Main Points to Note
- The Ford Focus RS emerged as a distinctive edition in the US market, with a robust 350 hp and a limited production of 1,000 units in 2018.
- The Fiesta ST, despite having lower horsepower, is viewed as an exceptional vehicle to operate and a key contestant among small cars.
- The Volvo C30 T5, furnished with a 227 hp engine, was acclaimed for its unique engine sound reminiscent of the Group B rally era.
Back in the day, small cars were often the gateway to high-performance driving for many youthful car enthusiasts, but unfortunately, that segment of small cars, known as hot hatches (or those powered by gasoline), is slowly vanishing from the global automotive scene. While numerous automakers had included spirited and fun-centric small cars in their series in past years, the available options have been steadily decreasing. Here are ten sought-after small cars that have vanished from the market over the last ten years. The original price of each model when new along with the current average price range in the used car market is outlined below.
The initial pricing of these models was extracted from the respective car manufacturers’ press releases, whereas the current values were obtained from Autotempest.
Autotempest
1 Ford Focus RS
Original Price: $36,995
Present Price Range: $25,000-$35,000
The only Ford Focus RS that managed to enter the US market was the MK3, available in the US from 2016 to 2018, and powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 350 hp. By the time production ended in 2018, the US market saw only 1,000 units of its final iteration sold, featuring various cosmetic and technological enhancements as a fitting farewell.
Performance issues were addressed, and the MK3 Focus RS might evolve into a classic in the years to come. The 2018 Focus RS was limited to aA selection of two hues (Race Red and Nitrous Blue) was available. Additionally, the RS2 bundle became standard, incorporating an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, navigation system, and seat inserts for enhanced grip. It also featured a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
2 Ford Focus ST
Beginning Price: $25,170
Current Price Range (Used): $11,000-$18,000
The initial rendition of the performance-focused Ford Focus ST did not reach the US market. On the contrary, the subsequent iteration was introduced in the US in 2013. Visually distinctive from the regular Focus variant, it boasted a more aggressive design with a prominent rear wing, revamped front bumper, enlarged air intakes and grille, and broader side sills. The vehicle was powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 252 hp. The Focus ST was available in the US only until 2018, with the fourth-generation model exclusively produced for the European market.
The Focus ST stirred contrasting opinions. Due to the substantial power channeled to the front wheels, it exhibited noticeable torque steer. Some enjoyed the challenge of controlling the car, mastering the right balance of power for seamless cornering, while others preferred the Golf GTI.
3 Ford Fiesta ST
Beginning Price: $22,015
Current Price Range (Used): $9,000-$15,000
The original rendition of the Fiesta ST that arrived in the US aligns with its debut during the sixth generation of the Fiesta, available between 2013 and 2017. Subsequent updates, alongside the introduction of the seventh-gen Fiesta, were not retailed in the US. The Fiesta ST was globally revealed as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, with its US debut occurring shortly after at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Equipped with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 180 hp, this model also featured an “overboost” function that temporarily boosted output to 197 hp. Notably, its distinct design elements like the redesigned front fascia, substantial rear spoiler, and rear diffuser set it apart from the standard Fiesta.
Despite having lower power compared to its competitors, the Fiesta ST proved to be an exceptional vehicle to handle. In a compilation of the greatest hot hatches ever produced, one cannot overlook the presence of this car on that list. Allow us to state boldly: The Fiesta ST outperformed both the Focus ST and Focus RS in various aspects.
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4 Abarth 500
Initial cost: $20,495
(Pre-owned) current price range: $10,000-$16,000
This Italian pocket rocket, designed as a performance variant of the Fiat 500, hit the market in 2009 and remained on sale until 2019 alongside its Fiat counterpart. Its 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivered power outputs ranging from 133 to 180 hp based on the version (a revised model debuted in 2016, and various special editions were launched throughout the years). Even though the Abarth 500 is no longer available, the brand lives on; an all-electric variant, named the Abarth 500e, was revealed two years ago, followed by the 600e last year. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether either model will be introduced to the American market.
