Customer Car Flashback Series #5: Hot Hatches
Welcome to the latest edition of our Flashback Series, where we spotlight the best of the modified car scene. In this blog, we turn our attention to hot hatches: those compact, high-performance vehicles that have captivated car enthusiasts with their blend of power, agility, and everyday practicality. From classic legends to modern marvels, these hot hatches represent a diverse range of modifications and personal touches that make each car unique.
Join us as we explore the impressive modifications and stories behind these standout hot hatches, showcasing why they’re cherished by their owners and admired by car enthusiasts everywhere.
#1: Sean's Volkswagen Golf GTI
BHP: Estimated around 300
Litre: 2.0
Engine: Audi TFSI
Modifications:
- 2.0L TFSI Audi engine swap
- Upgraded intake system
- High-performance exhaust
- Enhanced fuel injectors
- Upgraded fuel pump
- Dump valve
- New suspension setup
- Custom wheels
A little bit about the car: This MK1 Golf GTI might appear to be a classic at first glance, but it’s far from ordinary under the hood. Sean has equipped his Golf with a powerful 2.0L TFSI Audi engine, accompanied by a range of high-performance parts. The modifications extend to an upgraded intake and exhaust system, improved fuel injectors and pump, and a dump valve, transforming it into a modern beast with classic appeal. Despite these enhancements, Sean has kept the overall look understated, opting for new suspension and wheels that perfectly complement the car’s timeless design.
What Sean loves most about the car: "I love how this Golf GTI combines classic charm with modern performance. It's a sleeper that surprises everyone who gets behind the wheel, and it still turns heads with its sleek, understated modifications."
Check out our specialist Volkswagen Golf GTI R32 Insurance here!
#2: Steve's 2017 Ford Fiesta ST200
BHP: 391
Litre: 1.6
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Garrett GTX2860T Turbo
- Garrett Intercooler
- AP Racing Big Brake Kit (BBK)
- KW V3 Coilovers
- Forged internals
- Uprated cams
- Bespoke side-exit exhaust
- Monkeywrench headlights
- Bespoke hubs
A little bit about the car: Steve’s 2017 Ford Fiesta ST200 is a remarkable example of how extensive modifications can elevate a hot hatch. Equipped with a Garrett GTX2860T Turbo and a Garrett intercooler, it produces an impressive 391bhp, with a torque of 382 lb/ft. The car features KW V3 coilovers and an AP Racing Big Brake Kit for top-tier handling and braking performance. Forged internals and uprated cams ensure reliability under high power, while the bespoke side-exit exhaust and Monkeywrench headlights add a unique touch. Despite these upgrades, Steve has managed to maintain an OEM factory finish, a feat celebrated with the front cover of Fast Ford magazine (March 2020).
What Steve loves most about the car: "The proudest achievement on the car is how we’ve managed to make it look like an OEM factory finish while achieving such high performance. It’s been a rewarding journey, and being featured on the front cover of Fast Ford was the icing on the cake."
Check out our specialist Modified Ford Fiesta ST200 insurance here!
#3: Sam's Volkswagen Golf MK7 R
BHP: 750
Litre: 2.0
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Built engine
- Full-frame big turbo
- Syvecs S7 standalone ECU
- Fuelling modifications
- Methanol injection
- Bilstein B16 Ride Control coilovers
- Brembo 8-pot Big Brake Kit with 370mm floating discs
- Michelin PS4S tyres
- Neuspeed RSe 102 wheels
- And many more…
A little bit about the car: Sam’s Volkswagen Golf MK7 R is a powerhouse, showcasing an impressive 750 hp and 933 Nm (688 lb-ft) of torque. The extensive list of modifications includes a built engine and a full-frame big turbo, which are crucial for achieving such high power. The Syvecs S7 standalone ECU provides advanced control and flexibility, with features like rolling boost and anti lag enhancing the driving experience. The Bilstein B16 Ride Control coilovers and Brembo 8-pot Big Brake Kit ensure top-notch handling and braking performance, while the Michelin PS4S tyres and Neuspeed RSe 102 wheels complete the setup.
