It’s noon, and I’m sitting in Jackson, Tennessee, a waypoint on Interstate 40 an hour east of Memphis. My husband calls and wants to know if I’ll be home in Indianapolis for dinner. I look at the Volkswagen GTI while knowing there are hours of challenging roads ahead.

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” I said. I threw my bags under the hatch, slid into the tartan-upholstered seats, and stomped the turbo-four onto the highway.

My V-Dub is the latest in a line that dates back to the original Rabbit-based GTI from1976 — the car that arguably launched the “hot hatch” segment. They’re practical rides with enough sporting pleasure to fill weekend back roads with revving engines, tight suspensions and crisp transmissions. The GTI is also affordable at $32,445.

While there once was an array of choices for enthusiasts, it’s waned precipitously since the 1990s.

“The decline in hot hatch popularity since the ‘90s can be attributed to several factors: Changing consumer preferences toward SUVs and many (automakers) deciding to exit the sedans and coupes market,” said Owen Peacock, general manager of Toyota Marketing.

It’s a long drive and I have plenty of time to ponder the state of hot hatches in America.

The Honda Civic Type R could have taught my V-Dub a few lessons since it broke the front-drive lap record time of 7 minutes 44.881 seconds on Germany’s treacherous Nürburgring. To accomplish that feat, it employed a 315 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, wing and adaptive suspension. All that for $45,895.

Who buys cars like this?

“It’s a very specific product purchase,” said Jonathon Rivers, the department lead for customer experience at American Honda Motor Co. “It’s somebody who knows every single detail about that car — need a track-capable vehicle, but something that’s also reliable and with extra usability. It’s an awesome blend of a visceral experience, but owners can switch drive modes and put things in the huge hatch.”

How has Honda addressed what these buyers really want?

“What makes the Type-R stand out is its heritage,” Rivers said. “It stands out because it is front-wheel-drive when many competitors use AWD. With dual axis front suspension technology, you can still put the power down and provide a very dynamic driving experience. It has a big wing on the back, scoop on the hood, but still looks very mature.”

If that seems intense, Honda also introduced a Civic Hybrid Hatchback for 2025 dishing 200 horsepower and 50/45-MPG city/highway. Hybrid hatches start at $30,495.

“It’s been great, Car of the Year — done very well from a customer perspective,” Rivers continued. “It brings us a lot of credibility with the Honda Prelude.”

Indeed, nostalgia bites harder for 2026 as Honda marks a new Prelude sport coupe that looks equal parts Porsche and Civic, employing the latter’s hybrid system and chassis from the Typer R. Combined system output including the 2.0-liter engine totals 200 horsepower. Leather-trimmed sport seats with houndstooth pattern, flat-bottom steering wheel and Bose audio encourage grand touring. Load the hatch and go.

Interstate 40 across Tennessee is not the Nürburgring, but it can feel like it when chicaning semis through sweeping hills and a fast crossing of the Tennessee River. Across hill and dale, the GTI is rock steady at triple digits with one hand on the wheel. The 2.0-liter turbo-four dances with 241 horsepower and available adaptive suspension.

If I was going to choose another whip, I’d consider the Toyota GR Corolla. This is not your nephew’s dorm shuttle! Developed by Toyota’s GAZOO Racing, the widened hatchback employs a 1.6-liter turbo-three engine dishing 300 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission (automatic optional) and all-wheel-drive. Deeply bolstered seats and a head-up display encourage track days. Prices start at $39,160.

“Our performance hatchbacks attract a passionate, diverse group,” Peacock said. “Typically, these buyers are driving enthusiasts who value a blend of everyday practicality and spirited performance. They tend to be younger professionals or enthusiasts who want a car that’s fun to drive — whether it’s for spirited canyon runs or just enjoying a dynamic daily driver.”

I strafe Nashville before pointing North. Passing through Bowling Green, Kentucky I spot the red spire of the National Corvette Museum. America’s dream car straddles the worlds of gas-burning Nirvana and the EV age with two hybrids. Which, makes me wonder about the future of hot hatches.

We get a hint with the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, boasting 641 horsepower, 221 miles range and 0-60 mph in 3.25 seconds. It sports out with a lowered suspension and sueded seats. You know you’re going to have fun when a car has a “drift optimizer” and “N Grin Boost” for optimum acceleration — all for $66,200.

Going further, Hyundai recently unveiled the Concept Three with compact three-door profile looking like a next-generation Veloster. It’s interior trades giant touchscreens for smaller screens around the steering wheel while integrating recycled wool and aluminum.

Looking 10 years into the future, how will this segment look?

“There are opportunities for a multitude of platforms and powertrains to co-exist,” Rivers said. “It’s up to customers. The reason you want a hot hatchback is because it’s fast and fun to drive. There’s always a way to evolve, like with automated shifting and sound technology, that take what made those cars great and bring it forward.”

As much as I’m enjoying my romp across the Ohio River, I can’t help but wonder how long VW’s party can last. No worries, as it showed its first all-electric GTI Concept that channels the original 1976 model’s DNA into a sleek two-box design with augmented reality head-up display. Digital instruments simulate gauges from classics.

“We keep these cars relevant by continuously refining their driving dynamics, powertrains and technology to meet modern expectations while preserving the core excitement that defines a hot hatch,” Peacock said. “Our focus remains on delivering engaging, driver-focused vehicles that offer a thrilling experience on every drive.”

I roll into the driveway at 5:30 and call my co-worker back in Jackson. She’s in disbelief. We don’t talk long; dinner’s waiting.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC