Not every sports car gets the fanfare, or adoration, afforded to legends such as the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo or any of the other performance icons you know and love. But automotive history is littered with some incredible speed demons-both weird and wonderful, that have historically passed us by, either due to a distinct lack of presence, a badge we didn’t recognize, or simply arriving at the party at precisely the wrong time.

But this range of neglected performance cars are too good to be forgotten for the fact they pushed the ‘fast car’ philosophy well outside its comfort zone. While some boasted supercar performance for their tiny engine size, others achieved theirs from bolting large slabs of speed machinery under the most unlikely body shapes. Rally homologation hatchbacks and performance saloons designed purely to shock as sleepier drivers in their front seats; a supercharged Corolla; a seven seat performance MPV; clearly performance driving was more varied in these more obscure cars.

1. Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4

The mass of performance buyers who looked for World Rally Championship specials like Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo in the mainstream Daihatsu devised its own curious solution in Japan’s fierce Kei car market. Tiny in comparison with most performance models, the Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 was not without amusement value, although compact dimension alone was unlikely to allow for any significant performance.

Daihatsu Performance Highlights:

• 659cc turbocharged four-cylinder
• Four-wheel-drive system
• 64bhp output
• 8.5-second 0-60mph
• 101mph top speed

The small Daihatsu was powered by a turbo 659cc, four-cylinder engine coupled to four-wheel drive, and produced 64bhp. Although that sounds humble for its performance-orientated specification it’s enough to launch it to 60mph in 8.5sec on its way to 101mph, on account of its light Kei car proportions. Instead of trying to ape the larger, rally homologated devices, it was performing its own sort of performance driving, with light size, power to the wheels and a turbo all capable of providing far more driving amusement than a normally sedate looking Daihatsu could deliver.

2. Mazda 6 MPS

However it was the first model that the performance series of Mazda. And while being the first Mazda under the Performance Series treatment it wasn’t given the ostentatious styling of many performance cars. If anything it could have easily been missed as an innocent bystander, however its boring exterior masked a serious contender to rival competitors that came before, none other than the Audi S3.

Mazda 6 MPS Highlights:

• Turbocharged 2.3-liter engine
• 254bhp power output
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Four-wheel drive
• 6.6-second 0-62mph

A thrumming 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, good for 254bhp and sending it via a six-speed manual gearbox to the driven wheels, gave it a 0-62mph time of 6.6secs and a top speed on the right road nearing 150mph. Even so, the styling didn’t quite shout, and sales figures were disappointing. Buyers of the MPS, however, enjoyed great body control, superb steering and an immensely satisfying, yet discreet, saloon that could perform.

3. Mercedes-Benz A210 Evolution

Mercedes-Benz’s ‘ AMG performance’ models are commonplace now but way back at the first A-Class’s inception, it still had its own rather understated performance variation in the form of the A210 Evolution. 140bhp from the 2.1-litre engine doesn’t sound too immense but Mercedes still put enough modifications into the supermini’s construction to alter its handling.

A210 Evolution Highlights:

• 2.1-liter engine
• 140bhp output
• 8.2-second 0-62mph
• Dedicated sports suspension
• 17-inch alloy wheels

The A210 Evolution may have done 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, and hot hatch followers really failed to warm to the car, which reflected the modest performance figures of this slow-selling compact. Mercedes installed firmer sport suspension to this model and enhanced cornering traction. It featured 17in alloy wheels and it came with Alcantara sport trim as standard. Along with Mercedes’ new suspension set-up the A-class felt much sportier and cemented the car’s place at the low end of the hot hatch performance spectrum.

4. Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart

While Japan was enjoying its Colt Ralliart Version-R, the rest of the world had to wait until 2008 for their version of Mitsubishi’s small hot hatch. Unfortunately for the latter it was always going to be fighting against well respected hot hatches such as the Fiesta ST and the Renault Clio, and couldn’t be viewed in the same light.

Colt Ralliart Highlights:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged engine
• 147bhp power output
• 7.6-second 0-62mph
• Upgraded suspension
• Five-door practicality

With the Colt Ralliart fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged producing 147bhp, and with 0-62 taking only 7.6-seconds thanks to revised suspension, the small hatchback offered genuine sportiness with genuine sports performance for practical needs. Its five door layout and genuine ability were slightly ruined however, with its late arrival being no justification to the rewards of a very effective, practical, sporty hatch.

