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This is considerably bittersweet, as it would probably be the final time we drive the Hyundai i20 N.
As first reported by CarExpert in October 2025, Hyundai ended manufacturing of the i20 N in current months, although its Australian arm expects to have sufficient provide of the pint-size sizzling hatch to final the remainder of this yr – with a alternative stated to be arriving in 2027.
So, when you get to the top of this evaluation and determine you need one, you finest decide up the cellphone and safe yours earlier than they utterly disappear.
While little is understood in regards to the new-generation mannequin, stories declare the Korean automaker might be including hybrid expertise to the combo, making the present i20 N one of many final purely petrol-powered sizzling hatches out there with a handbook transmission.
But the truth that it’s out there with a handbook isn’t the best factor – it’s that it’s solely out there with a handbook. And it’s the one automotive at present on sale in Australia (the Honda Civic Type R is unavailable to order in the mean time) that doesn’t even have the choice of an automated.
The i20 stays a little bit of an oddball, given there’s no grandma-spec base grade out there – simply the top-shelf N model, tuned by Hyundai’s efficiency skunkworks.
So, as we bid farewell to Hyundai’s littlest sizzling hatch, is it nonetheless related among the many newest crop of enjoyable new automobiles?
How a lot does the Hyundai i20 N price?
The 2026 Hyundai i20 N is priced from $38,500 earlier than on-road prices – and there is solely a single variant out there to buy.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Hyundai i20 N handbook | $38,500 |
Updated pricing for the Turkiye-made i20 N – and its larger sibling, the i30 N – was introduced in September 2025, with Hyundai claiming the rise was on account of its longer new (conditional) seven-year guarantee, tightening native emissions rules and European manufacturing unit sourcing.
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An extra $2000 was added to the value tag, although consumers do get the advantage of that additional guarantee. More on that later.
But within the months since, it seems Hyundai has elevated the value by one other $1000, bringing the run-out i20 N to $38,500 earlier than on-road.
At that value although, there aren’t a whole lot of choices for sporty fashions. Most sizzling hatches, just like the Civic Type R and GR variations of the Toyota Yaris and Corolla, demand considerably extra money.
Which means there are restricted choices for consumers on the lookout for one thing spicy and inexpensive. So, whereas they are not typical rivals, it does arguably make each the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 and the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ coupe twins opponents – regardless of their costs beginning with a 4.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What is the Hyundai i20 N like on the within?
To put issues into context, the i20 is basically Hyundai’s model of the Yaris within the European market – however the N is the range-topping efficiency variant.
That means we get the very best model of one of many model’s least expensive fashions.
The result’s a little bit of a blended bag. Not essentially within the unhealthy sense, however there’s no actual reference. While we assume it to be so, we don’t actually understand how a lot nicer the N is in comparison with the decrease grades.
There are some low-cost, hole plastic panels all through, with some higher-quality supplies sprinkled in, just like the upholstery. The digital local weather management buttons really feel well-built, nevertheless it’s solely a single-zone system. The infotainment display is an effective dimension, nevertheless it solely helps wired Apple CarPlay.
It’s like when you occur to select up some sharp-looking younger particular person at a high-class dinner occasion for scientists, and then you definately uncover they pronounce ‘nuclear’ unsuitable. You don’t actually care, as a result of they give the impression of being good and might reduce a transfer on the dance ground, however there’s nonetheless an odd disconnect you can’t assist however discover.
Regardless, Hyundai has performed a great job of lifting the inside. Little particulars like gentle strips embedded within the door pockets, sporty seats, alloy pedals, a digital instrument cluster, and some different knicks and knacks assist to justify the value.
But the actual fact it’s based mostly on a extra budget-friendly automobile does even have some important advantages, in that it nonetheless has issues like climate-control buttons and a standard handbrake. Whereas different automotive firms are reintroducing buttons and knobs, the i20 N nonetheless has them.
The headlights and wipers are automated, however they’re mounted on stalks which are predictable and simple to make use of. There’s even a quantity knob for the stereo, which sounds respectable.
While the handbook seats are comfy and do a great job of supporting the torso, we might have preferred extra lumbar help to assist with these longer drives. Hyundai tends to supply an enormous quantity of steering wheel adjustment too, which works a great distance towards discovering the proper seating place – which is especially essential, as we’ll get to.
But the pedal placement, the shifter location, the cuddling N seats, and the small dimension of the cabin make it really feel as when you put on the i20 like a nice-fitting jacket. Albeit a 1200kg jacket.
The gear shifter itself would not blow our minds, feeling a little bit too gentle and oblique between altering cogs – nevertheless it’s removed from the worst, and admittedly we’ll forgive any and all sins given how uncommon a handbook transmission is lately.
Being a five-door hatchback, there’s a second row of seats again there, which may accommodate adults comfortably for brief or medium journeys – although it is likely to be higher for youths. If you’re sans youngsters, the again seats grow to be like a second boot to throw your buying on.
