‘Don’t be fooled’ – surprisingly fast hot hatch dubbed a ‘future classic’ can be yours for less than £8k

A CAR expert has urged drivers to pick up a "future classic" hot hatch... and don't be fooled by its cute looks.

Hot hatches of the 1990s and 2000s were the motor of choice for 'boyracers' on a budget who couldn't quite stretch to a full-blooded sports car.

But nowadays these pocket rockets are hotly sought after by collectors looking for future classics - not least because they're beginning to rise in value.

In the past, hot hatches that have set pulses racing include the VW Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI and even the iconic Lancia Delta Intergrale, while newer examples like the Toyota Yaris GR continue to excite.

And motoring journalist Russell Campbell, writing for the website, has listed a modern classic hot hatch from the early 2000s that motorheads should keep an eye out for.

In his list of future classics that drivers “should buy in 2024”, the speedy Renault Clio 182 Trophy was perhaps the pick of the bunch.

The Clio exudes cuteness, but don't be fooled

Russell Campbell

He wrote: “The Renault 182 Trophy comes from a golden age of hot hatches that paired tiny, pre-Euro NCAP dimensions with modern power outputs courtesy of variable valve timing and no purity-ruining turbocharger.

“The Clio exudes cuteness, but don't be fooled because it can tripod around corners like the very best hot hatches, accompanied by the fierce induction suck of its punchy 2.0-litre motor.”

Indeed, that oversized 2.0-litre engine could reach a top speed of 115 mph, while boasting 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds.

Such was the 182 Trophy’s impression on car fans that it finished second - just behind a Porsche 911 S - as Evo’s Car of the Year for 2004.

According to Russell, prices for it start at less than £8,000 for a high-mile example.

This comes as another car expert revealed six hot hatches that can be found for under £5,000 - including Mini with "retro charm."

And elsewhere, Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer recently revealed to Sun Motors his top picks for modern classics including a "fast Ford" you can buy and "sell for a profit."