8 CHEAP Hatchbacks That Don’t Suck!

[@tylerw782]

The mazdaspeed 3 is sooo underrated. I am buying one next year and have a lot of build ideas.

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Good luck!

[@tylerw782]

@@IdealMediaChannel Thanks!

[@costintudor4088]

And reliable!

[@take1835]

I hope to buy a 3 for my first car, its looks dope

[@tylerw782]

@@take1835 Do it! I have a 2010 mazda3 2.5L manual, as my first car, love the thing, have had 0 problems. Which is why I want to upgrade to a speed3.

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

Mazdaspeed 3 gen 2 owner here!! It's a freaking blast!! Didn't even know it existed before I started shopping for a my 47th civic replacement. Definitely more raw than some of the other hot hatches but it puts a smile on my face every single day!!!

[@hondafan163]

I have one as well

[@benp_04]

What's the rust underneath like?

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

@@benp_04 no rust at all I'm in WA state. Never had rust on a car I've bought......

[@96GS300]

Current Speed3 (2nd Gen) owner and I absolutely love it! Super practical, blast to drive, and so far reliable! I love driving my Speed3 over my friend’s 2018 RS and if I had to choose another hot hatch I’d likely go with an STI simply for boxer rumble, otherwise the Speed3 is the way to go in terms of power and fun from the factory!

[@rahim4725]

Did you have any rust issues? In Europe mazda is know as the rust king. I want to buy a Mazda 3 2nd gen but every Mazda over says they regret it because they need to care for it like a baby. Every little scratch needs to be fixed fast or it's gonna start rusting. But I heard from some owners that they keep them outside and get no rust at all.

[@96GS300]

@@rahim4725 Well fortunately for me I do not have to worry about rust at all, regular rainwater is perfectly fine on my vehicle. When I picked it up it had zero rust and it still has no rust, and it’s parked outside during the day but inside overnight. Bare in mind that I live where there is no salt at all and it rarely ever rains so there is that to consider

[@jaxxswiger9186]

Have a speed 3. Crazy how everyone passes them up, even though they're one of the best options out there.

[@devongoset8339]

My homie has one and smokes my G35 every single time

[@EcuaEvBoy]

@@devongoset8339 almost smoked a wannabe m series

[@Finsup2100]

LOVE my GTI. I do have a 2012 and haven’t had many problems with it, I did the timing chain tensioner when I first got it just to get it out of the way.. not exactly sure why you should stay away from them. I went with a GT3076 and minor supporting mods and am pushing just over 400whp and it’s never broken down on me or had any issues at all really. Knock on wood. Thing is a little highway rocket.

[@Contempt805]

The MazdaSpeed3 is UNREAL to own, I sold my my Evo and bought an s2000 and got bored of it and sold it and bought a speed3 and I couldn’t be happier, obviously my Evo was a faster more gnarly car but the speed3 is just so nice to sit in and so quick in stock form. Def recommend one if you’re in the market.

[@iheartgs400]

Squid you slept on the GD3 07-08 Honda Fit its virtually the modern successor to the CRX/EF hatches when you get it in manual. Bought one myself and Honda peeps are sleeping on these suckers. Yes its only 109 HP but at 2400 pounds.

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Dude I literally own a GD3 Fit XD

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Our audience has reacted quite negatively to the Fit in previous vids, thus, we didn't include it here.

[@iheartgs400]

@@IdealMediaChannel i’m good with that keeps prices low for true purists that can see through the skin.

[@tristin.baldwin]

I just bought one too, fun to have for sure

[@willriley1619]

You missed the Volvo C30. They are a little older now so im sure there are some cheap ones out there. They have a 2.5L 5 cylinder and they are available in 6spd. Simple downpipe and tune puts you over 300 tq to the wheels.

[@aadi8568]

Amazing car

[@fuzzpunks3639]

God I love the sound of the VR6, although I'd go for the Corrado before the Golf.

[@trinidad6941]

Been watching ya vids a while just got a job a week ago finally gonna start saving up for my first car just been LEARNING & EDUCATING MYSELF MORE B4 I make that first purchase!! Gotta be Ideal!