The precise boot has 310 litres of area and a false ground, however fold the seats down and that jumps to a really wholesome 1123L – proving why sizzling hatches are superior for individuals who get pleasure from a little bit of enjoyable on the street however nonetheless want some real-world practicality of their automobile.
| Dimensions | Hyundai i20 N |
|---|---|
| Length | 4075mm |
| Width | 1775mm |
| Height | 1440mm |
| Wheelbase | 310L (VDA, rear seats up) |
| Cargo capability | 1123L (VDA, rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
At the opposite finish of the Hyundai i20 N is the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, sending 150kW of energy and 275Nm of torque to the entrance wheels via a six-speed handbook transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential.
| Specifications | Hyundai i20 N |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 150kW @ 5500-6000rpm |
| Torque | 275Nm @ 1750-4500rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed handbook |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1210kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.2 seconds |
| Fuel economic system (claimed) | 6.9L/100km |
| Fuel economic system (as examined) | 7.5L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 40L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 |
However, the i20 N options an overboost operate that briefly will increase peak torque to 304Nm over 2000-4000rpm at full throttle.
Thanks to an upgraded clutch, launch management, plus the LSD and overboost, Hyundai claims a 0-100km/h dash time of simply 6.2 seconds. Back in my day, that may have embarrassed some critical muscle automobiles.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Hyundai i20 N drive?
It could be simple to really feel underwhelmed by the Hyundai i20 N when you solely had a restricted period of time behind the wheel.
In its customary mode, it just about drives like a finances hatchback created for suburbia. It can lavatory down off the road, it’s simple to park, and it’s comparatively unexciting more often than not.
All of which makes it really feel like a reasonably run-of-the-mill candidate for metropolis commuting. But that may be doing the Hyundai i20 N a disservice.
The extra I drove the automotive, the extra I discovered myself flicking it into N mode as soon as the engine warmed up. Let me let you know, it makes life simply that little extra enjoyable and thrilling.
Hit the blue N button on the steering wheel and the exhaust will get louder, the (often doughy) throttle response sharpens up, the steering features some weight, and it does really feel as if there’s a wholesome quantity of additional energy – and, maybe extra importantly, torque – out there on faucet.
The mark of a great sporty automotive is whether or not it improves your life. I’m positive proudly owning a Ferrari 250 GTO could be cool, however I’m additionally positive it might be an costly and demanding expertise. The sizzling little Hyundai, then again, makes your day by day commuting extra amusing and interesting – however doesn’t take something away from the practicality and usefulness of the day-to-day.
I even discovered myself utilizing the automated rev-matching characteristic, accessed by an enormous pink button on the steering wheel. While I take delight in with the ability to heel-toe with out the necessity of digital aids – and I’ll have scoffed on the characteristic when it was launched a few years in the past – I’ve to confess it’s a nice-to-have when in visitors otherwise you determine to show the dial up one or two notches.
This gained’t imply a lot to anybody underneath the age of fifty, however except for the superior expertise the i20 N feels so much like a contemporary interpretation of the Nissan N12 Pulsar ET Turbo. The ET wasn’t the very best sizzling hatch, or the quickest, nevertheless it supplied sufficient efficiency to be enjoyable to drive, with out giving up the construct high quality and practicality of a Nissan hatchback.
The different factor that made me consider the little Pulsar was the turbo lag. In the i20 N, there’s a noticeable delay between throttle inputs and the turbocharger spooling up, giving the ability supply a particular old-school flavour. And I’m right here for it.
Modern turbocharged automobiles now have nearly no turbo lag. While that’s nice for household automobiles seeking to stability efficiency, effectivity, and drivability, a small-pot engine in a little bit hatchback with some lag simply provides to the anticipation and drama.
When it will definitely does hit, the ability comes on robust – most of it within the second half of the rev vary – and stays comparatively constant as much as redline.
There is a small quantity of torque steer throughout tougher acceleration from slower speeds, although it’s not extreme, and simply additional enhances that retro driving character. But it makes the ergonomics significantly essential, as you need to have a great grip on the wheel. The steering itself does a good job of conveying what’s occurring on the entrance wheels, nevertheless, we’re not speaking telepathic ranges of communication right here.
Really, except their solely expertise is driving a Holden Barina City, the ability output isn’t going to blow anybody’s thoughts. But that isn’t the purpose of this automotive.
The efficiency degree – significantly with N mode engaged, which I’m satisfied will increase enhance – is simply the fitting degree to maintain drivers entertained on public roads, delivering a great stability between grip and playfulness.
Handling follows the identical sample. If you’re hungover and simply want to amass a McMuffin with minimal sensory enter, the automotive might be your Hyundai metropolis hatchback, getting you to the retailers and again quietly and with out fuss.
It’s an identical story at freeway speeds. The automotive doesn’t really feel such as you’re within the Land of the Giants, remaining planted and assured, and under no circumstances feeling darty or on-edge – as will be the case with smaller sizzling hatches.
