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Cape Town - Ford Focus RS, Peugeot 308 GTI, Honda Civic Type R... 2016 will see many hot hatches enter the South African market.
Hot hatches are popular for combining performance, practicality and desirability in a relatively affordable package.
We've listed some of the most anticipated hot hatches headed for Mzansi.
What will be racing into SA in 2016?
Honda's ultimate hatch, the Civic Type R, will finally make its local debut six years after the previous generation was launched in SA.
The big news? For the first time, Honda will use a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine capable of a claimed 228kW/400Nm.
Honda says its new Type R can reach 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 268km/h.
Customers can choose an all-new GT Pack to add, the automaker says, "enhanced styling, convenience, infotainment and safety technology enhancements".
The GT Pack adds signature red highlights to the front and rear splitters, parking sensors (front and rear), "dusk-sensing" headlights, rain-sensing auto wipers, power-fold side-mirrors and cruise control.
Sean Parker will drive the new Type R later in January 2016, look out for his impressions.
Focus RS: Following the launch of the new Mustang in 2015, Ford is set to expand its performance line-up with the arrival of its ultimate hatch - the Focus RS.
The Focus RS is capable of 257kW courtesy of its 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine that debuted with the new Ford Mustang.
Ford is showing car to the public for the first time at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, where YouTube gymkhana star Ken Block will tackle the famous hill-climb at the wheel of a pre-production model.
The RS will reach South Africa in the first half of 2016.
More new models for SA
New SUVs for SA: Fortuner, GLS, Kadjar
New bakkies for SA: Hilux, Navara, Fullback
Peugeot 308 GTI - The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is a hot hatch for a new generation of car users – those wanting a rocket ship that doubles as practical daily ride.
It may not be loud or brash in terms of styling but rivals shouldn't underestimate this French GTi’s potential on the track.
In 200kW form (known as the 270 variant overseas in reference to its horsepower rating) it boasts the highest power output in its class – 126kW/litre – and the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment – 4.46kg/hp.
The 184kW model, mated to a six-speed manual ’box (no auto or dual-clutch transmissions are being considered), doesn’t lag far behind, rocketing to 0-100km/h run in 6.2 seconds.
It's set to arrive late in 2016 or early 2017 (only in 200kW guise). And expect a price on the high side of R400k, depending on prevailing exchange rates.
Watch: Peugeot 308 GTi in action
VW Clubsport - The ubiquitous Golf GTI reaches the big 4-0 in 2016. To mark the occasion Volkswagen has built a 194kW version called the Clubsport.
The best part? The Clubsport features a boost function, temporarily increasing power to 213kW.
Volkswagen SA is hoping to introduce the model locally in 2016.
Mercede-AMG A45 - The Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic receives a facelift for 2016 with power increased from 265kW to 280kW/475Nm, making its entry-level AMG-badged A-Class, Mercedes says, "the world's most powerful compact sports model".
The A45 AMG reaches 100km/h in a mere 4.2 seconds (down 0.4 seconds from the previous A45) and its top speed remains electronically-limited to 250km/h. Also available is a new mechanically-locking differential.
The high-performance model should be available in the first quarter of 2016.
