Performance cars come in all shapes and sizes. While the performance segment is mostly dominated by powerful V6, V8, and V12 engines, the four-cylinder engine is still a capable contender. It might not have the extra cylinders of larger engines, but it boasts better efficiency than most.
In addition, the advancement of forced induction technology makes it possible to get ludicrous power from these efficient engines. Below we have a list of the top 10 four-cylinder performance cars in Kenya, highlighting their history, engine options, and performance output.
10. Mazda Roadster – 181 HP
The Roadster, also known as the MX-5 Miata, is one of the lightest and most affordable sports cars on offer. One of the factors that helped make it an iconic sports car was its engine. Launched in the late 1980s, the Roadster has been around for four generations, all powered by inline-4 cylinder engines. This engine configuration helped make the Roadster noble, lightweight, and fun to drive.
In the newer fourth-generation models, Mazda uses Skyactiv technology, giving the Miata a high compression ratio to allow for not only better fuel economy but also efficient combustion. These engines are available in two configurations: a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. The base engine produces 134 hp and 135 Nm of torque, while the more powerful 2.0-litre variant in the Roadster RF produces 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Both pair with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but Mazda also offers an optional six-speed automatic.
9. Toyota GR 86/Subaru BRZ – 232 HP
Launched as the Toyota GT 86, the Subaru-powered sports car has been making its way onto Kenyan roads in either the Toyota or Subaru variants. The earlier models, introduced in 2012, used a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four (FA20) engine. In this configuration, the powertrain produced 205 hp and 212 Nm of torque for the Japanese models.
While these configurations of the GT 86 or BRZ models were praised for their balance and handling, most enthusiasts found them lacking in the torque and power department. Fortunately, that’s something Toyota and Subaru rectified with the second-generation models. Now known as the GR 86, the modern Toyota and Subaru sports car still featured a naturally aspirated flat-four engine, but its displacement increased to 2.4 litres. The result was an increase in power and torque to 232 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
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8. Volkswagen Scirocco – 265 HP
Since its introduction in the 1970s, the Volkswagen Scirocco has only been powered by four-cylinder engines. The earlier iterations ranged from 1.1 litres to 2.0 litres. However, despite their displacement, the most powerful variant was the turbocharged 1.8-litre inline-4 with 160 hp and 240 Nm of torque. Over the years, engine technology advanced, thus increasing power.
Only available for three generations, the Scirocco has a storied past, with the third generation being one of the most potent models. The engine lineup, all made of inline-4 engines, only had two displacements, a 1.4-litre and a 2.0-litre. However, these engines had different performance enhancements, especially in the Scirocco R, which received the 2.0-litre TSI inline-4 with 265 hp and 350 nm of torque. While Volkswagen did away with the Scirocco, it’s still among the top sports cars for sale in Kenya.
7. BMW M135i – 302 HP
BMW is well known for producing some of the best German performance cars. In its hot hatch catalogue, the M135i stands out as one of the best four-cylinder engined vehicles. Introduced in 2012, the first generation of the M135i used a mighty 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine. However, BMW revised the model in 2020, introducing the F40 with a slightly less powerful B48 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 with 302 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
Despite being down two cylinders, the F40 M135i still offers thrilling performance, managing to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds, just like the Mercedes AMG A35. Like its German rival, the AMG A35, the M135i also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system.
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6. Audi TT – 316 HP
Audi’s TT is one of the more common sports cars for sale in Kenya. Available in a variety of trims, the TT best suits buyers looking for an affordable performance car which looks the part. Introduced in 1998, the TT has been around for three generations. Since its inception, it was powered by a variety of engines, including an inline-4 and a larger, more potent 3.2-litre VR6 engine. For its third generation, 2015 to 2023, the TT used either a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder or the award-winning turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder.
In the base configuration, the four-cylinder produced 194 hp and 320 Nm of torque. With a kerb weight of only 1,450 kg, the powertrain was enough to help it scamper from 0 to 100 kph in 6.6 seconds. The TTS, still with the four-cylinder engine, upped the performance to 316 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The result was a slightly quicker 0 to 100 kph of 4.5 seconds.
