My Garage Glasgow

Hatchbacks are really practical when you think about it. A small family car that’s dependable, reliable, economic… Isn’t that something we all want? Someone likes huge SUVs or sedans, but the hatch is really something. As time goes by, there are more and more hatchbacks on the roads, but not every hatch can be called iconic. Here is a list from a hot hatch enthusiast about the iconic hatchbacks that left a mark on the car industry.

Volkswagen Golf mk2 GTI

There are a lot of GTIs from Volkswagen, but the mk2 Golf was really before its time. The golf mk1 GTI was also great, don’t get me wrong, but this was the newer and improved car that the world deserved. Production lasted from 1985-1987 and from 1990-1992. It was a bit bigger than the mk1, but it was a fast, reliable and all around fun car to drive. Although 25 years have passed since the last mk2 GTI left the Volkswagen factory, many mk2 GTIs still roam the earth. This is a really iconic car, and it definitely deserves the number one spot on this list!

Ford Focus RS mk1

This hot hatch was introduced to the world in 2002 and the production lasted only one year. For that time only 4501 units were made. From that number, more than 2000 Focus mk1 RS were sold in the UK. This little speedster had a 2.0-litre engine with an astonishing 212bhp. Although the RS looked like a regular focus, more than 70% of parts were different. Exterior was changed with wider front and back bumpers, and the original RS was available only in imperial blue.

Mini John Cooper Works GP

How can we not mention the almighty MINI? This car is a great hatch, no matter what engine or kit it has. It is known all around the world and it’s a genuinely great looking, great driving car. Now, the Mini John Cooper Works GP model, which was made only in 2006 is worth writing about separately. In essence, it’s a race car, period. Production of this model was limited to 2000 units and 444 of those were intended to be sold in the UK. It was such a success that 15 extra were sold in the UK. It was lighter compared to a Cooper S for about 40kg in total. There were no rear seats and the supercharged Tritec engine made this car track-ready.

BMW M140i

It may look unusual to put a BMW in a hot hatch list, especially because it’s a new model and rear-wheel drive but this is a hatch that will definitely leave a mark and become one of the greats. Its powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine develops 335bhp. It is available with a six-speed manual and an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. 0-60 with an auto is 4.6 seconds while getting the same speed takes 0.2 seconds longer with the manual.

If you are familiar with the basics of tuning, you should agree that more power and torque demand some serious suspension upgrades. All the extra horse power and torque can make the car unstable in the corners or even on a straight if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to carefully choose which suspension parts will have the best effect on your car. Suspension upgrades have an aesthetic effect on the car as well. By lowering your car you can get a better, aggressive look. No matter what your goal is, to get better performance or looks, it’s important to use quality parts.

Low & Slow

More and more people like a clean, factory look of a car with minimal exterior modifications. By changing the wheels and lowering the car, you get a completely different look of a car. Everything else must be perfect as well, but regarding aesthetics, that’s it. For getting a clean lowered look, you need to change some suspension parts. When choosing it’s always a better choice to go with a brand name manufacturer which already has lots of satisfied customers. One of the manufacturers that can help you get your car lowered is Eibach. Their Pro-Plus kit has everything a serious enthusiast needs to get the best look and performance. This kit includes springs and sway bars that will lower your car while saving the comfort every driver wants. You will also feel the difference when cornering, braking and your car could actually have better mileage.

Performance suspension

When looking for suspension parts to help you get the best performance, it’s a good thing when the manufacturer already has experience with performance parts. The presence in DTM, WRC and Formula 1 is a big thing for a performance parts manufacturer. Eibach is in all of them. You can look up performance springs, shocks, complete suspension systems and more.

If you are serious about upgrading your suspension, our recommendation is the Pro-System-Plus kit.

You get performance springs, shocks and sway bars. This way, you get the best performance without sacrificing ride quality. Full race suspension kits are just too rigid for street cars, so unless you plan to turn your car into a professional racecar, the Pro-System-Plus kit is the best way to go. Upgrading your suspension with this kit doesn’t require you to make any modifications to your vehicle – just bolt in the new parts and you’re ready to go.  The best thing about Eibach is that you get a million mile warranty on parts!

Upgrading the sound system is one of the essential things people do when they start customizing their car. Even though it seems unnecessary in some cars, it can make a huge difference when upgraded properly. Factory sound systems are usually the last thing manufacturers think about and they usually suck. When you buy a second hand car, there’s a chance you will need to change the speakers immediately, especially if they are still factory speakers. There are thousand speakers to choose from, but it really depends on how much you want to spend. Upgrading the head unit is something you should think about as well.

The first step

The first step to upgrading your cars sound system isn’t to go out and buy some branded speakers for as much money as you intended. The first step is to plan on what you want, and what needs upgrading the most. If your speakers are blown, you sure won’t go out to buy a new head unit, right?