[@kresnaut]

I had a '16 Veloster Turbo. Was A LOT of fun to drive in. They just keep making them better, too.

[@BigMike-tt3mo]

I have bought a Mazdaspeed 3 for my first car 4 years ago and man its such a fun car, now ive bought a Mazdaspeed 6 and a neon srt4 and wll three of these cars are fun to drive

[@justinperalta6280]

Hey, The Squidd, here's the interesting fact about the CRX, Ayrton Senna test drives the Honda CRX and it was design by the Mr. Soichiro himself who built the design for the Honda NSX

[@IdealMediaChannel]

I didn't know that! Thanks for the info!

[@brennanmessmer8983]

ok nads

[@juliosanviti9328]

The mazda 323 gtx,glx 1994 there good cars 1.8 4 cylinder turbo , the gtx is the hatchback the glx is the sedan , I own one the sedan and is a fun car good to first car I really enjoy it , it's basically a Miata that is front wheel and awd and has four door , the hatch backs are 2 doors

[@juliosanviti9328]

It's a very underated car

[@dylanjhw8522]

I bought myself a matte grey veloster n this past summer and hands down zero regrets on the purchase though the only real down side is not many people tend to care about a veloster n

[@muscle_car_guy2338]

Personally my pick from the video would have to be a golf R32. I just love that unique 6 cylinder engine sound 🤩

[@32pipes]

Amazing car just got mine 😍

[@pokemon_boi]

I just got a automatic Mazda 3 hatchback but I’m literally starting to get into cars, but it’s gonna be one of my biggest project cars and im gonna manual swap it, maybe change the stock engine to a tuning engine, give it a wide body kit etc etc, it’s gonna be such a fun project for me being a newbie

[@cookie_jay]

i wouldn't waste money into a mazda3, i would just take that money and buy a speed3 or a miata

[@pokemon_boi]

@@cookie_jay is it just better to just get the speed 3 since it already has a turbo charged engine? Cause my 2013 Mazda 3 hatch is a salvaged title but they rebuilt the whole car with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with a air intake but it’s not turbo charged yet and I was planning on getting cat back exhaust with it when I manual swap it but is it just worth just switching to a speed 3? I was planning to make this car my project car and make everything myself and learn what I know from my knowledge of the car itself and improve it just to save a little more for myself instead of getting it all prebuilt yknow?

[@harambe1356]

Ik ideal media sometimes messes up, but I find ideal media's content hella entertaining! :)

[@IdealMediaChannel]

We do our best. It’s a lot of work making this much content!

[@dancho0012]

@@IdealMediaChannel keep it up, love from Bulgaria

[@MDCYF]

I would say The W176 A250 is quite a underrated hatch for car enthusiasts It's reliable The tuning possiblity is actually really high, the engine alone is strong The stock suspension is already stiff enough to have some serious fun

[@shaanshajith5518]

I've got a video request, could you guys make a video on the most fast yet reliable cars to buy rn?

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

Fast, reliable, or cheap.....pick 2 you can't have all 3!

[@arthurherman1046]

@@TheRealMrRoyal you can get all 3 of these requirements met if we're talking about honda or mazda😏

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

@@arthurherman1046 you obviously don't know about zzb, vvt, dirty valve, or cylinder 3 issues with the mazdaspeed 3 and 6 (which are the only fast mazda's) what honda is fast from the factory and old enough to be cheap?

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

@@arthurherman1046 by the way I own a mazdaspeed 3 and would never call it reliable in the scheme of things.

[@itshcs3445]

1st gen mini r53 owner here, i have had to fix more timing chains, ignition plugs and engine oil seals in just 3 year than all of my friends combined, but i can confidently say it is so worth it to have such a fun, easy, and surprisingly fast car which i bought for under £1000 ($1200)

[@mars7357]

Mazda and Hyundai are highly underrated and more people should get their hatchbacks

[@vishalvan3317]

My father owns hyundai i10 hatchback and it is good my father has diesel variant gives 22 kmpl economy and can easily touch 100kmph (60 mph) And when ever i drive it every second it feels premium and you know i drove that after 8 years my father used it

[@muhammadzayedasharaf1895]

u guys sure look at your fan's comments, and also even chat with us at times and even dm , you guys are the best, love you guys so much

[@332wildcat]

Ooofta, I got a '16 Ford Focus ST for $13k right before they went up to $24k! Good luck finding even a Fiesta for $10k now...