5. Nissan Almera GTI

Attempting to turn a standard Almera into a hot hatch in 1996 was quite a feat for Nissan, but it mostly paid off. The Almera’s mild body kit, accompanied by five-spoke alloy wheels, was fairly discreet and offered only an indication of the capability concealed beneath its surface. This somewhat understated look allowed the Almera GTI to blend into the background while other hatches screamed for attention.

Almera GTI Highlights:

• 2.0-liter engine
• 140bhp output
• 7.9-second 0-60mph
• Modest exterior styling
• Well-tuned chassis

The willing 2.0-litre engine boasted 140bhp and reached 0-60mph in a useful 7.9 seconds, but the big plus-point was the exquisitely developed chassis. When pushed, it provided the driver with confidence and invaluable feedback through corners. The majority of buyers ignored it in favour of overtly sportier looks, but the Almera GTI found favor with people looking for responsive handling and driver feedback.

6. Nissan Sunny GTI-R

The Nissan Sunny GTI-R was built to homologate a rally car, giving it genuine motorsport credentials that separated it from ordinary hot hatches. Introduced in 1990, it combined turbocharged power with four-wheel drive in a highly specialized package. Its rally-focused design and performance made it far more serious than its ordinary Sunny appearance suggested.

Sunny GTI-R Highlights:

• Rally homologation special
• 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
• Up to 224bhp
• Four-wheel drive
• 5.4-second 0-62mph

European versions produced 217bhp, while Japanese Pulsar versions developed 224bhp from their 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. With four-wheel drive, the GTI-R could reach 62mph in just 5.4 seconds and achieve a 144mph top speed. Only 14,613 examples were built, and its genuine rally pedigree included drivers such as Stig Blomqvist, David Llewellin, and Tommi Mäkinen. Despite these credentials, it never gained the mainstream fame of some better-known rally rivals.

7. Proton Satria GTI

Proton Satria GTI pursued performance in a rather unexpected way: teaming up with Lotus to design an even better performing chassis. In place was a proper working aerodynamics kit, and at the back there sat a badge proclaiming “Handling by Lotus”. Lotus engineering gave this budget hatchback handling it perhaps didn’t quite say on the box.

Satria GTI Highlights:

• Lotus-developed chassis
• 1.8-liter engine
• 138bhp output
• Handling-focused suspension
• Functional aerodynamic bodywork

Produced between 1999 and 2003, the 1.8-liter Satria GTI produced 138bhp, enabling it to hit 0-62mph in a brisk 8.5s. It really came alive on twisting roads, where the lotus-tuned chassis enabled the Satria GTI to feel nimble and lively. The flared wheelarch extentions were also a design feature the Satria was more recognizable for but ultimately, were too subtle for some potential purchasers to ignore the Proton badges. Thus, the Satria GTI became a fairly niched hot hatch, in terms of both its performance potential and what made the car fun.

8. Renault Twingo Renaultsport

Renaultsport is far more likely to bring the furious Clio and Megane to mind, but from 2008 until 2013 Renaultsport also delivered its own take on the recipe in the Twingo Renaultsport. However, rather than the massive quantities of power this tiny hot hatch employed tiny size, light weight and tight chassis instead.

Twingo Renaultsport Highlights:

• 1.6-liter engine
• 131bhp output
• 8.7-second 0-62mph
• Compact lightweight design
• Optional Cup package

The 1.6 motor churned out a good looking 131hp, leading to the common 0-62 performance figure of 8.7sec. They were nowhere the star attraction of the Twingo Renaultsport-what interested everyone was that incredible agile chassis, which was incredibly diverting round corners, especially if you could get your hands on one with the optional Cup pack (which hardened up the suspension and chassis). If you were brave enough, the tiny hatch was still the kind of device that allowed you to have as much fun in, and with, as size would ever permit.

9. Saab 9-3 Viggen

Unusual performing cars can come with big names, and big muscle, and the Saab 9-3 Viggen, whose name is derived from the Swedish word for lightning-bolt, fitted these categories perfectly. Produced by Valmet in Finland, and assisted by the skills of racing engineering company TWR, its original engine was fitted with much bigger turbochargers producing truly beastly engines from them.

Saab Viggen Highlights:

• TWR engineering input
• Larger turbocharger
• 230bhp output
• Front-wheel-drive layout
• 4,600 total examples

The Viggen produced 230bhp, but sending all that power through the front wheels created legendary levels of wheelspin. Rather than making the car effortless, that characteristic gave drivers a much more physical and demanding experience. Valmet built only 4,600 examples, including 1,305 convertibles. The open-top versions added chassis scuttle shake to an already dramatic driving experience, making the Viggen one of the more distinctive forgotten performance cars from its era.

