Hyundai i20 N review

The new i20 N is the punchy performance version of Hyundai’s popular, practical supermini. And just like any good Game of Thrones character, its sole purpose in life is to topple the excellent Ford Fiesta ST from its throne, and crown itself king (or queen) of the affordable hot hatchback kingdom.

It’s certainly got the weaponry to help it win that battle. For starters, it looks like it’s out for a fight – it’s all big chin spoilers, body kits and wings here. Depending on your tastes, you might even think the i20 N is a bit too aggressive looking – particularly when you compare it to the more subtly-styled Fiesta ST.

But you just as easily might love its amped-up appearance, and that’s fine too. Those looks certainly make for a contrast with the interior, anyway. Open the door and you’ll find it’s a bit more relaxed on the inside, even if some vivid blue bits of trim and chunky bucket seats are giveaway signs that this is still the go-faster version of the i20 N.

Those chairs are comfy and hold you snugly in place through fast corners, and the driving position is pretty spot on too. There’s also a good amount of space in the back, and the boot has 352 litres of space, which is way more than the Fiesta ST.

You get a load of equipment as standard too, such as heated front seats, a wireless charge pad, automatic lane-keep assist and regular cruise control. Also in the mix is a sharp 10.3-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

But the main attraction is obviously everything that’s going on beneath the skin. For starters, it’s 1.6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine packs a wallop: kicking out 204hp and 275Nm. That’s more power but less torque than what you get in the hot Fiesta. 

Launch it from a standstill, however, and you’ll hit 60mph in 6.2 seconds – which is (just) quicker than the Ford can manage. It feels fast on the road too, even if it doesn’t sound quite as good as you might like.

The i20 N is a fun little hot hatch that packs a hefty punch. The weighty steering feels a bit odd to me, though.

Visibility is decent enough, and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera help make it a easy to park too. The steering is heavy though – particularly in the sportier drive modes – and you might find you don’t like this meaty sense of weight so much.

Elsewhere, its suspension and bodywork have all been stiffened up to make it even pointier and more fun on a twisty road, and there’s a limited-slip differential to give you even more grip through corners. Then there’s the beefier brakes, and a range of customisable drive modes to play with too.

But even though it’s been set up for driving thrills, the i20 N is still comfy enough to use around town every day. The ride is firm, for sure, but not as firm as what you’ll find on the Fiesta ST or hotter versions of the Mini 3-door. That said, the more agile and engaging Ford is still the car to go for if outright driving fun is what you’re after.

Ultimately the Hyundai i20 N doesn’t quite usurp the Fiesta ST, but it’s still an entertaining, feisty hot hatchback with impressive practicality and an exciting attitude that will appeal to many. The Fiesta ST might be that bit sweeter to drive, but it’s the Hyundai that trumps it for everyday usability and practicality.

So if that sounds like your kind of hot hatch recipe, head on over to our Hyundai i20 N deals page to see how much you can save through carwow.

Check out our Hyundai i20 N v Fiesta ST v Polo GTI group test review: