Hyundai i20 N Review 2024

Hyundai i20 N At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Hyundai i20 N proves that the Korean manufacturer can make a credible hot hatch that challenges the best in the class, while still delivering the qualities of the standard car.

+Great fun to drive. Impressive performance. Good value for money.

-Infotainment system is fiddly. Complicated drive modes.

The Hyundai i20 N is a serious hot hatch to come from a company better known for producing more sensible transport, and proves that the South Korean brand is committed to taking on big rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST and exhilarating Toyota Yaris GR at their own game. Read on for our full Hyundai i20 N review.

Taking the regular Hyundai i20 small hatch as the starting point, the Hyundai i20 N adds a number of visual and mechanical upgrades.

A new front bumper with large air intake, side skirts, rear spoiler and lower diffuser are matched by unique 18-inch alloy wheels as well as numerous ‘N’ logos.

Colour choices include the signature Performance Blue, which works well with the red flashes around the bumpers and sills.

Inside, there are dedicated sports seats as well as an N-specific steering wheel, gear knob and pedals, plus numerous flashes of Performance Blue dotted around the cabin.

There are additional features in the displays, too, such as a variable LED red zone for the rev counter, and a shift timing light to indicate when to change gears for best performance.

Under the bonnet, the Hyundai i20 N uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi engine offering 204PS and 275Nm of torque, and with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard it can reach 62mph from rest in 6.7 seconds and go on to a maximum speed of 143mph.

That’s an undeniably strong set of figures, which puts it very close to the Ford Fiesta ST.

Out on the road, the engine feels as strong as those figures suggest. A strong spread of torque means that acceleration is available almost regardless of engine speed, and even if you do choose to rev the engine hard, it does so willingly.

The six-speed gearbox is also slick in its action, which helps to make the most of the performance, although the engine note is less exciting than you might hope for, with the artificial sound generator doing little to help.

Other elements to enhance the driving experience include a reinforced bodyshell, a 10mm suspension drop, a new anti-roll bar and revised settings for both the springs and dampers.

In addition, the drive modes alter a wide range of settings, including the steering, throttle, exhaust, Electronic Stability Control, rev-matching function and even left-foot braking, as well as provide the ability to make custom settings.

The result is a car that genuinely feels worthy of its hot hatch status.

It may take some time to find the ideal settings within the drive modes, but the keenness of the steering and the amount of grip available means it can be quick across the ground or as playful as you like.

It also gives you the choice of taking full control or having the electronics help you out.

With a strong standard specification and a reasonable price tag, the Hyundai i20 N hits all the right notes and is worthy of serious consideration for anyone looking for a pocket rocket.

Hyundai i20 N handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Hyundai i20 N impresses on any kind of road, proving great fun to drive without too much compromise in terms of ride comfort.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Handling and ride quality

Expectations were high given how impressively the bigger Hyundai i30 N performs, and the Hyundai i20 N certainly got off to a good start.

During the development of the conventional Hyundai i20, the chief engineer of the brand’s N division was involved to ensure the basic platform was of the required standard.

The changes to the suspension go further than the usual stiffer springs and dampers, with more substantial steering knuckles at the front, and a stronger torsion beam at the rear, as well as additional bracing in the chassis for greater stiffness and therefore better handling response.

The result is a small hot hatch that feels more mature and capable than its size would suggest.

There is a lot of grip on offer, in part thanks to the Pirelli tyres, and it gives a lot of confidence to the driver.

The mechanical limited-slip differential is a big help, too, allowing the driver to accelerate earlier out of corners without descending into wheelspin.

The driver also has the option to deactivate the Electronic Stability Control completely, so it can be hurled around with more freedom, and even then the Hyundai i20 N responds with enthusiasm.

The payoff is that the ride quality is noticeably firmer than on the standard car, but for the most part, it is on the acceptable side of firm, and still deals well with urban imperfections.

At speed, on more challenging roads, it keeps the body under good control, demonstrating that the basic elements of the suspension are spot on rather than being helped out by electronic add-ons.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Engines

The single engine option in the Hyundai i20 N is a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDI engine with 204PS and 275Nm of torque.

In a car that weighs a little over 1200kg, the result is sparkling performance.

The top speed of 143mph and 0-62mph of 6.7 seconds – helped by the launch control function – are right up there with the Ford Fiesta ST, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever feel it lacks power.

With a broad spread of torque available from low engine speeds, acceleration feels lively whatever the revs, and there’s no need to throw the gear lever around to make good progress.

