Best Hot Hatch? | The Car Podcast #77
About this episode
The hosts dive into a lively debate over the best hot hatch, with passionate arguments for classics like the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, the Lancia Delta Integrale HF Turbo, and the Renault 5 GT Turbo. They discuss what defines a true hot hatch, emphasizing the iconic 1980s era for its lightweight, raw driving experience. Personal stories and technical nuances bring these cars to life, highlighting their unique charm and driving thrills. The episode also touches on the evolution of hot hatches and the cultural impact of these spirited hatchbacks.
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(00:00) Intro
(00:06) Best Hot Hatch!
(19:08) 2 cars ten years apart you’d Tardis to be new
(34:05) Ride height
(42:28) Stickers on cars
(53:52) Predicting the outcome of car mag tests
(1:08:46) Car or F1 news as you wish
(1:18:00) 2CG
(1:23:31) Music
Welcome to Chris Harris on Cars. The platform where Chris Harris (of Top Gear & automotive journalist) explores the obsessive world of cars. From in-depth reviews and hilarious podcasts, to pushing a car to its limits and debates on the future of the automobile - Chris and his friends bring their unfiltered passion, expertise, and humour. Whether you're a die-hard petrolhead or just curious about our world, this is your go-to destination for everything on four wheels.
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Honda
"This is from Louis, who? K, Louis K, I think. Louis K, not Louis CK, not Louis K. And it is this, that when the Honda does the beep, beep, beep, beep thing..."
Honda is a company that makes cars and motorcycles. They are known for making vehicles that last a long time and are easy to use.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and efficient cars, motorcycles, and power equipment.
Morse code
"When you've not put the key in or you've got left the light on, it's standing beep, beep, beep, beep, that is the letter H in Morse code, that three strikes. Four dits."
Morse code is a way of sending messages using short and long sounds or flashes. In this case, the car makes beeping sounds that match the letter H in Morse code.
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of dots and dashes, historically used in telecommunication. Here, it is referenced to explain the pattern of beeps from a Honda vehicle.
Formula One
"a company at the moment that probably isn't enjoying Formula One, but that's for a later discussion."
Formula One is a type of car racing with very fast cars that race on tracks all around the world. It's the top level of car racing and very popular.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced race cars competing in a global series of Grand Prix events.
hot hatch
"So let's start off with what's the best hot hatch? I mean, how can you come up?"
A hot hatch is a small car with a sporty engine and good handling, but it still has a hatchback door in the back. It's fun to drive and useful for everyday trips.
A hot hatch is a high-performance version of a hatchback car, typically small, sporty, and practical. They are known for their fun driving dynamics and are popular among enthusiasts for their balance of performance and everyday usability.
Peugeot 205 GTI
"Of course, it's the Peugeot 205, GTI 1.9. For many reasons. A, it's the prettiest. Yes. It's the prettiest."
The Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 is a small sporty car from the 1980s that many people love because it is fun to drive and looks good. It is a famous example of a hot hatch.
The Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 is a classic hot hatch from the 1980s and early 1990s, praised for its sharp handling, lightweight design, and engaging driving experience. It is considered one of the most iconic and desirable hot hatches of its era.
Peugeot 205
"...are left of this discussion. Of course, it's the Peugeot 205, GTI 1.9. For many reasons. A, it's the prettiest..."
1.9
"even that alone is enough. But that rorty little 1.9. And, you know, those journalists that say all the 1.6 is sweeter, bollocks. It's all about the 1.9."
This means the size of the engine is 1.9 liters, which some people think sounds and drives better than smaller engines.
Refers to a 1.9-liter engine displacement, often praised for its balance of performance and character compared to smaller engines like 1.6 liters.
power steering
"Don't get the power steering. Make sure you get the one without the glass sunroof. I agree with that."
Power steering helps you turn the steering wheel more easily, so you don't have to use a lot of strength.
A system that helps drivers steer by augmenting the steering effort needed to turn the wheels, making it easier to maneuver the car.
glass sunroof
"Don't get the power steering. Make sure you get the one without the glass sunroof. I agree with that."
A glass sunroof is a window on the roof of the car that you can open to let in sunlight and fresh air.
A transparent or tinted panel in the roof of a car that can usually be opened or tilted to let in light and air.
Lancia Delta
"...there is only one answer. And it's that. It's the Delta Integrale HF EVO 2. It's not a hot hatch. Yeah, ..."
