Written by Keith Adams Updated: 26 January 2023

Overview

Despite the march of electrification, rising fuel costs, potholes and a sense that the fun is being surgically removed from driving, the Hyundai i20 N proves there’s life in the old-fashioned small hot hatch. In essence, Hyundai has taken the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine usually found in its larger models and shoehorned it under the bonnet of one of its smallest to create a pocket-sized bundle of fun.

To make the most of the muscle under the bonnet, the suspension has been stiffened and lowered with uprated springs and dampers. The styling also gets a boost, with aggressive-looking bumpers front and rear, prominent side skirts, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler proudly mounted atop the tailgate. In other words, it’s packed with attitude and promises to excite on the road, too.

The i20 hatchback it’s based upon slots into the small car class, and goes up against the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo – so it stands that the hot version goes toe to toe with the Fiesta ST and Polo GTI respectively. This is a tough challenge – has Hyundai succeeded?

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What’s it like inside?

The i20 N’s interior is packed with tech, and dominated by a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and similarly generous central infotainment touchscreen. The system is quick and easy to use, and in addition you get wireless mobile phone charging, a reversing camera with parking sensors, and digital climate control with easy-to-use toggle controllers.

That’s all standard i20 fare, but the high-backed sports seats certainly aren’t. From the driver’s perspective you get what you need – all the support you require, especially in corners and a great view out. All the major controls are well-sited and the manual gearbox is a pleasure to use (more of that below).

As a small family car, the i20 N also works well – it’s roomy enough in the rear and has a decently-sized and shaped luggage area. If you want a three-door version, forget it – like so many small cars these days, it’s five-door only.

What’s it like to drive?

In a word, great. It’s a small car that packs 204hp, so it’s quick off the blocks. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and goes on to a maximum speed of 142mph. In true hot hatch fashion, it thrives on revs – it goes well at medium speeds, but it really picks up its pace and flies beyond 4,500rpm, pulling strongly to the rev limiter. It doesn’t sound as tuneful as the delightful three-cylinder turbo in the Fiesta ST, but it has a raw appeal that suits its nature.

It’s available with a six-speed manual only, which offers a slick change that encourages quick driving. It also has a rev-matching function which blips the throttle when you change down, smoothing fast shifts. This happens in the sportiest of its drive modes, but it really does make shifting gear when you’re cracking on an absolute joy. Shame the exhaust is constantly loud, and doesn’t quieten down when you back off the accelerator – as it makes long distance journeys a bit of a chore.

Handling and steering are this car’s real forte. The steering is super responsive without being nervous, and you can tailor the system’s weight to your liking via the infotainment system. Turning into a tight bend is an absolute joy with plentiful grip, a neutral balance and not much body roll. Yes, the ride is firm, but it’s well damped and although you’ll find yourself bobbing around in the driver’s seat more than a standard i20, it’s not uncomfortable.

It’s certainly far more entertaining than the softer-edged Polo GTI, but doesn’t have the same level of playfulness as the Fiesta ST. Where the i20 feels planted on the road, the Fiesta feels flighty and hyperactive in a most entertaining fashion – so for those who don’t want to be on it 100% of the time the Hyundai is probably the preferable option.

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What models and trims are available?

There’s just one Hyundai i20 N available and a limited number of options. These include Performance Blue paint, as well as a selection of metallic and pearl colours, and you can also add a contrasting a black roof, a Bose stereo, and that’s about it. As we say, this is a proper, hardcore, old-school hot hatch.

Read on for the Parkers verdict to see how highly we rate the Hyundai i20 N.