Hyundai i20 N review

Like its archrival, the Fiesta ST, the Hyundai i20 N starts from a very strong base.

Tech and features

The standard i20 interior is a well-equipped place, with a wide infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster in place of conventional dials.

With the advantage of its slightly younger age, the i20 N leaves the Fiesta ST interior behind in a technical sense, but when it comes to driving and comfort features – like cruise control and heated seats – both are very closely aligned.

The same goes for seating position and a general mixture of functionality and sportiness.

With a tech focus and a responsive infotainment system, you’re given a level of cabin wow factor not yet matched by the Fiesta or other direct rivals.

The digital features include customisable drive modes that allow you to go beyond the level of technical interaction offered by the simpler Fiesta ST.

For tech fans, that’ll be a big win for the i20 N. For those who like a simpler plug-and-play offering, the ST might remain advantageous.

Engines and power

Like its bigger brother, the i30 N, Hyundai’s i20 N starts with a growl and, when you click it out of its calmer normal modes into N mode (via a dominating button on the steering wheel – how purposeful), the car feels like it’s standing on its tippy toes with its valves pumping out adrenaline.

The 204hp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is snappy and powerful when you work it, with great grip provided by the car’s limited-slip differential (a piece of hardware that improves traction to the driven wheels), the gearbox is tight and the steering is quick to react, although not as quick as the ST. It feels well-judged.

Handling and ride comfort

Where the i20 N feels strongest is in its handling. It’s a confidence-inspiring car, with lots of grip and an unflappable nature when you embrace its talents on a winding road.

To enable that, the car does ride relatively firmly, but it’s never uncomfortable.

Plus, if you want to calm things down, you only need to click the mode button and set the car to its Eco or Normal set ups. Then it’s, well, like a normal i20.

Albeit with that big wing and those racy alloys, and a fiery personality just a few degrees of accelerator pedal away.

Rear seats

Thanks to those five doors and the i20’s generous back seats, this small car is surprisingly spacious.

Ok, five adults might find longer journeys cramped (so too would they find the Fiesta ST’s cabin), but four adults can be seated in comfort.

Unlike the Fiesta, the i20 N and its siblings only come as a five-door, meaning those wanting the cleaner design of the three-door body aren’t served.

However, the addition of those back doors does mean the i20 N is remarkably practical and easy to get into and out of, no matter where you sit.

Boot space

The i20’s boot is also very competitive for the class, with enough room for two medium-sized suitcases plus a few small bags around them.

Reliability

Not only does the Hyundai i20 N's warranty cover the car for five years and an unlimited mileage, it also covers you if you do track days.

Aside from the i20 N’s bigger brother, no other car comes with such an offering, giving it an enormous USP if you’re the sort to take to the track.

It also suggests Hyundai has enormous confidence in the car’s engineering.

Fuel economy

As for running costs, despite being such a feisty 204hp hot hatch, the i20 N can average over 40 miles per gallon on a run (we saw an indicated 41 during our motorway stint) and its service schedules are average for the class.

This means it’ll cost little more than a mid-spec model to maintain mechanically.

Ok, so the i20 N gets special HN-labelled (for Hyundai N division) Pirelli tyres that cost over a hundred pounds per corner, but the pay-off is sports car-aping performance. We’d argue that it’s a fair deal.