[@pitboss7476]

The Mini.... ugh... Ex had one... cool fun car until I had to replace the turbo in it. It only has enough room for elves to get their hands in there. But oh yeah... there's an hour long procedure to take apart the wheel wells and release the radiator to give you 2-3 inches more room.... and no spare tire!

[@lancemannion4113]

I've had four cars from this list that you made. Five if you consider that I had two gtis. And as far as grins per mile, it's pretty hard to beat the Fiesta ST. If you get the recaros it'll be a little snug if you're over 200 lb, but if you can fit, you'll have no regrets! Absolute riot with just enough zip to not kill yourself. Compared to the Abarth, it's just a more all-around exceptionally executed ball of whee!!

[@Zokoych]

I just picked up a Speed3! Loving it so much

[@crazyfireboy123]

Get a hpfpi and an accessport before you put any mods on it

[@Zokoych]

@@crazyfireboy123 Can I run HPFP with no tune? I’m planning on keeping her stock. I have warranty for the next couple years!

[@crazyfireboy123]

@@Zokoych I mean if you want to keep it fully stock you don’t really need a hpfpi, I would recommend It though with an accessport to monitor everything, def helps the fuel pressure a lot more

[@jerryrhett]

I hope you haven't forgotten that there is a Corolla Hatchback now. Not super powerful or fast, but pretty damn fun. Also, it comes in manual. 😎 Definitely a tad too expensive for this list, but easily attainable if you've got the funds.

[@cipela193]

I’m picking up my MK5 GTI this weekend. Can’t wait to get to work on it!

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Awesome congrats!

[@agrippa1234]

thanks Mr. Squid. Owned CRX Si new in '86 (Black on Black with the old phone dial wheels but no air or stereo, 9200 bucks out the door from Beaverton, Tom Lanphere Honda of Beaverton Oregon) and was tempted by the Mazda 3 Turbo but geez talk about TORQUE STEER........whew, reminded me of a slinky going down stairs trading ends as it descended.......

[@IdealMediaChannel]

dang dude, black on black Si is CHOICE. Must've been a great car to own back then.

[@agrippa1234]

@@IdealMediaChannel This will put me into the idiot file but truth be told I sold it after two years because we needed a back seat for the next gen. I wanted something sporty still and tradable without laying out cash (poor school teacher) and traded for (take a deep breath) a brand new 1987 Chevy Turbo Sprint! A leftover on the lot (I wonder why) but brand new....Idiot.....

[@EddieV19]

2nd Gen speed3 are so sick

[@broken_sticks1880]

I own the Hyundai Accent, the other Hyundai hatchback that never got any real attention because of the Veloster, and it’s a fun little hatchback even tho not many people know what it is

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Arguably the better looking and less polarizing Hyundai hatchback, but I kinda have a soft spot for the Veloster so I put it in instead.

[@broken_sticks1880]

@@IdealMediaChannel understandable and so far as I know of, I’m the only one in my town that has a modded accent, of course performance parts are hard to find but I managed to do it

[@ahmadahmadi_ghost78]

Well my girlfriend owning a 3rd gen mini Cooper s and kinda of you are right cause it's unreliable but also it was so much cheaper to maintain than my R32 golf and I have to add that it's almost every one's favorite car probably in order of it's lovely looks

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Yeah I think that about sums up the Mini. It's got a universal appeal, it is not cheap to own but there are DEFINITELY worse German cars.

[@thedonutmiata5135]

I have considered every car on this list at on point in time other than the matrix. That being said I've done a good amount of research in all of them and this is a pretty solid list.

[@dannyjr7997]

Got a 2012 mazdaspeed 3 with 370whp and is really fun and quite fast.

[@tomleys7779]

Best squid, golf mk IV gti was an 1.8 turbo, 4 in line, 180bhp in Belgium

[@englishviking9401]

I got a honda civic mk8 2.2 ctdi for £1400. Just fitted a new air injection and cat back. Sounds awesome!!