Even so, the gearshift is slick enough to ensure changing gears isn’t a chore, and the rev-matching function means you can shift down at high engine speeds without fear of upsetting the car’s balance.

Slightly less impressive is the sound from the engine, regardless of whether you have the noise generator switched on or off.

Given it is a small capacity turbo engine, it was never going to sound amazing. But because the rest of the specification is so strong, it’s a shame there isn’t more of a rally-car vibe.

Economy-wise, the Hyundai i20 N is as good as you could hope, with an official combined figure of 40.3mpg within reach.

And thanks to the generous torque on offer, it is a car that is just as happy trundling through city traffic at low speeds as it is attacking a B-road.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Safety

Euro NCAP has not tested the Hyundai i20 N, but it did carry out its usual tests on the standard version in 2021, with a four-star overall rating.

It scored 76% for adult protection, a strong 82% for child protection, 76% for pedestrian mitigation and 67% for safety assist.

However, the i20 N comes with higher grade safety systems as standard.

Larger brakes, wider tyres, Forward Collision Assist, Lane Following Assist and Blind Spot Collision Warning are all standard, which is a comprehensive set of kit for a car of this size.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Towing

The Hyundai i20 N has an unbraked towing capacity of 450kg and a braked towing capacity of 1110kg, which is reasonable given the size of the car.

But there may be better options if you plan to regularly tow larger loads.

Hyundai i20 N interior

Interior Rating
The Hyundai i20 N offers decent space, particularly in the rear, and the quality is acceptable, if not class-leading. The main infotainment screen can prove fiddly, though.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Practicality

The Hyundai i20 N is already at something of an advantage by being five-door only, so accessing the rear seats is easy.

Once there, a surprising amount of room is available for a car of this size, although the N version does give a little away compared to the regular Hyundai i20 on account of the bulkier sports front seats.

Those in the front fare well, and there’s a good range of adjustment in the driver’s seat and the steering wheel, so getting comfortable should be easy for anyone.

The sports seats certainly look the part and are comfortable, although they don’t grip you as much as you might wish for during keen cornering.

With 352 litres of boot space on offer with the rear seats in place, the Hyundai i20 N is competitive with other cars in this class, and there’s an adjustable boot floor which means you can create separate sections to keep more delicate items safe.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Quality and finish

In some respects, the Hyundai i20 N is better than the standard car in this area, as the increased specification brings a more premium feel to the cabin – in particular the sports seats, which have leather elements and smart stitching.

The same goes for the steering wheel, which has a chunky leathered rim and flashes of colour. It certainly feels good in your hands.

Even so, much of the interior is carried over from the standard car – as with most of its rivals – and the mix of hard plastics feels less forgivable here, given you are paying considerably more than a conventional Hyundai i20 costing thousands less.

In truth, when you are on the move, the key contact points are well-finished and the switches generally operate with a solid feel.

So it is only when poking around the lower sections of the interior that you are reminded of the Hyundai i20 N’s relatively humble origins.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Infotainment

As standard, the Hyundai i20 N gets the firm’s higher-specification infotainment system, which means a generous 10.25-inch central screen as well as a similarly-sized digital instrument display.

The displays are clear, and the Hyundai i20 N offers some unique features, including the ability to show information such as g-force, drive mode settings and even launch control activation, all of which adds to the sporty feel.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and there’s wireless phone charging, as well as a USB port front and rear.

The main infotainment screen responds reasonably well to inputs, but can occasionally lag a little when tapping an icon, and the sheer number and size of icons on the main screen can make it difficult to select the right option when on the move.

However, you do have the option to pinch and swipe as you would with a smartphone or tablet.

The standard audio is a six-speaker set-up that offers reasonable performance, but the optional Bose system adds an extra pair of speakers and brings a notable increase in sound quality.

Hyundai i20 N value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Hyundai i20 N is competitively priced compared with rivals, and running costs should be broadly similar to other small hot hatches.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Prices

At the time of writing, the basic price of the Hyundai i20 N is £26,530.

This compares favourably with rivals such as the Volkswagen Polo GTI, which starts at over £30,000 – albeit with a 2.0-litre engine – and the Ford Fiesta ST, which currently retails at £27,380.

A high standard specification includes the infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, climate control and a long list of driver-assistance systems, as well as the performance enhancements, which include a limited-slip differential, rev matching and the active exhaust.

Some used examples have already found their way into the market. A 2021 example with a modest 25,000 miles on the clock will sell for a fraction under £20,000.

