It's been a long time since Volkswagen made the GTI badge fashionable. Since then, manufacturers have been releasing high-performance versions of their compact cars, improving upon the concept popularized by the German company with each new launch. Nowadays, with so many souped-up compacts on the market, it's hard to find the option that best suits each buyer. And since we're not always looking for the ultimate performance, let's take a look at the best sporty compacts under 300 hp that you can buy.
The Honda Civic Type R is absolutely insane, I agree, but with its 320 horsepower, it's gotten a bit much. The Audi S3 would be a good candidate for this list of five, but it also surpassed 300 horsepower a while ago. Let's not even talk about its bigger brother, or the Mercedes-AMG A45. And don't even mention the Ford Focus RS and its 350 hp, currently the best hot hatch.
Seat Leon Cupra (from 31.610 euros)
Once, again, and, yes, exactly, once more. The Seat Leon Cupra keeps popping up, like a neighbor you'd rather not greet. In this case, we're thrilled to encounter this fine product from the Spanish manufacturer, which is always a regular on lists of the best GTIs. It boasts a 2.0-liter engine with 300 horsepower. The crown jewel, the Leon Cupra R , has 310 horsepower, which is why it's not included on this list.
Peugeot 308 GTI (from 32.750 euros)
In the French brand, when we talk about GTIs, the Peugeot 205 GTI isn't the only noteworthy model. Currently, the company sells the Peugeot 308 GTI , a very interesting option for those looking for a sporty compact. The most powerful version boasts a 1.6 THP engine with 270 horsepower. It's not the most daring in terms of design, but it's certainly one of the best performers in everyday driving. Don't rule it out!
Volkswagen Golf GTI (from 34.485 euros)
When we talk about the Volkswagen Golf GTI, we're talking about one of the greatest examples of this trend. Its predecessors taught the world how to have fun with minimal effort on four wheels. After all this time, the latest interpretation of the concept arrives with the familiar 2.0 TSI engine producing 245 horsepower in the Performance version. A 230-horsepower variant is also available. Choosing it is like choosing black, red, and zero. A sure bet.
Hyundai i30 N (from 27.900 euros)
We're thrilled to welcome the Hyundai i30 N, one of the latest additions to this gang of mischievous little hot rods. This high-performance version of the South Korean car has surprised everyone lucky enough to get behind the wheel. It's a first strike from the N division that has hit the rest of the field where it hurts most. It boasts a 2.0-liter engine and 275 hp in its top-of-the-range version. I'm already crunching the numbers…
Renault Mégane RS (from 34.470 euros)
While the Seat Leon Cupra has experience in this type of competition, the Renault Mégane RS is no novice either. The French company returns with the popular sporty hatchback to bring order to a segment that's constantly evolving. In its latest version, it uses the 1.8-liter engine with 280 horsepower, the same unit found in the new Alpine A110 . However, thanks to its placement in the hatchback, it's significantly cheaper than the Alpine's return.