[@bolt5564]

Not a hot hatch but I would go with a Saturn Ion Redline. You can get them in a cool coup like profile with rear suicide doors, and they are extremely cheap with just over 200 horsepower. I almost got one that needed a little bit of work for $1,000 but someone else beat me to it.

[@ALE5six1]

Already have a CRX b16 swapped. But would really love an 06 cooper S. I drove a loaner when my 335i was in the shop and I fell in love with it!

[@kensheeler7914]

I couldn't find a mazdaspeed3 or a mini cooper s affordable in my area but I'm happy with my 2010 mazda3 s no turbo but still a lot of fun

[@spideybuildscars]

I almost got a Mazda speed 3 but got a 07 Sentra SE-R Spec V instead

[@ibukimioda8466]

I'm only 16 but i think im either going for the crx the golf mark 4 but the most tempting is the veloster mainly cuz those three are the only ones available in our country

[@IdealMediaChannel]

I mean the Veloster is gonna be pretty modern and comfy vs. a CRX. The Golf vs. Veloster debate, well that's tougher.

[@levitrevisan2834]

You should test drive a mini and see what it’s like for you. I’m 17 and got a mini (2010 clubman Cooper S) as my second car and my only regret is that I didn’t get it first up. They are super fun to drive and sound so good for a stock car.

[@ibukimioda8466]

@@levitrevisan2834 but like are they reliable tho

[@theyweredeadwhenigotthere1391]

Good luck

[@aadi8568]

@@ibukimioda8466 relatively, but depends on the engine

[@outdoorsoregonian9464]

Veloster I loved mine before I wrecked it in the freeway..

[@WavyCarlos]

I got a mk5 gti and i just found out its been burning oil and i was driving it like that for maybe a month. I know i know its my fault i should have checked the oil but its my first car i had just changed the oil 600-700 miles ago also there isnt any major leaks so i didnt think much of it. But yeah i got some oil for it now! hopefully my turbo and car in general is running fine, i love my gti sm its super fun, especially since its a manual Trans! If it is pretty bad ill be selling it and maybe getting an SI or a mazda spd 3!

[@crazyfireboy123]

All the people new to the community with speed3s before you mod it or do anything crazy, always and always for the love of god get an accessport from Cobb and a high pressure fuel pump internal corksport or Cobb, it’s a must need before any crazy mods

[@dominicg7125]

Just got a 2014 Focus ST3 and it's an absolute blast, love it all the way and don't regret the purchase, but I will say you're definitely going to over pay a bit for them right now in the current car market (midwest).

[@aadi8568]

Focus st is cheap as shit here in UK, also there is the mk2 focus st hatch which I believe wasn’t sold in the USA, but that car is also a hoot to drive and can be found for quite cheap, under £5k

[@bronzedamian9997]

I just bought a mk6 fiesta face lift a week ago giving that it's only a 1.25L it's quite quick for what it is

[@fuelforfires4313]

whats wrong with the honda fit? My sister has one and I love it...

[@movek408]

The wrx hatchback looks way better than all the cars on this list

[@adamg4754]

I just sold my 89 Crx Si with a b16a t3/t4 turbo set up for a 08 Mazdaspeed 3. I love them both ❤❤

[@travismadison8215]

Finally, I want a hatchback so bad

[@wolfer3283]

One Option for most European Countries: Opel/Vauxhall Astra H OPC/VXR. Fun Cars, decently powerful (241hp), 2.0l Turbo I4 with a LSD, 6 Gear Manual and atleast in my country Price range is from 4.5 to 8 Grand for good models. They do tend to easily burn Oil though as the Factory Piston Rings tend to wear out quickly

[@JetL]

North America might get the GR Yaris soon though!

[@game_fusao]

Well I know this are incredible, but the car I have and it is a lot of fun to drive and listen is my Opel Corsa D. I love that small flamethrower with wheels and it's easy to tune.

[@dklife3635]

Here in south Africa there is a Toyota Tazz and its a very good "hatch" you guys in America would love it

[@IdealMediaChannel]

WAY better name.

