HIGHS Fabulously quick acceleration, near-ideal ride and handling balance, more practical than its supercar rivals. LOWS Looks may be too subdued for some, touchy brakes, high sticker price for a 911.

The best performance-focused hatchbacks often have a turbocharged engine, including legends like the Golf GTI and Civic Type R. These cars owe their popularity in the US to the fact that they are an ...