You may or may not be familiar with the term 'hot hatchback'. If you are, do you know what really makes a hatchback 'hot'?Well, wonder no more! We've put together the ultimate comprehensive hot hatchback buying guide, including a full rundown on the best hot hatchbacks on the market, both new and used. What is a hot hatchback? What happens when you take the spirit of a muscle car, and inject it into the familiar frame of a cost effective, reliable and driver friendly hatchback?The term 'hot hatchback' emerged in the UK in around 1983, quickly being shortened to the much trendier 'hot hatch'. Generally regarded as higher-end performance version of the more common hatchback, hot hatchbacks come with power built in, making them a firm favourite with thrill seeking drivers.Hot hatchbacks expertly balance cost, performance, style and functionality and pack a whole lot of passion into their relatively compact designs. Are sporty hatchbacks and hot hatchbacks the same? The short answer is - yes! Many of the hatchbacks you would consider 'sporty' also fit under the same umbrella as hot hatchbacks, with both featuring high performance engines, sporty designs and features that give them a competitive edge on your average hatchback. 5 reasons to buy a hot hatchback They come with great features, even in their most basic formThey're very practical, and have plenty of interior spaceThey are ridiculously fun to driveThey're the perfect mix of style and substanceThere's a massive range of styles, designs and features to suit every driver - from boy racers to flourishing families What to look for when buying a hot hatchback When shopping for a new hot hatchback, there are a few things you should take into consideration:Fuel efficiency - hot hatches are on the smaller end of the car size spectrum, but that doesn't automatically mean they all come with great fuel economy. Some of the more powerful models may take a hit when it comes to miles per gallon (mpg).A fun, comfortable drive - Hot hatchbacks have a very different feel to them than their standard counterparts. Some have stiffer suspensions and as such, can change how the ride feels. It's always useful to take into consideration they type of roads you tend to drive on, and if you prefer a softer or stiffer drive.Interior space - Are you a sporting enthusiast who needs room for sizeable equipment, or perhaps you have a growing family and could use the boot space, or maybe you're a single professional who values style over practicality. Whatever your needs, each hot hatchback varies when it comes to interior space, so check that it fits with your needs. Best used hot hatchbacks on the market currently Hot hatchbacks are as popular now as they've ever been, and the range of used models currently up for grabs echoes that. Here are some of our top picks for the best used hot hatchbacks on the market:Ford Fiesta STPower: 200hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.5 secondsVolkswagen Golf GTIPower: 300hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.9 secondsHonda Civic Type RPower: 320hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.8 seconds BMW M135iPower: 319hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.1 secondsAudi S3Power: 366hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.8 seconds Affordable hot hatchbacks While some of the more advanced hot hatchbacks can carry with them a heftier price tag, there are plenty of models that are kinder to your bank balance, without scrimping on performance and practicality. Here are just a few of our favourites:Ford Fiesta STAverage price new: £18,765Average price used: £12,500Economy: 47.9mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.5 seconds?Renault Sport MeganeAverage price new: £23,735Average price used: £7,150Economy: 34.0mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 9.2 seconds Peugeot 308 GTiAverage price new: £28,025Average price used: £13,000Economy: 47.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.0 secondsToyota GR YarisAverage price new: £29,995Average price used: £14,995Economy: 34.3mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.5 seconds Best 4-wheel drive hot hatchbacks Those looking for that extra injection of power and stability can opt for a 4-wheel hot hatchback option, giving you the best driving experience on any road and in any weather condition. Here are a few of our favourites:Toyota GR YarisAverage price new: £29,995Average price used: £14,995Economy: 34.3mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.5 secondsSkoda Octavia vRSAverage price new: £30,290Average price used: £19,500Economy: 49.6mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.7 secondsVolkswagen Golf RAverage price new: £39,270Average price used: £24,150Economy: 32.8mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.7 seconds Best 5 door hot hatchbacks Giving you extra levels of accessibility, 5 door hot hatchbacks are ideal for larger families, pet owners, or designated drivers who could use an extra entrance/exit route for their buddies. Here are some of our picks:Suzuki Swift SportAverage price new: £21,146Average price used: £13,999Economy: 44.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 8.7 secondsAudi RS3 SportbackAverage price new: £50,900Average price used: £35,000Economy: 33.2mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.1 seconds Fastest hot hatchbacks If speed is your priority, these hot hatchbacks come out on top:Renault Megane RS Trophy-RAverage price new: £49,885Average price used: £38,990Economy: 35mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.2 seconds?Honda Civic Type RAverage price new: £34,415Average price used: £8,600Economy: 35.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.8 secondsVolkswagen Golf GTI (Mk7)Average price new: £31,020Average price used: £18.325Economy: 37.7mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.9 seconds Best diesel hot hatchbacks Seat Leon CupraAverage price new: £32,250Average price used: £18,645Economy: 31.9Acceleration: 0-62mph 4.9 secondsVolkswagen Golf GTI (Mk7)Average price new: £31,020Average price used: £18.325Economy: 37.7mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.9 secondsPeugeot 308 GTiAverage price new: £28,025Average price used: £13,000Economy: 47.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.0 seconds Most reliable hot hatchbacks Honda Civic Type RAverage price new: £34,415Average price used: £8,600Economy: 35.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.8 secondsHyundai i30 NAverage price new: £28,000Average price used: £10,336Economy: 34.9mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.1 secondsToyota GR YarisAverage price new: £29,995Average price used: £14,995Economy: 34.3mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.5 seconds More advice on Hatchbacks Best Used Hatchbacks Hatchback cars provide an all-round excellent option for those looking for style, space, safety and economy ... Hatchbacks - Your Questions Answered With an ever-growing car market, choosing the right car for you can be hard! Cars now come in every shape ... Small Hatchbacks The Complete Guide There's a good reason why you're likely to come across the word 'hatchback' when looking for a new car ... BMW M135iPower: 319hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.1 secondsAudi S3Power: 366hpAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.8 secondsFord Fiesta STAverage price new: £18,765Average price used: £12,500Economy: 47.9mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.5 seconds?Renault Sport MeganeAverage price new: £23,735Average price used: £7,150Economy: 34.0mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 9.2 secondsPeugeot 308 GTiAverage price new: £28,025Average price used: £13,000Economy: 47.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 6.0 secondsToyota GR YarisAverage price new: £29,995Average price used: £14,995Economy: 34.3mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 5.5 secondsSuzuki Swift SportAverage price new: £21,146Average price used: £13,999Economy: 44.1mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 8.7 secondsAudi RS3 SportbackAverage price new: £50,900Average price used: £35,000Economy: 33.2mpgAcceleration: 0-62mph 4.1 seconds