10 Best Sporty Hatchbacks for 2016

Sport hatchbacks come in all shapes and sizes. Although most of these fun-to-drive models popular the compact and subcompact segments, there are a few outliers that push up into the luxury, performance, and even the crossover space, giving buyers a wide selection of intriguing - and practical - hatchbacks to choose from. Whether you're looking to stretch your dollars as far as they can go at the entry-level, or seeking something a little quicker, more comfortable, and more stylish, there's a sport hatchback out there that speaks to your specific needs. Let's take a quick look at 10 of the best sporty hatchbacks available for 2016.

1. 2016 Ford Focus ST

The 2016 Ford Focus ST has made a strong name for itself after only a few short years on the American sporty hatchback scene. With a strong 252 horsepower on tap from its 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine (plus 272 lb-ft of torque), the Ford Focus ST provides lively performance in a straight line that is backed by a suspension system all too willing to tackle high-speed curves. Lightweight, aggressively-styled, and just as useful as the standard Focus (with almost 45 cubic feet of total storage space available inside its cargo area), the ST and its standard six-speed manual transmission proves that Europeans aren't the only automakers with a finger on the pulse of the hot hatch scene.

2. 2016 Nissan Juke NISMO RS

The 2016 Nissan Juke NISMO RS is marketed as a crossover, but squint and you'll see a sporty hatchback with a bit of a suspension lift. The Nissan Juke NISMO RS is turbocharged, like the Focus ST, but unlike its Ford rival it offers the wrinkle of available all-wheel drive. The NISMO RS model pumps up the boost on the hatchback's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to produce 215 horses and 210 lb-ft of torque for front-wheel drive models, and 211 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of twist for all-wheel drive editions. A six-speed manual can be had with front-wheel drive Jukes, but all-wheel drive makes the vehicle's optional continuously-variable automatic standard.

Photo by Nissan USA

3. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has for decades defined what buyers are looking for in a sporty hatchback, and the latest and most modern iteration offers a more refined and comfortable ride than many of its rivals. The Volkswagen Golf GTI sticks with the turbo four-banger formula that has been so successful in the segment, in this case squeezing as much as 220 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter motor. There's a choice between a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox to be had with the GTI, and the car also features the availability of an adaptive suspension system and a limited-slip differential.

4. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic RS

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic RS might not have the same muscle as some of the other sporty hatchbacks out there, but it's still a fun-to-drive option that won't break the bank. The Chevrolet Sonic RS comes standard with the car's 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine which means you get 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque to play with via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim adds disc brakes at each corner along with stiffer-than-stock suspension tuning, special 17-inch rims, and an aggressive body kit.

5. 2016 Mazda Mazda3

The 2016 Mazda Mazda3 provides one of the most balanced chassis on the market, and thanks to its lightweight character and responsive steering and suspension setup it manages to engage drivers despite the lack of a hot rod trim level. For maximum thrills be sure to select a version of the Mazda Mazda3 featuring its available 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, which can be relied on to produce 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is recommended for the Mazda3, but you can always replace it with a six-speed automatic if you'd prefer to let a computer handle the shifting duties for you.

Photo by Mazda USA

6. 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is an unusual hatchback design, what with its two doors on the passenger side and single door for the driver introducing an asymmetry not often found in automotive world. Once you move past its funky looks, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo promises a good time by way of its turbocharged, 201 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a unit that also generates 195 lb-ft of torque. There's a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox available on the Veloster Turbo's spec sheet, but we recommend sticking with its traditional six-speed manual transmission.

7. 2016 Mini Cooper S

The 2016 Mini Cooper S continues the British brand's tradition of turning up the wick on its subcompact hatchback in order to paste a smile on the face of driving enthusiasts. The Mini Cooper S comes with a dual exhaust system, upgraded wheels and tires, and sport seats to go with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque might not sound all that punchy, but given the light curb weight of the Cooper S and the availability of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, there's a lot of fun to be had from the left front seat of this Mini.

8. 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth

The 2016 FIAT 500 Abarth takes a page from Mini's book with the quickest version of the automaker's entry-level hatch. The Fiat 500 Abarth isn't quite as visually striking as the Mini, as its sleek Italian styling taps into a different type of retro vibe, but under the hood there's still turbocharged four-cylinder power to play with. The 500 Abarth's 1.4-liter unit provides 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of twist, shuttled to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission (although the latter shifts output to 157 horses and 183 lb-ft of torque).

9. 2016 Audi S7

The 2016 Audi S7 is a hatchback of a different color. A mid-size luxury car with a full-fledged performance playbook tucked under its unusual sloped-roof design, the Audi S7 turns the tables on the traditional concept of what a premium car should look like. Capable of exceptional acceleration thanks to its 450 horsepower, 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8, the car's standard all-wheel drive system perfectly manages its 406 lb-ft of torque, and its seven-speed automatic gearbox gives the car the ability to hit 60-mph from a standing start in just 4.5 seconds.

10. 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray proudly wears its sporty hatchback badge - after all, without that massive expansive of opening glass at the back, how else would it be able to store its removable carbon fiber roof panel? The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray seats two, lets you choose between a seven-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission, and features a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that offers up a generous 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque - numbers that are good enough to launch the Stingray to speeds of close to 190-mph.