[@empty2384]

Little surprise my car didn't make The List "Audi a 3 "🚙 Not too bad In price and maintenance is decent as long as you know how to use a wrench 🔧

[@zephyrfront7584]

I have an 08 dodge caliber srt4 and its surprisingly fun, and i love how they look

[@willg125]

Finally the speed3 getting the recognition it deserves.

[@alexakapetey1]

Volvo C30 if you want to stick out and pre facelift versions are under 10k

[@LarryTheButcher]

Dodge Caliber SRT-4? I want to put a Volvo V30 powertrain (2.5L turbo 5, 6 speed and awd) in my 2012 Mazda 5. I know it's not the same thing, but both are Focus based and a 5 sounds like a mini V10!

[@jaredturney2782]

The Speed 3 is by far the best option. I may be biased but that car is so under rated that it got put in a list of cars that make mostly 200hp or less. When it's really more comparable to the wrx/sti focus st, evo X, and even the focus rs if you have some bolt ons. And it is way too much fun to drive. You will not find a better bang for your buck than a speed 3. They are undeniably reliable (if you know how to mod, tune, and take care of them) way too affordable and do have a very strong aftermarket scene even though it's a niche car. And they are okay to work on. Definitely not as easy as a 1.5L honda but a lot better than a 2.0L VW.

[@oleahlers5944]

In Europe there so much nice new Hatchbacks like Hyundai I30n, Kia Ceed GT there so nice or if you look a "cheap" used one look after an Kia ProCeed GT from 2012 these things are great.

[@garrettlison4992]

I forgot that I was obsessed with the Matrix XRS for the longest time. Maybe I should check one out to play with.

[@dongranros9093]

maybe a Pontiac Vibe like my 2009 AWD 117K miles. The best version of the 2AZ-FE 158 hp, Black, 17" alloys with UHP 215/45-17.. practical, reliable, sorta quick. The only real downside is the only transmission available is a 4 speed auto (with the AWD version)

[@dmusic1293]

VW Golf MK4 VR5 check that out. The sound is just so good

[@Sullycs2]

Shoulda included the Saab 9-2x. Literally an imprezza. And with the aero option which would be a wrx. Cheap as hell cause not many people know what they are, great looking front end. and you can find ones with like 100k miles for like 3k. and insurance isnt through the roof on them.

[@brenden619]

The speed3 is an amazing car, mad torque steer though.

[@roycestricker]

New vw beetle! 2.0t got mine at 337hp stock turbo. With e85 and the k04 turbo will make 500-550hp

[@Gamblesgarage]

I almost got a 2012 GTI… good thing that deal dodnt go through, now I got a 2015, which is fun asf! So glad I got it

[@damilolaakanni]

There wasn't any GTi with the VR6 and AWD...the Mk4 GTi had the 1.8t engine with front wheel drive. The VR6 AWD was the R32.

[@aadi8568]

R36 Passat and Skoda Superb 3.6 also have AWD and the vr6 engine but are bigger than the golf, the skoda especially is a massive sleeper, doesn’t look sporty at all but the engine can be tuned a lot to give some insane speed

[@johnfilipenko772]

What about the Nissan Pulsar GTIR? Super underrated

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Rare and tough to buy here in the states. But yes, I featured that in another video about JDM imports and it's slept on.

[@Pēpā_cheisu]

first gen suzuki aerio (03-07) super underrated, have one, wish I could manual swap it, it's a hoot even with the automatic which is all we got state side

[@viiikalendasjulii4649]

My dad owned a Fiesta at some point, but had to sell it later on

[@_.derrickk9363]

Been waiting on this episode for a while

[@auditech66]

owned 5 crx's still one of my favorite cars. its just impossible to drive a honda in socal now days

[@CjShino91]

Love my Veloster Turbo, not the fastest but it is quick especially with a tune and its a quirky car.

[@ricarovertenten5619]

My choice would either be a Mazdaspeed 3(called a Mazda 3 MPS in my country), or a Mk2 or Mk5 GTi. I would also consider the Fiesta ST, as they are a hoot to drive!

[@ChronoIllogical0405]

It's so unfortunate that car prices are RIDICULOUS in Australia. Once the video started with the CRX I was like "yeah, no". They're priced over here between $14,000 to $20,000 USD at the moment. All Honda's have been skyrocketing over the covid period. Just hope the prices come down soon.