10. Skoda Fabia vRS

The original Skoda Fabia vRS broke one of the biggest conventions of the hot hatch market by using a diesel engine instead of a petrol powerplant. Introduced in 2003, it demonstrated that performance could be delivered through strong torque and fuel efficiency rather than simply chasing high-revving petrol power.

Fabia vRS Highlights:

• 130bhp turbodiesel engine
• 228lb-ft torque
• 2003 launch
• Strong fuel efficiency
• Cult following

The 130bhp turbodiesel produced 228lb-ft of torque, giving the compact hatchback strong pulling power. Official figures claimed a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds, although period testing by Autocar recorded a much quicker 7.1 seconds. The Fabia vRS also offered nimble handling and smooth power delivery, creating an unusual combination of speed and economy. While it looked unconventional beside petrol-powered hot hatches, its distinctive formula eventually helped it develop a dedicated cult following.

11. Suzuki Ignis Sport

It was during the 2000s that a number of small WRC manufacturers decided to release homologation cars onto public roads and the Ignis Sport isSuzuki’s example. Launched in 2003 it adopted the body of a small hatchback and employed more supple suspension than would be apparent from the sheer, angular bulk.

Ignis Sport Highlights:

• WRC homologation purpose
• 107bhp global output
• 114bhp Japanese version
• 50mm lower body
• Stiffened suspension

Producing 107bhp in global forms, and 114bhp in its native Japan, the Ignis Sport was lowered 50mm and fitted with firmer suspension for better cornering manners. It wasn’t necessarily the fastest car going (0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds; 115mph top speed) but acceleration was never the Ignis Sport’s defining purpose; helping Suzuki make an appearance in WRC while offering the road user a quirky mini-performance hatch not based on an existing conventional hatchback.

12. Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVT-L Sport Compressor

Toyota took an unusual route with the Corolla T Sport by adding a supercharger to its 1.8-liter engine. The upgrade produced 215bhp, turning the ordinary-looking Corolla into a much faster machine. It could reach 62mph in 6.9 seconds and a 143mph top speed, while sitting 15mm lower than the standard T Sport. With only 250 examples produced, it became a particularly rare version.

Corolla Sport Compressor Highlights:

• Supercharged 1.8-liter engine
• 215bhp output
• 6.9-second 0-62mph
• 143mph top speed
• Only 250 examples

Despite its impressive performance, the Sport Compressor had some limitations. The chassis offered relatively dull handling, while the engine was not particularly happy at high revs. These drawbacks helped keep production limited to just 250 examples. Even so, the Sport Compressor remains a fascinating example of Toyota experimenting with forced induction in an otherwise ordinary-looking Corolla.

13. Vauxhall Zafira VXR

However, the Vauxhall Zafira VXR was quite a curious performance endeavor, because it took a totally practical, seven-seat MPV and gave it the ability to actually achieve quite decent acceleration. Long before the performance SUV was anything approaching normal, Vauxhall shoehorned a potent, turbarged powerplant into a family cruiser.

Zafira VXR Highlights:

• Seven-seat performance MPV
• 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
• 237bhp output
• 7.2-second 0-60mph
• 144mph top speed

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine came from the hot Astra and produced 237bhp. That was enough to send seven occupants from 0-60mph in just 7.2 seconds before reaching a 144mph top speed. The concept was unusual enough to confuse many buyers, who largely avoided the performance MPV. Nevertheless, Vauxhall kept the Zafira VXR on sale from 2005 through 2010, making it a memorable example of how far manufacturers were once willing to stretch the definition of a performance car.

14. Volkswagen Beetle RSi

Visually, the Volkswagen Beetle RSi was one of the most spectacular vehicles on display. Limited to just 250 models in 2001, it transformed the familiar Beetle shape with wide arches, a menacing front splitter, a large rear wing, and 18-inch OZ Superturismo wheels. Its aggressive appearance made it clear that this was far from an ordinary Beetle.

Beetle RSi Highlights:

• Limited 250-unit production
• 3.2-liter V6 engine
• 221bhp output
• Four-wheel drive
• 6.4-second 0-62mph

The Beetle RSi paired its distinctive bodywork with a 221bhp 3.2-liter V6 and four-wheel drive, reaching 62mph in 6.4 seconds. Its quirky engineering, unexpected speed, and distinctive character made it a fascinating forgotten performance car. Alongside other unusual machines, it shows just how diverse and interesting automotive performance history can be.