Formula 2000
"in Formula 2000 car. Someone chopped across him rather violently, took his wing off."
Formula 2000 is a kind of race car series where drivers race small, fast cars with open wheels. It's like a practice league before the biggest races like Formula 1.
Formula 2000 is a type of open-wheel, single-seater racing series that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach higher levels of motorsport like Formula 1. It features cars with 2.0-liter engines and is known for competitive racing.
wing
"Someone chopped across him rather violently, took his wing off."
The wing is like a special flap on the race car that pushes it down onto the road so it doesn't slide around when going fast.
A wing on a race car is an aerodynamic device designed to create downforce, improving grip and stability at high speeds. Wings are critical in open-wheel racing to keep the car planted on the track.
turbocharger
"And it's got things like, it's got a turbo charger. How does that not make it an even better hot hatch? Big Garrett. It's a big Garrett turbo charger as well. Big. Not too little high turbo charger."
A turbocharger is like a fan that pushes extra air into a car's engine to make it stronger and faster. It uses the car's own exhaust to work, helping the engine get more power.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into an engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses the intake air.
Garrett
"Big Garrett. It's a big Garrett turbo charger as well. Big. Not too little high turbo charger."
Garrett is a company that makes special parts called turbochargers that help cars go faster by pushing more air into the engine.
Garrett is a well-known manufacturer of turbochargers used in many performance and racing applications. Their turbos are recognized for quality and efficiency.
Dodge Charger
"...atch. And it's got things like, it's got a turbo charger. How does that not make it an even better hot hat..."
Volkswagen Golf Gti
"...hat was really, really interesting one. It was a Golf GTI Mk1 Otinger. Yes. Do you remember that? And I kn..."
3500S Rover 3500
"...Kent near where I grew up in Pluckley in my dad's Rover 3500 ST1. I got close to it and I saw this little bad..."
Citroen Ax
"...tection. No German car company could ever make a Citroen AX because they couldn't look themselves in the mir..."
5 Renault 5
"...e. I would go with the first one. I would go with Renault 5 GT Turbo, Phase 2. Okay, that's interesting. So ..."
Alpine A106
"two things, very lightweight. And that can only really happen in the 80s. By the time the 90s came, they were already getting heavy. You drive a 106 access to i after an AXGT. It's like getting into an S class. It's so heavy. So it has to be from the 80s. And it was quite tribal, wasn't it?"
alloys
"I would say now, at this stage in life, I'd have a 1.6 with 1.9 alloys because they look nicer."
Alloys are special metal wheels that look nicer and can help the car drive better because they're lighter than regular wheels.
Alloys refer to alloy wheels, which are wheels made from a mixture of metals, typically aluminum or magnesium. They are lighter and often more attractive than steel wheels, improving vehicle handling and aesthetics.
warranty claim
"I did that on this podcast that when Peugeot had a warranty claim, because a batch of leather wasn't cured properly."
A warranty claim means you ask the car company to fix something that broke because it was their fault and still covered by their promise to fix problems.
A warranty claim is a request made by a vehicle owner to the manufacturer or dealer to repair or replace a defective part under the terms of the vehicle's warranty. It protects buyers from manufacturing defects for a certain period.
Ford Focus Rs
""I was the second person ever on the planet to crash a Ford Focus RS. I saw that. Was it in the comments somewhere?""
The Ford Focus RS is a special fast car made by Ford. It has extra power and better handling to make driving more fun and exciting.
The Ford Focus RS is a high-performance version of the Ford Focus, known for its sporty handling, all-wheel drive, and turbocharged engine. It is popular among enthusiasts for its dynamic driving experience.
Lommel test track
""Was this a lommel? Was it a lommel? A lommel test track has this, I digress, but this incredible runoff material...""
The Lommel test track is a special place where car makers test their cars to see how well they drive and handle different road types.
The Lommel test track is a famous automotive proving ground in Belgium used by manufacturers like Ford to test vehicle dynamics and durability. It features various surfaces and corners to simulate real-world driving conditions.
16 valve engine
"...I remember driving one of the very first Clio 16 valves when I had only recently not had my five GT turbo..."
A 16 valve engine is a type of car engine that has more valves to let air and fuel in and out, which helps the car run better and faster.
A 16 valve engine refers to an internal combustion engine with 16 valves total, typically 4 valves per cylinder in a 4-cylinder engine. This design improves airflow and efficiency, resulting in better performance compared to engines with fewer valves.