Hyundai i20 N 2024: Running Costs

Despite the performance on offer, the Hyundai i20 N is still a relatively lightweight and compact car, so the official combined fuel consumption of 40.3mpg means that it can be frugal if driven in the right way.

VED will cost a modest £180 a year, too, while the insurance group of 27 might seem high for a car of this size, but it’s not really with this amount of power and performance.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Hyundai i20 N models and specs

As standard the Hyundai i20 N comes with LED front and rear lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, leather and cloth heated front sports seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, four electric windows, heated steering wheel and climate control.

There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors and rear camera, USB inputs, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Model History

October 2020

Hyundai i20 N revealed

A rival to the Ford Fiesta ST, the Hyundai i20 claims to be a 'racetrack capable hot hatch' inspired by the i20 Coupe WRC rally car.

Based on the latest Hyundai i20, the N sits 10mm lower than the standard car. Its front end is dominated by a front bumper with a larger air intake for the turbo engine. There's a wide radiator grille with N logo and a lip spoiler with red accents. At the rear, there's a WRC-inspired roof spoiler while the rear bumper features built-in diffuser-like elements and triangular rear fog light. In addition, a big single exhaust emphasises the high-performance potential of the engine.

Other design highlights include front LED headlamps, while the darkened tail lamps resemble a black diamond. The all-new i20 N’s sporty credentials are further accentuated by its bespoke 18‑inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake callipers.

The all-new i20 N comes in six exterior colours including the N signature Performance Blue livery, which is exclusive to Hyundai N models, and an optional Phantom Black roof for a two-tone style.

Inside, the Hyundai i20 N features dedicated sport seats with an integrated headrest as well as N steering wheel and N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals. The black interior features Performance Blue accents throughout and all‑black head lining.

The digital cluster and AVN screen include features such as the variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift-timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears.

The new Hyundai i20 N is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi engine with a six-speed manual transmission. This engine is the first of a new generation to feature in a European Hyundai model, and delivers a maximum output of 204PS and a maximum torque of 275Nm. With 1190kg of weight, the all-new i20 N delivers a maximum speed of 143mph, and can cover 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.

The i20 N is equipped with a number of dedicated functionalities for a sporty fun-to-drive experience. The N Grin Control System offers customers a high level of customisation, with five distinct drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. The drive modes adjust the parameters of the engine, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), exhaust sound and steering in order to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+ settings for each of the mentioned components to match driving preferences and road conditions via a “Spider diagram” on AVN screen. Moreover, dedicated N keys on the steering wheel flexibly allow any type of pre-sets to be mapped according to individual needs. For even sportier pleasure of driving, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be operated in three stages: on, sport and fully off.

Rev Matching synchronises the engine to the output shaft and has its own dedicated activation button on the steering wheel. This allows smoother or sportier downshifts, depending on the drive mode. With Launch Control, the engine and traction control are optimised for quick acceleration from a standing start just like a professional race driver.

Other motorsport-inspired features include an electric sound generator, variable muffler control for the perfect exhaust sound, as well as left-foot braking calibration, a brake pad wear indicator (PWI), and dedicated 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres with “HN” mark (standing for “Hyundai N”).

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. The chassis has been reinforced at 12 different points to ensure smoother handling and usability on any road and in all weather conditions. This includes a redesigned undercover and an additional bracket.

The all-new i20 N features a Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s track skills. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.

The all-new i20 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai LIVE Services, Connected Routing and Last Mile Navigation, as well as remote features via the Bluelink smartphone app. Bluelink comes with a free five-year subscription.

The all-new i20 N will be available across Europe from spring 2021.

Technical specifications

Dimension

4,075 x 1,750 x 1,440 (WB: 2,580) mm

Engine

Gamma II 1.6-litre T-GDi

Transmission

6-speed manual transmission

Weight

1,190 kg (TBC)

Power (PS) / Torque (kgm)

204 / 28.0

Top speed (km/h)

230

Acceleration

0-100 kph

6.7s

June 2021

Hyundai i20 N priced from £24,995

Hyundai has announced pricing and specification for the all new i20 N, delivering World Rally Championship-inspired styling and performance from £24,995.

Hyundai says the i20 N blends prodigious power, pin-sharp handling and an immersive driving experience with motorsport-inspired styling, cutting edge connect and infotainment technology and advanced safety features into a practical, five-door hatchback format perfect for every day driving.

