Summary
The Hyundai i20N is a pacy hot hatch based on the normal i20 hatchback, and the entry level model in Hyundai’s N subdivision of performance cars.
With the ‘N’ being a nod to the German Nürburgring circuit, the Hyundai i20 N is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine which produces 201hp, 46hp less than the next model up in the N range, the Hyundai i30 N. Other than the engine, the i20 N is far more agile than the regular i20 models, with notable improvements made to the chassis, suspension, brakes and steering.
Fitted with its own specifically designed turbocharger and intercooler system, the i20 N is almost half a second faster in a 0-62mph drag race (6.2 seconds) than its close rivals, the Ford Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen Polo GTI.
This impressive pace has not gone unoticed. “This is a car of serious talent”, The Telegraph explains, “one with immense pace, a beautifully poised and precise chassis, and a nose that just won’t quit.”
“It’s a great alternative to the Ford Fiesta ST and much more entertaining than the dynamically dull Volkswagen Polo GTI”, What Car? writes. “You can drive it aggressively and it won’t bite, and when you’re precise, its calm, neutral balance works with you to generate pace.”
The engine performance, body control and handling of this supermini, along with its long warranty, relatively cheap running costs, and good levels of standard equipment have made the Hyundai i20 N a real highlight for the motoring media, although a number of reviews conclude that it isn’t as ‘playful’ as the Fiesta ST while cornering.
Reviewers have also found cause for concern when using the i20 N’s ‘sluggish’ infotainment, as well as its so-so ride comfort, with some of its hot hatch rivals being more comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis.
As of January 2023, the Hyundai i20 N holds an impressive Expert Rating of 84%, based on 14 reviews published by the UK media. This rating is just 2% shy of the 86% scored by its key rival, the Ford Fiesta ST.
i20 N highlights
- Pure hot hatch performance
- Sharp handling and body control
- Good levels of standard equipment
- Excellent driving position
- Suitable for track days and day-to-day driving
i20 N lowlights
- Rather rigid ride comfort
- Infortainment lags behind rivals
- Cheap interior trim in places
- Sport driving mode makes the steering heavy
Key specifications
Body style: Small three-door hot hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £25,250 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Score: 9 / 10
“The i20 N marks another impressive step for Hyundai’s performance division, mixing a fun chassis set-up with strong performance.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Hyundai may be new to the hot-hatch game but the new i20 N proves it’s got the talent to give favourites like the Fiesta ST a run for their money.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Hyundai could have toddled off and built a warmed-over i20, ratcheted up the marketing hype and counted the cash. The fact there is real engineering integrity and depth of character to this car speaks volumes as to the company’s intent. Hyundai has obviously set out to create a pure performance hatch – consider the brief met. And then some.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 10 / 10
“A focused machine, the i20N is a proper little hot hatch and by far the Fiesta ST’s most credible rival yet.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The impressive Hyundai i20 N is a genuine rival to the Ford Fiesta ST.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s great fun on a twisty road, even if its steering is a bit too heavy, but its looks might be a bit challenging for some.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 10 / 10
“An inspiring new hot hatch from Hyundai N. Agile, and with a limited-slip differential that offers superb mid-corner traction, it’s a formidable Fiesta ST rival.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed:
“Hyundai’s engineers have retuned and refined the regular i20’s chassis, suspension, brakes and steering in order to deliver more agile ride and handling.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Hyundai’s N Division has served up another excellent hot hatch, following on from the equally-fun i30 N. It’s great to drive with punchy acceleration and a powerful engine that thrives on revs.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
“Handling is king in a hot hatch and this little cracker is so precise and darty, it reacts instantly to every input, like it is wired to your brain.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
“It has a proper handbrake, not a button. The driving position was spot-on. The quality was tangible and the stereo was epic.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 10 / 10
“This is a car of serious talent; one with immense pace, a beautifully poised and precise chassis, and a nose that just won’t quit. Not to mention one that doesn’t take itself too seriously – a very endearing quality that’s far too rare in most modern performance cars.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Taut, direct and surprisingly old-school hot hatch from a very forward-looking company.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s a great alternative to the Ford Fiesta ST and much more entertaining than the dynamically dull Volkswagen Polo GTI. You can drive it aggressively and it won’t bite, and when you’re precise, its calm, neutral balance works with you to generate pace.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
January 2023, the Hyundai i20 range has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.
The i20 N has a number of high-calibre safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane assistance, traffic-sign recognition and e-Call emergency response.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Hyundai i20 N has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai i20 N to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the i20 N, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai i20 N has received
2023
- What Car? Awards – Best Hot Hatch
2022
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatchback
2021
- Auto Express Awards – Best Hot Hatch
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatchback
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hot Hatch
- Top Gear Awards – Car of the Year + Best Performance Car
- Top Gear Speed Week – Competiton Champion
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20 N, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Ford Fiesta ST | Hyundai i30 N | Mini Cooper S | Mini hatch John Cooper Works | Suzuki Swift Sport | Toyota GR Yaris | Volkswagen Polo GTI | Volkswagen Up GTI
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Hyundai i20 range at The Car Expert
Buy a Hyundai i20 N
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai i20 N, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Lease a Hyundai i20 N
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai i20 N, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Subscribe to a Hyundai i20 N
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Electric car subscriptions from Elmo.
Find out more