[@9doggie12]

Honda CRX get like 40 Miles to the gallon and it’s bullet proof. People have tried to steal mine on mutiple occasions

[@IdealMediaChannel]

It's like the Toyota Hilux of cars.

[@theyweredeadwhenigotthere1391]

Just like my old GSR. But I had a viper alarm on it thankfully

[@ericsartanahorner]

Yep. Love my MK4 GTI. Got it for less than 3k and way cooler than most new cars.

[@xmytaiga1053]

Already being a Toyota Matrix XR owner and about to add a Mazdaspeed3 GT to the family I’m starting to feel like maybe I’ve made some good decisions after all 🤫😂

[@theyweredeadwhenigotthere1391]

My abarth has 126k trouble free miles. Just a lot of tires due to the camber and wheel spin.. I'll drive it to the ground. Almost as much fun as my r1 believe it or not. And the CRX is alot smaller than a 500

[@lisakaz35]

I find my Foresters fun to drive. I've had 3 (2001, 2007, 2008).

[@LuhCoybow]

It’s funny because the Mazda in the thumbnail in’s a Mazda 3 standard. I have a 2012 Mazda 3 skyactiv hatch

[@Supersky_]

9:40 A golf doing a drift ? Not a slide ?!?!? And.. he said 4wd ?!?!?

[@keaton3227]

Volvo C30 R-Design will forever be slept on 😢

[@IdealMediaChannel]

SHHHH I want one, don't tell people. I hecking LOVE those.

[@gianlz_]

I had a speed3. They sounded really good but I hated the transmission so much

[@Meepmoop4498]

Soon hitting that million sub count keep going strong 💪

[@skdeadshot1]

I’m subbed on three accounts and I’m an Og keep up the good work 👍

[@xXxcliniclyinsanexXx]

You forgot that the matrix came in an awd package as well

[@eliasg3199]

Geo metro. The best cheap hatchback available. Low hp but can buy w turbo 3 or 4 cylinder. You Can engine swap it. Or make it into a rally car. Builds are endless.

[@DequanHarris]

I had a MK7.5 GTI now I have a scat pack charger I have to say the GTI was a better “all around drivers car”

[@gabberfe]

Shame that Suzuki doesn't have cars in the US... The Swift Sport is a pure Japanese and VERY fun to drive. I have one for over a year now and it's a blast! :D

[@Frank-zx9om]

I would've left out the mini and added the hhr ss it's basically a cobalt ss tc in a hatchback version. Also a chevy sonic with the 1.4T over the fiat. The sonic is by no means fast, but it's a fun hatch.

[@levitrevisan2834]

The mini is super fun to drive though.

[@Frank-zx9om]

@@levitrevisan2834They're unreliable

[@theyweredeadwhenigotthere1391]

@@Frank-zx9om speaking from a Chevy sonic?! Lmao

[@levitrevisan2834]

@@Frank-zx9om depends on the year though. The 2006 model is pretty reliable and supercharged which is sick.

[@xandres9451]

Ivan is probably juiced not only seeing his request being done but his comments being posted on the video and his name being mentioned 😂

[@chrisdooley6468]

Why isn’t the CRX a hatchback?? I had one, an 89 HF model, and I can assure you the hatch opens like it should lol

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Supposedly a hatchback is "a car with a door across the full width at the back end that opens upward to provide easy access for loading." I think the CRX is technically more of a "liftback"

[@aadi8568]

@@IdealMediaChannel a liftback is just a sub classification of hatchback, it can still be called a hatchback. Cars like the skoda octavia/superb, VW arteon, ford mondeo etc. are also still hatchbacks, even though they look like saloons/sedans (but the glass lifts when opening the boot)

[@backyardbuilds1372]

Y’all need to add the Cadillac STS V in some of these videos

[@maxpetersen2729]

I find it funny much of the footage of the "fun" cars you posted were complete engine and transmission swaps to rear wheel drive lol

[@litotesone]

Damn good review! Brief but filled with valuable info. Thank you!

[@braydenbrotherton9011]

I hope one day they realize how good the hatchback is known as the foxbody mustang I own one and they are amazing