The Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback is a compact sports hatch introduced by the Lynk & Co brand in 2021, widely hailed by the industry as "the first bona fide domestic hot hatch". Developed from the Lynk & Co 02 crossover SUV and powered by the same 2.0T high-output engine found in the Lynk & Co 03+, it was gradually phased out after 2022, making it one of the shortest-lived models in the brand's line-up.
Positioned as a compact performance hatch under Geely Auto-owned Lynk & Co, its key highlights include a 254 PS 2.0T engine, a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and quad tailpipes. The 2021 line-up comprised two variants: the Halo variant at RM176,800 and the Halo Driving Control Package variant at RM181,800 (adding forged alloy wheels and a front strut bar); the 2022 model year introduced an entry-level variant priced at RM150,800 (190 PS / 7-speed dual-clutch transmission). Dimensionally, it measures 4,458 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,486 mm tall, with a 2,702 mm wheelbase and a boot capacity of 330 to 842 litres.
On the outside, the car features Lynk & Co's signature split headlight setup paired with a full-width front grille. Compared to the standard Lynk & Co 02, it sits lower to the ground and features body-coloured wide-body wheel arch cladding, creating an aggressive, hunkered-down stance. The rear is dominated by dual twin tailpipes, a large roof spoiler, and a diffuser, exuding unmistakable hot hatch flair. The Halo Driving Control Package variant further gains 19-inch forged alloy wheels and a front aluminium alloy strut bar.
The cabin is finished primarily in black, highlighted by contrasting orange stitching and orange seatbelts. Tech appointments include a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.2-inch integrated touchscreen infotainment head unit. High-spec variants receive suede and genuine leather combination upholstery, steering wheel paddle shifters, and a sports steering wheel.
The 2021 model is powered by a Volvo-derived T5 Drive-E 2.0T high-output engine (JLH-4G20TD), producing 187 kW (254 PS) and 350 Nm of peak torque, with an overboost function pushing it to 380 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an Aisin 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (8AT). While the official 0-100 km/h acceleration stands at 6.2 seconds, reputable motoring media logged real-world times of 7.0 to 7.1 seconds, triggering discussions around "overstated output figures". It has a kerb weight of 1,590 kg, an NEDC combined fuel consumption figure of 7.3 L/100 km, and runs on minimum RON 95 petrol. The 2022 Plus variant downgraded to a 190 PS / 300 Nm lower-output tune paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Underneath, the car runs on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, co-tuned by Sino-European engineering teams. Media track tests recorded a peak cornering lateral grip of 1.219 G—a record among domestic marques—though its hefty 1,590 kg kerb weight blunted overall agility. It rides on 245/40 R19 tyres, with the Halo Driving Control Package variant rolling on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (PS4) high-performance rubber. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, achieving a tested 100-0 km/h average stopping distance of 37.25 metres with commendable fade resistance.
The dashboard houses a 10.25-inch digital meter panel and a 10.2-inch central display with 4G telematics, OTA software updates, and voice control. Flagship variants add a premium Infinity audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, electronic parking brake (EPB), and Auto Brake Hold come standard across the range. Advanced safety includes Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aids (Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist) alongside a 360-degree surround-view monitor with a 180-degree transparent underfloor chassis display.
The Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback remains the only model in the brand's portfolio to be officially discontinued. Arriving as a "homegrown hot hatch", it briefly plugged the market void left by the departure of the Focus ST and Golf GTI. However, hindered by its niche appeal and the classic "internet darling, showroom flop" syndrome, its production run lasted a mere two years. Key criticisms centered on the discrepancy between real-world acceleration and factory claims, an 8AT gearbox that favoured refinement over shift aggression, a comfort-biased chassis setup lacking pure edge, and the absence of an AWD drivetrain. On the upside, its combination of 254 PS, quad exhaust pipes, high-end tyres, and daily practicality—backed by a starting price of RM176,800—represented extraordinary value in 2021. Today on the used car market, a well-kept 2021 example fetches around RM120,000 to RM150,000.
Verdict: The Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback was a bold attempt by a domestic marque to take on the traditional hot hatch establishment. While far from hardcore, it struck a commendable balance between performance, daily usability, and high-spec kit. Though no longer in production, it remains a memorable swan song for pure petrol hot hatches from the pre-EV era, worthy of respect from driving enthusiasts.
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