5. Honda Civic Type R – 325 HP
The Civic Type R is Honda’s most powerful hot hatch. It has been around since 1997, with the latest model, the FL5 being introduced in 2022. All Civic Type R models have been powered by an inline-4 engine, with the FL5 boasting the most powerful variant. It uses a K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 with 325 hp and 420 Nm of torque. One of its closest rivals is the Volkswagen Golf R which boasts similar performance outputs.
Like the Golf R, the Civic Type R features a six-speed manual, however, it only drives the front wheels compared to the Golf R’s all-wheel drive system. In addition, Volkswagen also offers a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite these differences, both the Golf R and the Civic Type R satiate the needs of their respective buyers. For example, the Japanese model offers a sportier and driver-focused interior while the German offering a luxurious and techy cabin.
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4. Volkswagen Golf GTI/R – 328 HP
Golf is one of the most beloved hot hatches in the Kenyan market. This model boasts a variety of powerful trims like the GTi and the R trims. While Golf R models are slightly pricier, the GTi is attainable for most younger enthusiasts. It has been available since the 1970s, and the current generation, MK8, was introduced in 2020. Like its predecessors, it boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine with 242 hp and 370 Nm of torque.
Volkswagen pairs this engine with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT, powering the front wheels. This combination makes it fun to drive and reasonably priced for most drivers. For even more performance, Volkswagen offers a mightier all-wheel-drive Golf R. While it also uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, its output increases to 316 hp and 420 Nm of torque. For even ludicrous performance, the Golf R 20 Years edition gets a bump in power, allowing the 328 ponies to push it from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.6 seconds.
3. Ford Mustang – 330 HP
While the Mustang is mostly loved for its V8 powertrains, the lineup also boasts a rich history of four-cylinder engines. In recent generations, the Mustang has had a variety of four-cylinder engines in the base configurations. Despite their small nature, these engines were reasonably powerful and more fuel-efficient than the larger V8s. Modern Mustangs boast a 2.3-litre EcoBoost inline-4 engine with 310 hp and 475 Nm of torque. Fortunately, Ford also offered a high-performance package (HPP) for the EcoBoost Mustang, upping the performance to 330 hp.
Like most performance vehicles in this list, the EcoBoost Mustangs are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic (depending on model year). Both transmission options power the rear wheels. While they’re not as powerful as the 500 hp V8-powered models, the base mustangs still promise a thrilling driving experience and enough performance to embarrass older models.
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2. Ford Focus RS – 350 HP
Ford first introduced the Focus RS in the early 2000s, giving enthusiasts a potent hot hatch powered by a turbocharged Duratec inline-5 engine. These earlier models were reasonably powerful, with the first generation boasting 212 hp and the second generation getting 305 hp. For the third generation, introduced in 2015, Ford opted for the 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4. While this engine was short a cylinder, it outperformed its predecessors, producing 350 hp and 475 Nm of torque.
Ford paired the engine with a six-speed manual, powring all four wheels. The result was a well-balanced hot hatch that could not only perform well on the track but also on the roads. Unfortunately, Ford stopped production of the Focus RS in 2018, leaving the Focus ST as the only viable option for most hot hatch buyers. Fortunately, we can help you import one of these foreign-used hot hatches to Kenya at a reasonable price.
1. Mercedes-AMG A35/A45 S – 416 HP
If you are looking for the best Mercedes hot hatch, the AMG A35 and A45 are among the best on offer. Introduced in 2018, these models have only been available with a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline-4 engine. In the A35, the engine produces 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque. However, the A45 steps up the performance, boasting an impressive 416 hp and 500 Nm of torque, enough to rival even some V8-powered sports cars.
The A45’s output makes it the most powerful production four-cylinder engine in the world. Unlike most of their rivals, these hot hatches are only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels through AMG’s 4MATIC system. These qualities make the hot hatches reasonably quick, with the A35 dashing from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.7 seconds and the A45 completing the same in just 3.9 seconds.
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