The idea of fitting a punchier powertrain, uprated hardware and racier styling add-ons started with the original Volkswagen Golf GTI back in 1976 – and manufacturers have been emulating the formula ever since. While the Golf GTI has, for 50 years now, blended performance and practicality pretty well, others skew too far one way or the other. Neither practical, nor that much fun; throw in the tiny 100-mile range and the Italian city car is a non-starter. Pick your hot hatchback carefully. We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.