Hot hatchbacks are something that have always been popular with car enthusiasts. We love the cheap thrill. We also love the dramatic way they deliver power without being too terrifying. And most importantly we love having the practicality of space, fuel efficiency and performance all in one package. Over the last decade we have seen the biggest shift in car trends. Hot hatchbacks are moving away from manual gearboxes and front-wheel-drive. They’re getting heavier and are astronomically expensive.

Take a look at the hot hatchbacks that are currently for sale in South Africa. Our options have dwindled and I fear it has gotten to the point where we’re past the point of no return. Ford have recently announced that the Fiesta will cease production. They didn’t even bring the ST version. A beloved car that has a cult following in this country. If you want an old school entry-level hot hatchback, you probably have to settle for something like the current VW Polo GTI, or the Fiat Abarth 500. Two problems here: the Polo doesn’t come with a manual gearbox and the Abarth is too impractical. Both are going for prices that eclipse the R500,000 price point. These days, that’s not too bad, but it’s still out of reach for the average young person who is looking to get their first new hot hatchback.

Step it up to the next level and your options consist of a Mini Cooper S, a BMW 128ti and the mk8 VW Golf GTI. it’s of concern because all of them are now automatics. Beyond that tier you reach a new realm of the premium four-wheel-driven hyper-hatchbacks. Things like the AMG A45S, the Golf R or the Audi RS3. There is one car that straddles both worlds. It has four-wheel-drive and a manual gearbox. The Toyota GR Yaris. That too is out of reach for the young buyer.

The only way to go about this is to find a nice used example that has been looked after and won’t be too damaging to the pockets. It’s a shame that the world has started moving on from the hot hatchback. They’re loads of fun and have a personality that’s easy to fall in love with. If you’re able to get your hands on one, for the love of everything that’s good in this world, do it! And make sure you enjoy every bit of it.