Just sit in the car and play some music. Listen carefully and try to determine what part needs upgrading first. Maybe the front left speaker doesn’t work at all, maybe there isn’t enough bass, the quality of reproduction can be lousy or your factory head unit can’t read mp3 format. Just sit there, listen, turn up the volume to hear the thing you would like to change and go from there.

Upgrading the speakers

You can go two ways when upgrading the speakers. If you are new to all of this, you need to know that you can buy coaxial or component speakers. The difference between them is that the coaxial speakers are full range speakers while the component speakers are divided by range – bass, mid-range and tweeters. If you don’t want too much work when upgrading, your budget isn’t huge and you don’t plan on competing with them, the coaxial speakers are a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you plan on seriously upgrading the complete sound system, go with the component speakers. You will have more flexibility, more power, but you should look into a new head unit and amplifier as well so you would get the best results.

Upgrading the Head Unit and amplifier

If you are ok with your OEM head unit, installing an amplifier can do the trick when it comes to upgrading sound quality in your car. Many enthusiasts actually like how their factory head unit looks and sounds, so if you are one of them, installing an amplifier can really improve sound quality in your car. Upgrading your sound system with a new aftermarket head unit and amplifier, especially if you already upgraded your speakers, will make a difference you won’t believe.  You will ask yourself why you didn’t upgrade your sound system sooner.

Thinking about car suspension brands a few names come to mind. One of those names is certainly Bilstein. There are other car suspension manufacturers worldwide, but what do you actually know about them? One thing is certain – no one has the tradition Bilstein has.

Bilstein was founded in 1873 by August Bilstein. Despite its huge reputation in the car suspension industry, that was not the first thing this famous manufacturer made. Bilstein was making window fittings at first, gradually making a name in the business world. Later, in the 1920s, August Bilsteins son, Hans Bilstein, took over management of the Bilstein factory.

Bilstein introduced the monotube gas pressure shock absorber

It wasn’t until 1951 that Bilstein introduced the monotube gas pressure shock absorber. This innovation was a game changer in the car industry. Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer to put in Bilsteins shock absorber in their cars. After that, Bilsteins shock absorbers have found their way to be fitted into Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo…

The list of car manufacturers that use Bilstein shocks as stock suspension parts include Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Opel, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen and many more.

Bilstein in Motorsport

Bilstein is in motorsport for more than 50 years. Their first appearance in motorsport was with their monotube shock absorbers installed in a Mercedes-Benz rally car which was racing the Monte Carlo Rally. With help from Bilstein, the first race was a huge success when Mercedes-Benz won! This was the best way to put Bilstein on the map when it comes to motorsport and driving safety.

Testing on the track for best performance

Bilstein is well known in the tuning & styling community. Most of the tuners want the best parts to upgrade their cars, and this manufacturer is seriously testing their products. Suspension parts are far more important than most people think and that is why Bilstein tests their parts on the Nurburgring. Testing suspension parts in real-life situations gives this manufacturer information that can make the difference between first and second place.

Bilsteins huge experience ensures that every product gives maximum performance for every type of car. Whether you need to improve your cars handling and height or just change your old shocks for new ones, Bilstein is the place to look for parts. You will be amazed with the quality and driving experience you get.

This question will always be the starter of an argument between car enthusiasts. Some say that FWD is better, some say that RWD is better, but who is right? There is no right or wrong here, it’s a matter of personal preference.

RWD advantages

Most car enthusiasts prefer RWD for better acceleration and cornering. This is because the car tends to push its weight back and the weight makes the grip better. Also, the front wheels don’t have any other function except for steering… And maybe drifting, but that’s not important right now. RWD is actually good for performance cars, because acceleration and cornering are important for good track times.

Disadvantages of RWD

There are people who believe that RWD is extremely dangerous, especially if you live in a place where it snows a lot. No matter what kind of space technology a car has that prevents oversteer and sliding into a ditch, people will always think that RWD is dangerous. Actually, driving on a snowy day can be dangerous for both RWD and FWD cars if you don’t drive safely and pay attention.

FWD advantages

Now it’s time to go over some things FWD is good for. If you actually do live in a place where it snows a lot, it would maybe be better to own a FWD car. The engine weight helps FWD cars have better traction when driving on a snowy road. Also, there is more space in the car and the fuel efficiency is better in comparison to RWD cars. FWD cars are usually cheaper as well.

Safety

Regarding safety, well, FWD is probably better. With RWD oversteer is very common especially when inexperienced drivers want to show off. Sideway crashes are far more dangerous and sliding sideways can make the car roll over or even flip. The top and sides of a car have far less space that protects the passengers. That’s something to think about.

Depending on what you use your car for, you can choose FWD or RWD. If you’re a race-type of enthusiast and speed, cornering and general performance are important to you, you should think about a RWD car. If on the other hand you use your daily driver for car meet-ups and events, without racing and burning rubber, FWD is the way to go.

So there you have it, FWD and RWD shortly explained and there is no conclusion on which is better. Personal preference and usage determine which is better.