo four cylinder engine, sporty suspension tuning, unique interior bits, and more. The Mazdaspeed 3 (or the MS3, for short) is only available in hatchback form, which makes it one of the most practical performance-oriented vehicles available.

EXTERIOR STYLING: Racy looks, smiling fascia
The MS3’s exterior is an interesting look. As a whole, the vehicle looks racy with its ground effects, functional hood scoop, rear spoiler, 18” wheels/tires, and my car’s case, Velocity Red Mica paint (possibly one of my new favorite automotive colors). Then there’s the front fascia, which like most of Mazda’s lineup, looks like it’s perpetually smiling. Onlookers also suggested it looks like a whale’s baleen mouth or a happy carp. The car definitely looks different. However, for me, it’s more good than bad.

INTERIOR: Sporty, well thought out
Inside the MS3, you’re greeted by more raciness: Highly bolstered, supportive seats; aluminum racing-style pedals; a fat, chunky steering wheel, and well-designed ergonomics all add to the sporting feel. My test vehicle had a cool looing polka-dot fade interior pattern, which worked for me. The radio/climate screen and navigation display are located high up on the dashboard and set back. It’s different, and it works. The gauges are also legible and easy to read.

One of the best things about this car’s interior is its practicality. The cargo area is spacious, and the rear seats fold down to make for tons of storage. Whether it’s a trip to Costco or hauling a bunch of folding chairs for a party, the MS3 was up to each task I put it through. This blend of power and practicality is outstanding and lots of fun, too.

TECHNOLOGY: Abundant, easy to use
Whether you’re talking about the engine or the interior features, the MS3’s tech is abundant. Mechanically, you’ve got a turbo and intercooler, direct fuel injection, limited-slip differential, and all of the safety features out there. Interior wise, the MS3 has a great, easy-to-use Bluetooth system; a fantastic Bose stereo with aux/USB hookups; and a navigation system that works seamlessly (and information can be inputted with the steering wheel controls). Best of all, you don’t need an engineering degree to figure it out. Most of the functions are pretty straight forward.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN: Powerful performance
What makes the MS3 truly unique is its drivetrain. The direct-injection, turbocharged 2.3-liter four cylinder has lots of grunt at nearly all speeds. Mazda only offers the car with a six-speed manual transmission, and that it’s a good one with well-defined gates, and smooth, well-weighted shifter action. Clutch engagement is a on-or off, though and is kind of heavy for a four cylinder, but hey—this is a performance car—and when it grabs, it grabs hard.

DRIVING: Turbo thrust, torque steer, tons of fun
From the time you crank the engine on the MS3, you can tell this is going to be a fun car, and make no mistake, it is a fun car. Acceleration is very quick with published 0-60 times of about six seconds. Foot-to-the-floor acceleration means wheel spin throughout first and most of second gear with the traction control light flashing most of the time, not to mention inevitable and copious amounts of torque steer. When you floor it, you need to 1) hang on tightly and 2) be paying the utmost attention! The car was noticeably quiet … not too quiet, though.

Handling is at the top of its game thanks to a limited-slip differential, meaty 225/40/18 tires, and a sport-tuned suspension system. The MS3 loves the twisties. This car is grin-inducing, much like the car's front fascia. Maybe that's why it looks that way?

OVERALL: Great performance, practically, and price
This is one of the (if not the) best bangs-for-the-buck around. All this power, handling, tech, and styling lists at just $25,880 including destination. Base price is only $23,195 plus destination. That’s a great deal for the performance, the practicality, and the fun. This one’s a slam dunk for me.

Mazda has really created something great with the new Mazdaspeed 3. Just about anything you could want in a turbocharged hot hatch is there in spades. The only things that weren’t tops of the list: the front-end styling and the 18/25 fuel economy. But really: If you’re looking for stellar MPGs, you’re not going to opt for the MS3, anyway. If I were in the market for a fun, practical vehicle, the Mazdaspeed 3 would be at the top of my shopping list.