Five compact hot SUVs to challenge the hot hatch throne

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have unquestionably defined the past decade of the automotive industry. They are not market leaders yet, but they are close; they have spread across manufacturers’ ranges and have gradually shed their adventurous characteristics in favour of a more road-focused approach, and now they even want to be sporty - welcome to… hot SUVs.

After hot hatches almost consigned coupés to oblivion, could hot SUVs now threaten the “throne” occupied by models such as the Renault Mégane R.S., Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R?

There is no shortage of contenders for that throne, so this week’s buying guide brings together five compact hot SUVs. They offer a higher driving position, yet deliver performance that owes little or nothing to their sportier, lower-slung “siblings”.

Volkswagen T-Roc R - from 50,858 euros

Unveiled in Geneva and built in Palmela, the T-Roc R is Volkswagen’s first hot SUV. Under the bonnet sits one of the key engines in this buying guide: the 2.0 TSI (EA888), which gives the Palmela-built SUV a total of 300 hp and 400 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through the 4Motion system and the familiar seven-speed DSG gearbox.

With these figures, the T-Roc R completes 0–100 km/h in just 4.8s and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

To match its sportier appearance and additional power, the T-Roc R receives bespoke tuning compared with the rest of the range, including ride height lowered by 20 mm and optional adaptive dampers.

A threat to the Golf R?

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman - from 51,700 euros

Recently introduced, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is, alongside the John Cooper Works Clubman, the most powerful model in MINI’s history, with the MINI John Cooper Works GP also set to join them.

The John Cooper Works Countryman achieves this with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 306 hp and 450 Nm. This output is delivered to all four wheels through the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, while a mechanical front differential is also fitted.

Able to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 5.1s and reach the “traditional” 250 km/h, the John Cooper Works Countryman also features a revised and strengthened chassis, a new braking system with larger discs, a new exhaust system and updated suspension.

CUPRA Ateca - from 55,652 euros

Do not be fooled by its resemblance to the SEAT Ateca. CUPRA’s first model, the CUPRA Ateca, earns its place among these hot SUVs on its own merits, combining a far more distinctive look with first-rate performance compared with its SEAT “sibling”.

Powering the CUPRA Ateca is the 2.0 TSI (EA888), developing 300 hp and 400 Nm - the same unit used by the T-Roc R. It is paired with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, while the 4Drive all-wheel-drive system puts the power onto the road. Together, these components allow it to reach 247 km/h and complete 0–100 km/h in only 5.2 s.

In dynamic terms, the CUPRA Ateca is equipped with adaptive suspension, known as Dynamic Chassis Control, larger front and rear brake discs measuring 340 mm and 310 mm respectively, plus a progressive steering system.

Audi SQ2 - from 59,410 euros

The third model in this buying guide to use the EA888 engine, the Audi SQ2 has the same 300 hp and 400 Nm found in its CUPRA Ateca and Volkswagen T-Roc R “cousins”. Here, the 2.0 TSI enables 0–100 km/h in just 4.8s and a top speed of 250 km/h.

Fitted with a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro system, the SQ2 features S sport suspension lowered by 20 mm, as well as braking upgrades with 340 mm discs at the front and 310 mm discs at the rear.

BMW X2 M35i - from 67,700 euros

If you want the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 306 hp and 450 Nm found in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, but are not a fan of the British brand’s model, its “cousin”, the BMW X2 M35i, is another option.

Equipped with M Performance’s first four-cylinder engine, the X2 M35i combines xDrive all-wheel drive with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox featuring Launch Control.

Capable of covering 0–100 km/h in only 4.9s and reaching 250 km/h, the X2 M35i also has the M Sport Differential, fitted to the front axle, in its “arsenal”.