There are just a lot of cars to buy if you consider a budget of $30,000. You can buy sedans, coupes, SUVs, and hatchbacks. In this article, we are going to talk about hatchbacks, not just any but performance hatchbacks. You read it right, this price sector is already filled with performance sports cars. Nobody is talking about the sizzling hot hatches which seems a lot “meh” but carries a heck of a lot of fun with them. From their sleek compact design to their punchy engine performance, these hatches are more than just fun to drive. As the $30k price bracket is very thin, there aren’t many performances specced versions out. Here are the top performance hatchbacks you can buy for under $30,000.
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8. Mazda 3
The 2022 Mazda 3 hatch is one of the best options if one is looking for a beautiful-looking car. It car provides a great driving experience with its optional AWD-powered turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which produces 186 hp. The Mazda 3 fits into the category of a mid-range car that delivers great performance with its impressive body design.
7. Honda Civic Hatchback
The 2022 Honda Civic is arguably one of the most anticipated cars of this year. With its huge fan base, the Civic is quite popular among car enthusiasts. The Civic Hatchback is one of the best cars to have basically for any kind of people. No matter if you are a student or a hardcore enthusiast, the company has the Civic for every kind of person. The Civic features a turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 180 horsepower. The Civic, with its updated new design has corrected many left-out things from the last-gen model to appeal to more people.
6. Hyundai Veloster R-Spec
The Hyundai Veloster N is the best car that justifies its price. You can go for the Veloster R-Spec which comes under $24,000 but if you have more budget you should go for the N-line. The Veloster N-line features the updated front fascia with a rear wing to make it meaner. It packs a powerful four-cylinder engine that produces 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R-Spec model makes sense but the N-line model is much more thrilling and capable to blow your mind.
5. Mini Cooper S Clubman
The 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman is a powerful and fun-to-drive British hatchback that carries a body style of a station wagon. The Clubman sports a good 189 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with frontend all-wheel drive. The AWD is the variant to go for which provides more agility and more performance. The Clubman finds itself between the Countryman and the Cooper hatchback providing good power and ample cargo space with its station wagon body style.
4. Ford Focus ST
No matter how much you love the Mini Cooper, this pocket Ford car can leave the Mini to dust. The Ford Focus ST is a monster in a body of a hatchback that could shake up your nerves to full. The Focus ST comes with a capable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower. The Focus ST comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission which the enthusiasts would love. The Ford Focus ST is one of the most loved American hot hatches that you can still buy.
3. Hyundai i20N
The 2022 Hyundai i20N is the most powerful i20 car they make right now. The i20N is just the right car to rival the german hot hatches. The i20N comes in the body of a hatchback with the performance of the company’s N line trims. The Hyundai i20N comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that makes 201 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
2. VW Golf GTi
Since its introduction in 1976, the Volkswagen Golf has been the golden standard and a trendsetter for the hot hatches in the market. Golf is currently in its 8th generation thanks to its huge popularity across the globe. With its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the Golf GTI makes 240 hp with front-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Golf GTI can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and canachieve a top speed of 155 mph.
1. Toyota GR Corolla
The upcoming 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is one of the most awaited hot hatches among the gearheads. It will be made under Toyota’s performance division which is Gazoo Racing (GR) which is known for some of the most thrilling cars in the industry. The GR Corolla is expected to come with a powerful turbocharged three-cylinder engine that will produce 300 horsepower. The GR Corolla is still some months away from hitting the market, but it is expected to come under $30k. Judging by the hype and the previous generation models, the GR Corolla is one of the top performance hatchbacks one could have.