Vauxhall Astra Gte
"... Ford versus Vauxhall, hot hatch in the 80s, XR3, Astra GTE, what would you pick? Mr. H? Vauxhall. But for m..."
Opel Astra
"... Ford versus Vauxhall, hot hatch in the 80s, XR3, Astra GTE, what would you pick? Mr. H? Vauxhall. But f..."
top speed
"it was just, it changed everything. Do you remember the top speed and adverts of the Astra GTE 16 valve?"
Top speed means how fast a car can go at its fastest. People often talk about this to show how powerful or quick a car is.
Top speed refers to the highest speed a vehicle can achieve under optimal conditions. It is often used in marketing and performance discussions to highlight a car's capabilities.
Lotus Carlton
"...that car was introduced. And not unlike the Lotus Carlton issue, there was some, there was almost some pol..."
Vauxhall Calibra
"I had a soft spot for Vauxhall in the late 80s, early 90s. The Calibra, there was a great looking car."
The Vauxhall Calibra is a two-door car from the late 80s and early 90s that looks sporty and cool. People liked it because it was sleek and fun to drive.
The Vauxhall Calibra was a stylish coupe produced by Vauxhall in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its aerodynamic design and sporty appeal.
Ford Escort XR3
"The XR3 passed me by a little bit. I got a little bit of a semi on the RS 1600i."
The Ford XR3 is a fun and sporty small car from the 1980s that many people liked because it was fast and looked good.
The Ford XR3 was a sporty hatchback variant of the Ford Escort, popular in the 1980s for its affordable performance and style.
Volkswagen Bora
"...ext time. Manage you can go first. 1971. Maserati Bora. If I could bring a brand new Bora into the worl..."
Porsche 944
"...1, I think, to 78. This little baby, the Porsche 944. I think it's 81, but it might be 82. So I may be..."
Ferrari F40
"second car to come from 87 because it's a Ferrari F40. It's the greatest. I've had a week around very well-resourced people who've got lots of lovely cars. And there's a lot of really interesting chats come out because you can just pretend that you're one of them when you're not. I'm not one of them. But they're very knowledgeable people. They always say to me, you've driven them all. Which ones are the best? And they probably will meet each other later on and go, there it is. I know. They probably meet each other later on. I love the fact that our podcasts can pan right to the F40 that's always in the background. But we do talk around this and maybe I give too many different answers and they all talk to each other and go, he told me this, he told me that, he didn't tell me that. But the reality is it's an F40. It's just the one, the look, the drive, the story, where it comes in the company's history. It was, you know,"
The Ferrari F40 is a very fast and special sports car made by Ferrari in the late 1980s. People love it because it feels very exciting to drive and is one of the most famous cars Ferrari ever made.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992. It was built to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary and is renowned for its raw driving experience, lightweight construction, and twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
TARDIS
""a TARDIS. TARDIS is pretty special. You don't want to waste it. So you kind of go, what's the oldest, newest thing that I'd really like that would mean a lot to me?""
The TARDIS is a pretend time machine from a TV show that can travel through time and space. People sometimes use the word to talk about things that feel like they can take you back in time or have special meaning.
TARDIS stands for 'Time And Relative Dimension In Space' and is a fictional time machine and spacecraft from the British TV series Doctor Who. It is often referenced metaphorically to describe something that can transcend time or space, such as a car that feels timeless or can transport you through memories.
Porsche 911
"... my favourite hope you can. So you get back to 993911. You probably do. Which was my first 911 when I ..."
Porsche 928
"...o drive, and I got two goes and I cheated was the 928 GTS manual. Mega car. I think here's controversi..."
Citroen Cx
"...I guess, as a child, as a young man sitting in a Citroen CX and seeing the back just lift at the flick of a s..."
ride height
"Neil Clifford, ride height, what does that mean to you? That's all a lot of bollocks. I don't understand it. I'm not interested in it. What are we talking about? Just how hard the car is? No, in other words, stance. What do you mean? What do you think it means? That's why it seems in question. Well, look, you just, you just, you have a standard. We're not engineers. You just, you go with what the car, the man that designed the car, whatever the car is, that's the ride height, isn't it?"
Ride height is how high a car sits off the ground. It changes how the car feels when you drive it and how it looks.