What Sam loves most about the car: "The best thing about it has to be when the boost kicks in and sets your heart racing. I love the daily drivability with oodles of power on reserve. The Syvecs ECU offers exceptional control and flexibility, and rolling boost and antilag are incredibly fun features to use!"
See more of Sam's Volkswagen here!
Check out our specialist Volkswagen Golf R Insurance here!
#4: Sean's Ford Fiesta ST180
BHP: 267
Litre: 1.6
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- MaxD remap
- Multiple strut braces
- H&R springs
- Engine dress-up kit
- Full low-line kit
- Delta spoiler raiser
- MSRT grill
- Custom carbon fibre touches
- Short shifter
- Rear quarter wrap
- Custom steering wheel
- Polybushed components
- And a whole heap more!
A little bit about the car: Sean’s Ford Fiesta ST180 is a standout example of a well-tuned hot hatch, boasting 267bhp and 407 Nm of torque. It’s fitted with a Miller exhaust system and an ITG filter, while the R Sport turbo crossover and MaxD remap further enhance its performance. The car is equipped with multiple strut braces, H&R springs, and a full low-line kit to improve handling and aesthetics. Custom touches, such as a carbon fibre steering wheel and rear quarter wrap, add to its unique appearance. The extensive list of modifications also includes a Delta spoiler raiser, MSRT grill, and a short shifter.
What Sean loves most about the car: "This car is fun to drive regardless of the scenario it's in. Whether it's popping to the shops or out on the country B roads, it handles it all so well. Building this car over the last 3 years has taught me not only how to build a car right but also how to survive. It has been my tool to help battle both my physical and mental health issues and allowed me to come out the other side a stronger person. I love being able to look at it every morning and say thank you to it for making me survive every day."
See more of Sean's Fiesta here!
#5: Patrick's Volkswagen MK5 Golf GTI Edition 3
BHP: 330
Litre: 2.0
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Stage 2 remap
- Upgraded turbocharger
- High-performance intercooler
- Sports exhaust system
- Lowered suspension
- Upgraded brakes
- Custom 18" alloy wheels
A little bit about the car: Patrick’s MK5 Golf GTI Edition 3 is a prime example of how performance and style can be perfectly balanced. With a Stage 2 remap and an upgraded turbocharger, this GTI pushes out 330bhp, giving it impressive speed and responsiveness. The addition of a high-performance intercooler and sports exhaust system ensures it not only performs well but also sounds fantastic. Lowered suspension and upgraded brakes provide enhanced handling and safety, while custom 18" alloy wheels complete the aggressive look.
What Sean loves most about the car: "I love the fact that my Golf GTI Edition 3 combines great performance with everyday usability. It’s a car that can handle spirited driving on weekends but is also comfortable enough for daily commutes."
See more of Patrick's Volkswagen here!
Check out our specialist Volkswagen Golf GTI Insurance here!
#6: Matthew's Skoda Octavia VRS
BHP: 280
Litre: 1.8
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- K03s turbo
- Dump valve
- Front mount intercooler
- Tinted windows
- Upgraded audio system
- Mapped ECU
A little bit about the car: Matthew’s Skoda Octavia VRS is a well-loved project, delivering a punch with 280bhp thanks to a K03s turbo upgrade and a mapped ECU. The front mount intercooler and dump valve enhance its performance, while tinted windows and an upgraded audio system add to the car’s appeal. With its sporty modifications and refined tuning, this Octavia VRS stands out for its driving experience and distinctive noise.
What Sean loves most about the car: "It's my baby. I enjoy the noise it makes and the way it drives. My passion is cars."
Check out our specialist Skoda Octavia VRS Insurance here!
