Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai i20 N vs Hyundai i30 N: Track Battle

Hyundai hot hatches go head-to-head! Have the i20 N and i30 N got the talent to hit the high notes on track?

The new Hyundai i20 N has already proven itself as an accomplished hot hatch in isolation, but we wanted to put it up against its larger sibling - the i30 N - to really test its mettle. Our Track Battle video puts the two head-to-head against the clock. 

Hyundai hit the ground running with its N performance brand, launching the deeply impressive i30 N, in 2017. The 2021 i20 N is the latest from the N stable of hot Hyundais, one that distills the recipe into a smaller, lighter, more affordable package. 

The i20 N rivals the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Polo GTI, and brings a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-pot to the table, which sends 201bhp through a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's an effervescent machine, the i20 N - it weighs just 1,220kg, and the front tyres find bundles of grip while powering out of turns, thanks to a mechanical LSD. It'll even pick up an inside rear wheel while negotiating the tighter sections of the Llandow Circuit that hosted our track battle.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But can the i20 N usurp it's older, more powerful sibling, the i30 N? The i30 N has already given the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST a bloody nose, with a punchy engine, absorbing chassis and strong build quality. However, it's now been given a dual clutch automatic gearbox for the first time, to make better use of the 278bhp produced by its 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo. 

That's a heap more power than the i20 N, and from rest, the i30 N will hit 62mph in 5.4 seconds, slicing 1.3 seconds from the newcomer's time. Accelerating out of the low speed corners at Llandow, the more potent i30 N should win some valuable time, but mass is not on its side. The i30 N weighs in at a portly 1,535kg, which will take the edge of its agility, braking and turn-in ability.

Place your bets, then - the lighter, more athletic i20 N, or the bigger, more powerful, well established i30 N? Steve Sutcliffe is at the wheel to settle this family feud.

Now check out our pick of the best hot hatchbacks from the 1990s...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Hyundai Ioniq 6 N revealed, and it has the power to slay the BMW M3
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N - front

New Hyundai Ioniq 6 N revealed, and it has the power to slay the BMW M3

The hot Hyundai Ioniq 6 N electric saloon will use, and diversify, the brand's high-performance technology
News
10 Jul 2025
New Kia EV5 preview: 2025 electric SUV aims to max-out on value
Kia EV5 - front static

New Kia EV5 preview: 2025 electric SUV aims to max-out on value

Kia’s answer to the Skoda Enyaq will go on sale later this year, with prices set to start from around £38,000
News
9 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025