Ride height refers to the distance between the base of a vehicle's chassis and the ground. It affects handling, aerodynamics, and comfort, and is often set by the manufacturer to balance these factors.
stance
"No, in other words, stance. What do you mean? What do you think it means? That's why it seems in question."
Stance is how a car looks when it sits on the ground, like if it's low or high and how the wheels fit under the car.
Stance refers to the way a car sits, including its ride height, wheel fitment, and suspension setup, often influencing the car's appearance and handling characteristics.
BMW E39 M5
"I've got an E39M5 I just bought, and it's got adjustable, adjustable spring plates on it. If you take, like, 10 mil out of the ride height when you feel the E39M5, it goes from looking cool to mega cool."
The BMW E39 M5 is a sporty version of a mid-sized car made by BMW around 1998 to 2003. It has a powerful engine and is loved by car fans for being fun to drive.
The BMW E39 M5 is the high-performance version of the 5 Series produced from 1998 to 2003. It is well-regarded for its naturally aspirated V8 engine and balanced chassis, making it a classic enthusiast car.
Alpine A110
"...uch more about the purpose of the car. An Alpine A110, which I love, and Neil loves, and Chris, you lov..."
Ford Capri
"...y hand with a Rolls Royce or, you know, in an old Capri or, you know, just that single thin line that ch..."
Porsche Rs Carrera
"...about a personal love of a car. I love the old 73 RS Carrera sticker. You know, it was a, it was a."
Nürburgring
"The first time you went to the ring on a track day, on a wheel talk track day."
The Nürburgring is a famous race track in Germany where people take cars to drive fast and test them.
The Nürburgring, often called 'the Ring', is a famous motorsports complex in Germany known for its challenging Nordschleife track used for testing and racing.
Jaguar
"because it was a Jaguar, and it looked cool,"
Jaguar is a company that makes fancy and fast cars from Britain. People like them because they look cool and drive well.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for producing stylish and performance-oriented vehicles with a rich heritage.
Subaru 360
"...the reckoning. And like the last three, and it's 360s to Dali and GT3 and fucking NSX or whatever, and..."
car of the year
"when that Toyota GR86 won car of the year or track car of the year,"
Car of the Year is a prize given to the best new car each year. It means that many people think this car is really good.
Car of the Year is an award given annually by various automotive publications or organizations to recognize the best new car based on criteria like performance, innovation, and value.
track car
"when that Toyota GR86 won car of the year or track car of the year,"
A track car is a car made to be driven fast on race tracks. It usually has special parts to help it go around corners better and stop quickly.
A track car is a vehicle designed or modified primarily for use on race tracks, focusing on performance aspects such as handling, braking, and acceleration.
Maserati Mc20
"fuck me, it's not the GT3. It's very, and I think the Maserati MC 20 won it, didn't it, two or three years ago. That was also a bit of a surprise."
0-100 time
""...the bare minimum was a 60 and 100 because I always wanted to know that the 100 times tells you how fast the car is...""
0-100 time means how fast a car can go from stopped to 100 miles per hour. It shows how quickly the car can speed up to higher speeds.
The 0-100 time measures how many seconds it takes a car to accelerate from a standstill to 100 miles per hour. This metric helps indicate the car's performance at higher speeds beyond the initial acceleration.
Mclaren F1
"...o excited, like those seminal magazines like the McLaren F1 road test in auto car, which I only got to read ..."
F1
""Right, let's do, I want to do a bit of F1. Manage, can you give us an update on what's going on?""
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of very fast car racing that happens all over the world. The cars are specially made for racing and the sport is very popular.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest circuit-racing cars and is known for its advanced technology and global fanbase.
Ferrari 365
"...lassic. My favorite, as always, is the beautiful Ferrari 365 manual, wonderful car. Finley's going to put the..."
Ferrari Testarossa
"I think that means Mr. Cooper. Ferrari Testarossa in the auction, because Mr. Cooper is the most di..."
Aston Vantage V8
"...oody thing. And of course, then the Aston Martin Vantage V8 convertible. He's followed the rules explicitly,..."
Aston Martin DB5
"...y go Aston. Coupe, James Bond star, not DB6, not DB5. They're all a bit rubbish apart from looking at..."
Peugeot 505S
"...rlier, I spent most of this recording looking at Peugeot 505s on car and classic. Yeah."
Lancia Stratos
"...find yourself some Sandro footage. I go probably Stratos was his peak era, but he was bloody good and a v..."
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