5 Hyundai Veloster N
Initial cost: £32,500
(Pre-owned) current price range: $23,000-$29,000
The Veloster N, which was first launched in 2019, stands as the inaugural model produced by Hyundai’s high-performance N division for the North American market. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, outputting 275 hp; equipped with an electronically controlled suspension and electronic limited-slip differential, the Veloster N strikes a balance between enjoyment and precision.Its distinctive pale blue hue made it easily identifiable on the streets, and its user-friendly nature positioned it among the established contenders in the competitive hot-hatch realm, such as the Golf GTI and Civic Type R. Unfortunately, the Veloster N was discontinued in 2022, just a year after the standard version.
6 Mazdaspeed 3
Original Price: $24,200
Current (Used) Price: $8,000-$12,000
Mazdaspeed 3 is a high-performance variant of the five-door Mazda3 hatchback that entered the market in 2007. Three years later, a second generation debuted with various mechanical enhancements, including better brakes, larger tires, and adjusted gear ratios. Both iterations of the Mazdaspeed3 were driven by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder motor that delivered 263 hp and was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle also featured a standard limited-slip differential, though it struggled to combat torque steer. Additionally, a higher-tier GT model was available, boasting embroidered racing seats, Xenon headlights, a premium Bose audio system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Mazdaspeed 3 was eventually discontinued in 2013, with the final model year showcasing a few extra aesthetic updates, such as black mirrors and wheels.
7 Mini John Cooper Works GP
Original Price: $44,900
Current (Used) Price: $25,000-$32,000
John Cooper Works GP iteration of the iconic Mini hatchback was initially released as a limited edition, with only 3,000 units crafted. The model received a substantial performance boost, courtesy of its engine: the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, also found in the regular Mini, was tuned to generate 301 hp instead of the standard 228 hp. This engine was exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the manual option offered in the Cooper S was not available in the GP variant, indicating a focus on pure performance rather than driver engagement. Despite the higher cost compared to other Minis, the additional features and exclusivity of this limited-run vehicle justified the price tag. For enthusiasts who missed out on purchasing a GP during its initial release, there are hints of a possible new version in the near future.
8 Subaru Impreza WRX
Starting price: $26,565 when brand new
Current market value (pre-owned): $9,000-$16,000
The initial three iterations of the Subaru WRX were constructed on the Impreza platform and were in production from 1993 to 2015; later models of the WRX transitioned away from the Impreza moniker to establish themselves as an independent model. The first Impreza WRX variant introduced in the US market was during the second generation, making its debut for the 2002 model year. It was driven by a turbocharged rendition of the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engines that were situated at the pinnacle of the standard Impreza lineup. Despite at times being overshadowed by its high-achieving counterpart, the renowned WRX STI, it still holds a special place in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts globally.
9 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Starting price: $36,495 when brand new
Current market value (pre-owned): $18,000-$28,000
The WRX STI represented the most potent member of the Impreza WRX lineage. It made its entrance into the American market two years subsequent to the Impreza WRX, arriving in 2004. The WRX STI enhanced the turbocharged flat-four engine that powered the Impreza WRX, magnifying its power output; it also incorporated several mechanical enhancements, such as a high-performance suspension and transmission. An added feature included the option to manually adjust the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, providing a thrilling experience on off-road terrains. Due to the WRX STI’s significant presence in rally racing, it swiftly became an emblem in the realm of motoring enthusiasts, remaining one of the most easily identifiable models in the domain of motorsports.
10 Volvo C30 T5
Starting price: $25,500 when brand new
Current market value (pre-owned): $10,000-$17,000
The Volvo C30 was made available in the US market starting from the 2008 model year and was terminated in 2013. Although the C30 was offered worldwide with varying powertrain options, the American market received the variant equipped with the high-performance T5 engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain producing 227 hp. The modelthis motor alongside the Focus ST’s and Focus RS’s of the second era, both of which were not introduced in the USA.
A selection between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Geartronic (Volvo’s term for its paddle-shifting automatic transmission) rounded off the drivetrain. Several unique versions of the C30 T5 were unveiled in the US market, such as a Boston Red Sox-themed variant, a design-centric R-Design model, and a Polestar Performance edition infused with a touch of racing heritage. What set this vehicle apart was the sound produced by its motor. Enthusiasts familiar with the Group B rally era will immediately identify the reminiscent tones akin to the renowned Audi Quattro.