Performance comes courtesy of a new generation 1.6 T-GDi turbocharged flat power four-cylinder engine, which produces 204PS and 275 Nm of torque. Hyundai’s advanced flat power technology delivers more torque and power at lower engine revs to effortlessly utilise more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations. Factor in the i20 N's optimal power-to-weight ratio – kerb weight ranges from 1190kg to 1330kg depending on specification – and the sprint from rest to 62mph can be dispatched in a mere 6.7 seconds.

A number of motorsport-inspired features come fitted to i20 N as standard. These include the N Corner Carving Differential – a mechanical limited-slip differential that regulates the transmission of the engine’s power to the front wheels and provides optimum grip and traction in all conditions. A launch control system ensures a maximum-power acceleration start to every track drive. A press of the red button on the steering wheel initiates Hyundai's Rev-matching technology, providing controlled gear downshift with double-declutching function. The sophisticated system seamlessly synchronises the engine and output shaft for smoother or sportier gear changes. Five driving modes, Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom, are offered by Hyundai's N Grin Control System, and the driver can also create their preferred exhaust note, thanks to the variable muffler control system.

At the front of the car, dynamically styled LED headlamps and a full-width radiator grille, replete with N logo and sporting a unique, chequered flag-inspired pattern, underline the i20 N’s motorsport engineered pedigree. A distinctive Tomato Red N exterior stripe detail highlights the front lip spoiler and extends to the side skirts and rear of the car.

The i20 N is offered in seven paint finishes with Polar White paint in a solid finish at no additional cost. The colour pallet also includes optional Dragon Red, Phantom Black, and Intense Blue pearl effect paint finishes and Sleek Silver and Brass metallic paint finish, at a price of £550 each. Optional Performance Blue special paint is also available at £550. All paint colour finishes (excluding Phantom Black) are offered with an optional two-tone roof in black, priced at £500.

Together, newly designed grey matte finish 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers with N logos accentuate the car’s side profile. The rear of the vehicle features a bumper with built-in diffuser-like elements, a large exhaust pipe, LED lightning flash style tail lamps and a triangular fog light. Most striking of all is the WRC-inspired roof spoiler, which, just like its counterpart does on the world’s rally stages, executes a critical role in enhancing downforce and stability at speed.

Inside the cabin, the motorsport-inspired theme continues. Exclusive front N sports seats in fabric and leather with decorative stitching in Performance Blue, provide superior grip and support to hold occupants perfectly in place during demanding track dives. With a heater function, the seats also offer excellent comfort for long winter motorway journeys. Performance Blue accents highlight elements of the cabin, such as the door armrest panels, the aluminium panel on the gear knob and stitching on the gear lever gaiter. Aluminium-style pedals complete the rally car cabin look.

The heated, N sport, three-spoke leather steering wheel places the driver firmly in control, enabling them to operate a wide range of vehicle functions. In addition, the driver can use the specific N button to access predefined vehicle configuration features according to their individual requirements.

Every model is equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment technology, including a 10.25-inch Centre Console Display Touchscreen Satellite Navigation System, including Traffic Messaging Channel, Mapcare and Live Services. The 10.25-inch Digital Supervision Cluster presents information to the driver via beautifully rendered high-definition graphics.

The Digital Supervision Cluster also incorporates features such as the LED red zone, which varies the intensity of its hue according to criteria such as engine oil temperatures and the gear shift-timing indication to inform the driver on the optimum point to change gear. Further 'track day coaching' can be provided by the car's Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s track skills. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.

The i20 N has a rich suite of connected technologies. These include Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth® Connectivity with Voice Recognition and a 5-year subscription to Hyundai's Bluelink Connectivity service, which offers a wide range of services designed to make driving safer, easier and more fun. A wireless charging pad is provided, along with a USB connection for both front and rear seat occupants. An advanced digital DAB radio is supplied as standard, while a BOSE Premium Sound Package is offered as a £500 option.

The all-new i20 N is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Drivers Assistance System features and complies with the highest European safety standards. Standard-fit safety technology includes features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Monitoring & Cycle Detection, eCall (Emergency Call Button), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Description

CO2 Emissions

Insurance Group

VED Band

Recommended OTR

Price

i20 N 1.6 T-GDi 204PS 6 Speed Manual

158g/km

27A

I

£24,995

Options

Retail Price

Two Tone Roof - Black

£500.00

Bose Premium Sound System Package

£500.00

Performance Blue Special Paint

£550.00

Metallic / Pearl Paint

£550.00

What does the Hyundai i20 N cost?