I don't think that Top Gear came to any meaningful conclusions, so can we do any better?

 

What was the best 80s hot hatch in your opinion, and as an aside, which are still worth considering as a weekend car these days?

 

I bet the answer to both questions won't be "MG Metro".

Certainly one of the better looking ones. I have no meaningful opinion of my own, never having driven any of them!

Being born in 1980 and still being at primary school come 1990, i never really paid any attention but looking back now, i would definitely love to own a Golf GTi Mk1.

Or maybe even.....a late 70's rs2000.

OCD,

That isn't and never was a HATCHBACK!!!

I owned a Mk1Golf GTi with the later 1800cc engine. Then a Mk2 Backward step to big and Lordy the trend continues! I have also driven extensively a Mk 1 XR2 as already shown and a Peugeot 205 GTi. the Golf was always the best followed by the 205 and then the Ford. None of them were bad, they have all grown in size and power,but the rareness of the original golf has been lost.

I would have to say a Pug 205 1.6GTI or 1.9 without the emissions gear.

If it wasn't for the poor handling... the Astra GTE 16v with the XE and Coscast head would have been at the top for me. It was miles ahead of its time, and the engine was amazing! They're still quick cars today.

 

However, handling was rubbish, so I will concede to 205 GTi 1.9 !

OCD,

That isn't and never was a HATCHBACK!!!

Fair enuff but still a great 80s car. Thanks for your contribution anyway!!!!

 Plus 1 for the Astra GTE, super quick off the mark but handling was poor as mentioned.

My son had a 205 GTI 1.9  Cabriolet which he loved and I hated .

He also had Golf GTis which we were both keen on.

I would have to say a Pug 205 1.6GTI or 1.9 without the emissions gear.

I agree with this, as I love my French tat. Also, Visa and BX GTis, which are pretty rare nowadays.

 

R5 GT Turbos were also great, but rubbish through the corners. I had ~130bhp and remould tyres in a 106 Rallye that was easily a match for a 200+bhp R5 GTT round the old Snetterton. Absolutely battered me on the straights but I was twiddling my thumbs round the corners watching him try not to fall off.

 

PS. I know you, Bernie, from waving the flags at Woodbridge.

This is one not many people would think about, but they were a fun wee car back in the days....1981 Lotus talbot sunbeam.                  

The main contenders for me would be:

Ford XR2, Golf MK1 GTI, Astra GTE, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Alfa Romeo Alpha Sud, Pug 205 GTI, Talbot Sunbeam TI.

I drove XR2 (owned first generation 5 speed MK2),MK1 Golf, astra, Pug and Talbot.

Did love my XR2 but all the others were pretty good, just depended on what took your fancy. The Talbot gearbox was very loose and the stick had as much movement in neutral as it did in gear!

The Alphas seemed to always crash a lot and killed a few.

Being based in Germany from 1983-1987 managed to drive lots as most service guys bought hot hatches and coupés just because we could Mitsubishi starion was a big old beast along with the Manta GTE's etc.

Edited 3 February, 201412 yr by Defenderben

 

I've driven an Astra GTE and an XR3 and the above is by far and away my favourite.  Pug 205 GTi a very, very close second though I never had the pleasure of driving one. 

Plus the RS 1600i, XR3's and the classic Escort Turbo's all pretty crazy motors and very difficult to choose a clear winner.

Fiat Uno Turbo

 

I remember sitting in one while my Dad picked up his first new car, a C reg 1.0 Uno. Even it would crack 100mph.

 

Death traps obviously.

What about the version of the HF integrale 16V that was remapped by swiss nutters - that was sold in the '80s. I had the later HF Integrale Evo2 and that was lightning fast (260hp version). Trouble with these cars is that Lancia didn't seem to understand the role insulation plays in vehicle electrics.

I would have to say a Pug 205 1.6GTI or 1.9 without the emissions gear.

Have to agree the pug 1.9 gti was way ahead in its day.

This is one not many people would think about, but they were a fun wee car back in the days....1981 Lotus talbot sunbeam.                  

I had one of these Black and gold it was, Im sure ive got some pictures of it somewhere ill try and find them.

Hmmmm would go for Integrale or the Sunbeam but they were specialist cars.

I would go for a black or moss green big bumper mark 2 Golf GTI 16v with BBS cross spokes and black leather. The 205 was great bit would stick you into a hedge and was made of old fag packets. The Golf was built like a brick outhouse and i always remember Quentin Willson saying they need 100k just to be broken in!

Wonder if in 30years time we will all be looking back on the modern day hot hatches with auch fond memories...im not so sure

Id much rather have an older car than a modern one

This is one not many people would think about, but they were a fun wee car back in the days....1981 Lotus talbot sunbeam.                  

Now that I will agree with.

Vastly underrated car!!

Strada Abarth 130TC I had one