Meet the finalists in the Hot Hatch category of the 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!

Now in its 4th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 3rd year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.

Read more about the finalists in the 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank here!

Best Hot Hatch in SA

The Hot Hatch category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success. Eligibility factors include a listed price below R700 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2018) to ensure that this doesn’t become a category dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.

Pillars of Success for this category include drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.

Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. The finalists are as follows:

BMW M140i 5-door sports auto

If you’re looking for rear-wheel-drive fun in a hot-hatch shape, the M140i is your only port of call. It’s not a range filler either, you get a straight-6 turbo engine under the bonnet and the short wheelbase makes it a feisty handler in the bends. It may not be as raucous to drive as some of the hot hatches in this category, but it does offer a more grown-up experience for performance aficionados.

View specification details for the BMW M140i 5-door sports auto

Do you own a BMW? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey!

Honda Civic Type R

The newest Honda Civic Type R blends hot hatch and sedan looks into one. It has been refined from the previous model in ways that have vastly improved its comfort and driving dynamics. Its exterior suggests something exceptionally wild, but all of the little winglets and vents are functional in either keeping the R stuck to the ground or cooling its components. The new Civic’s major drawcard is that it’s somehow brilliant on the track and suitably comfortable “when the red mist isn’t visible”.

View specification details for the Honda Civic Type R

Do you own a Honda? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey!

Renault Megane RS Lux

Some of the best hot hatches of the last decade have been crafted by Renault Sport. The newest Megane RS continues to deliver superb driving thrills and a massive fun factor. The new model comes with a few extra tricks up its sleeve, such as 4-wheel steering and, for the first time 4 doors. The Lux model, introduced in mid 2018, thrusts itself straight into competition with the Golf GTI.

View specification details for the Renault Megane RS Lux

Do you own a Renault? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey!

See last year's #CarsAwards winners here!