#7: Adam's Ford Fiesta ST 180 1.6
BHP: 300
Litre: 1.6
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Stage 3 Air Tech induction with crossover
- 3” Scorpion non-resonated exhaust with sports cat
- Pro Gen intercooler with large boost pipes
- XR47 hybrid turbo
- TRS custom Stage 3 map
- DFB dump valve
- Turbo actuator
- Iridium spark plugs
- Short shifter
- EBC discs and pads all around
- Braided brake lines
- EBC high-performance brake fluid
- Front and rear black lights (sprayed inside fronts)
- Team Dynamic alloys wrapped in Eagle F1 tyres
A little bit about the car: Adam’s Ford Fiesta ST 180 1.6 is a standout example of a well-tuned hot hatch. With a Stage 3 setup pushing approximately 300bhp, the car features a host of performance enhancements, including a hybrid turbo and custom mapping. The Scorpion exhaust and Pro Gen intercooler, combined with meticulous attention to detail and regular maintenance, ensure this Fiesta is not only powerful but also a joy to drive.
What Sean loves most about the car: "All around this car makes me smile on a daily basis. It’s an extremely fun car to drive, and I’m very proud of what I’ve done with it. I don’t treat this car as just a Fiesta ST; it gets a full detail every 6 months to a year, depending on whether I get it ceramic coated or waxed. Serviced every 6,000 miles, this car is my pride and joy and is very much loved and looked after. This is what the modified scene is all about."
#8: Stuart's Volkswagen MK7 Golf R
BHP: 411
Litre: 2.0
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Celtic Tuning Stage 2
- Racingline lowering springs
- Airtec intercooler and hard pipes
- Zaustworx resonator removal
- Milltek decat pipe
- EBC Black Diamond discs all around
- EBC Yellow Stuff pads all around
- P3 boost gauge
- Forge short shifter
- Maxton low line body kit
- Maxton spoiler extension
- Vibe audio amps and subwoofer
- BAF Motorsport K-brace
- RTS organic clutch
A little bit about the car: Stuart’s Volkswagen MK7 Golf R is a high-performance hot hatch that’s undergone significant modifications to enhance both its power and style. Running at 411 bhp thanks to a Stage 2 Celtic Tune, the car features a blend of performance upgrades, including a Milltek decat pipe and Racingline lowering springs. The addition of a Maxton body kit and Vibe audio system makes this Golf R not only a thrill to drive but also a head-turner.
What Sean loves most about the car: "I love everything about it, to be honest. It’s such a good car."
Read more about Stuart's Volkswagen over on our blog!
#9: Emily's Vauxhall Astra H VXR
BHP: 300
Litre: 2.0
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Modifications:
- Cobra exhaust system
- Airtec intercooler
- Courtenay ECU remap
- 18" Rota Grids
- Brembo 4-pot front brake callipers
- DNA rear lights
- Blue SMD conversion
- Blue seat belts
- Finned diffuser
A little bit about the car: Rachel’s Vauxhall Astra VXR is a standout hot hatch with a host of modifications that enhance both its performance and appearance. With a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 300bhp, it boasts a Cobra exhaust system, Airtec intercooler, and Brembo brake callipers for improved driving dynamics. The car’s unique styling features include DNA rear lights, a blue SMD conversion, and a finned diffuser.
What Emily loves most about the car: "I love the colour of my car, how it shines after I’ve detailed it, the sound from the exhaust, and the power! Actually, I love everything about my car. It holds sentimental value to me as well; it belonged to my boyfriend who passed away in a motorbike accident a few years ago. Over the last few years, I’ve enjoyed not only driving it but also modifying it and taking it to shows. It’s incredible to see the changes I’ve made and hear the positive feedback from those who knew me and my partner when he owned it."
Read more about Emily's Astra over on our blog!
Protect Your Modified Hot Hatch with Safely Insured
As you’ve seen in this blog, hot hatches are more than just cars; they’re a passion project for their owners. Whether you’ve customised your vehicle for enhanced performance or visual appeal, protecting your investment is crucial.
At Safely Insured, we offer specialist insurance schemes designed specifically for modified vehicles. Our tailored coverage ensures that your hot hatch is safeguarded against potential risks, allowing you to enjoy your driving experience with peace of mind.
From classic MK1 Golfs to modern Ford Fiestas, we understand the unique needs of hot hatch enthusiasts.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can provide comprehensive insurance coverage for your modified car.
Request a quote now and keep your hot hatch protected so you can focus on what you love most: driving!