But after that blue N button is pressed, the automobile reveals its energetic aspect – permitting you to pitch into bends at delinquent speeds as you handle the turbo lag on exit. The automobile will be pivoted mid-corner utilizing the throttle, due to a non-lethal dose of lift-off oversteer, nevertheless it’s all convivial and in good enjoyable.
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Push it past what is affordable and also you’ll meet understeer, as anticipated, however preserve it at or under 7/10ths and it’s a great time.
Achieving that form of dealing with means there’s a little compromise required, which comes from a barely firmer experience. It is a worthwhile compromise although, providing a good degree of consolation for essentially the most half.
The caveat being that you could be need to take a look at drive the automobile alongside acquainted routes when you stay someplace with an over-representation of poor-quality roads. The suspension can grow to be overwhelmed over prolonged patches of tough street, and driving lengthy distances alongside pockmarked surfaces might grow to be tiresome if that’s your day-to-day actuality.
While the clutch pedal is comparatively gentle, with a great quantity of throw and constant engagement, we discovered the brakes had been spot-on – being gentle sufficient for the shopping-centre automotive park, but providing good pedal really feel together with the stopping energy to encourage confidence throughout enthusiastic driving.
Ultimately, there’s sufficient efficiency from the engine and chassis to scare your mom on a back-road, however not sufficient that you just’ll want classes from a retired racing driver to discover ways to get essentially the most out of it.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
As ought to be apparent by this level, Hyundai provides only one i20 variant – the N efficiency flagship.
And whereas there are better-equipped hatchbacks at this value level, it’s a must to needless to say it’s the go-fast bits that you just’re paying for right here.
Having stated that, except you’re accustomed to luxurious autos and the options they provide, it’s unlikely you’ll be wanting for something greater than what the Hyundai provides.
2026 Hyundai i20 N gear highlights:
- 18-inch cast alloy wheels (new design)
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Space-saver spare
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Rear privateness glass
- Active variable exhaust with Normal, Sport, Sport+ modes
- 6 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, N, Custom 1, Custom 2)
- Reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Single-zone local weather management
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter
- Bose sound system
- Cloth upholstery
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite navigation
- 1 x entrance USB-C outlet
- 1 x rear USB-C outlet
- Electrochromic rear-view mirror
- LED inside lighting
- Bluelink related automotive providers
To see how the Toyota Prado stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
Is the Hyundai i20 N protected?
While Australia’s impartial auto security authority hasn’t rated the mannequin, Euro NCAP gave the i20 a four-star security score again in 2021. However, this conclusion was based mostly on the intently associated Hyundai Bayon.
Standard security gear consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Following Assist (lane-centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear occupant alert
- Reversing digital camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent pace restrict help
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Hyundai i20 N price to run?
Hyundai provides a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee as customary, extending to seven years offered the automobile is serviced on time via Hyundai’s vendor community.
| Servicing and Warranty | MAKE MODEL VARIANT |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 7 years, limitless kilometres (conditional) |
| Roadside help | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Up to 21 years (manufacturing unit service schedule) |
| Average annual service price | $447 (over seven years) |
| Total capped-price service price | $3132 (over seven years) |
And like all N-cars, the i20 N guarantee covers non-competition use on a racetrack.
The firm additionally lists as much as 51 years – sure, you learn that accurately – of capped-price service prices on its web site, helpfully permitting you to finances as much as the yr 2077, or 510,000km (whichever comes first).
Really although, the manufacturing unit servicing schedule outlines as much as 21 years of upkeep, however we have listed pricing for seven years of servicing within the desk above to align with the automobile’s conditional guarantee interval.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai i20 N
In a Venn diagram of a purchaser on the lookout for practicality, worth, and old-school sizzling hatch enjoyable, the i20 N sits proper on the centre.
If it isn’t but apparent, this automotive isn’t about outright pace, razor-sharp dealing with, or large horsepower figures. Simply put, it’s a type of uncommon automobiles that makes your life higher, as a result of it might make you stay up for your morning commute, however is simply as simply used as a grocery-getter (with simple parking), or maintain its personal on an early-morning mountain run along with your mates.
In the ever-diminishing pool of inexpensive sporty handbook automobiles, the i20 N is maybe extra related than ever earlier than. Which makes us a bit unhappy that it’s going away, and we will solely hope the new-generation i20 N is simply pretty much as good.
So, when you’re the kind of one that issues themselves much less with bragging rights and extra along with your enjoyment of a automobile – and your condo solely has one automotive area – then the Hyundai i20 N ought to be in your shortlist.
In that approach, it’s just about the other of some unique Italian supercar. It’s comparatively low-cost, cheap to personal and run, and will be pushed rapidly whereas remaining throughout the limits of the regulation and physics. And it’s not demanding to drive within the metropolis, both.
But it’s that old-school sizzling hatch enjoyable that’s actually its standout specialty, and it could be the final automotive to supply that form of expertise.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Hyundai i20 N. Click right here to get an awesome deal.
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