Hyundai i30 N DCT vs Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8 2021 comparison | which hot hatch wins? | Chasing Cars

[@bradl6360]

Tom, brilliant review. I have owned the i30N DCT for a month now and find it very amusing. My previous car was a golf R and find this more entertaining indeed. The DCT is fantastic. The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R. Obviously up to the buyer wants but the N will make you giggle while GTI will make you smile.

[@denero4735]

Your car doesn't even come close to a Yaris GR you should have bought instead for Value for Money

[@bradl6360]

You’re probably correct, let me have a look. Whoops no auto or 4 doors- which I knew anyway.

[@Antphoneigh]

Isn’t the Golf R much more powerful?

[@Diggers5]

@@Antphoneigh Yes it is - I own a Mark 7.5 Gol R which has 213 kw. However, the coming Mark 8 version of the Golf R - will I am informed be over $10k dearer than the Hyundai i30 N.

[@xXYannuschXx]

"The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R" VAG had DECADES to finally solve that problem and yet they didnt; moreover: they claimed to have solved it on the MK8, but it just turns out, that the test vehicles used worse tires on the rear end, to fake it... I see absolutely no reason to buy the MK8 GTI over the i30N, sure it may have some additional goodies, but the i30N handles better, has the FAR better DCT and sound incredibly nice.

[@namzy444]

I enjoy the Aussie reviews ! Only request, can we get a segment in the episode that includes exhaust sound

[@RossReviewsau]

I've just reviewed the New I30N.. easily pick the Hyundai for a true Performance Hot Hatch.. if you want a better daily (less exciting) get the GTI

[@anthonyfornaro4094]

I30n everyday. Sounds incredible

[@sw2092]

Such a comprehensive review, Tom, Looks like you are first out of the blocks with this one as well. It's going to be the review that all the others will eventually have to match up to. Excellent work. Oh, though I own a Golf 7.5, I don't fancy hitting a tree whilst turning the heated seats off in the Mk 8. It's the i30N manual for me.

[@felixgustavoduarte2070]

It was really easy for me to pick the Golf R over the i30N 3 years ago. The interior of the Golf was way better than anything at that time. However, if I had to pick now, it would be a different situation. The interior of the new Golf and the overall design is a step back. I would shortlist an i30N and a Megane rs probably… Great review mate

[@sangpark3425]

I was in the same boat and went with a manual mk7.5 golf r over the first gen i30n 3 years ago. But i have just placed an order for the new i30n fastback in manual and honestly cant wait after driving the facelift i30n :)

[@EastWood2004]

I agree with you 100%. I guess most buyers would think the same.

[@shaunrosant5813]

@@Tomoyo0827 This is about NEW cars, NOT about used cars that you can't afford new.

[@shaunrosant5813]

@@Tomoyo0827 Second-hand RSs, Ms and AMGs....for those on a 'halfway' budget

[@telelaci2]

@@Tomoyo0827 You have to know that buying az expensive sport car is quite risky thing. You might get an abused, overrevved, or damaged and fixed car for AUS$ 50,000. Not Nissan Micra used by gramma as Sunday shopping car. And there are other cons of used cars of course. I'd never buy a few yrs old performance car, because it's too expensive compared to the high risk.

[@dpratt776]

I have owned my i30N DCT Premium for almost 4 weeks, you can take my car when you pry the key fob from my cold, dead hands. If I was an owner of a GTI, I'd give you the key. Seriously, I didn't want to pay over $65K for what effectively is $10K cheaper with the i30N, no car is perfect.

[@declankelly1066]

Congrats man, the i30N is so nice! I’d much rather that than the GTI

[@dpratt776]

@@declankelly1066 Thanks mate, just loving this car, it's the best ride I have owned to date.

[@denero4735]

Should have bought a Yaris GR for bang for Buck.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@denero4735 1.6L engine? No thanks

[@shaunrosant5813]

@@denero4735 Compare apples with apples, Daydog. Yaris not classed the same. less practical. Not for families. Great giant killer though

[@jamesheggie1854]

They both sound like great cars, but personally I've heard from friend's to many nightmares regarding VW so for me I'd always go the I30. Great review as always Tom.

[@daweigo6851]

Me too. Would be to scared to buy vw

[@mitchjames9350]

I would buy a GTI or R tube them and sell them in a few years.

[@colino72]

I’m approaching 5 years with my mk 7.5 GTi and aside from a niggly fault with the in built nav that needed to be looked at twice, it hasn’t had to have anything other than servicing. I did pay for extended warranty to 5 years (was 3 back then), because the reliability of an older golf TSi really went to crap around then (cost me more in a year to fix it than I got for it), and I will trade it at 5 years. In that sense, VW do have a problem with their long term quality.

[@VytautasJ]

@@colino72 What is your mileage on golf? (Km/miles?)

[@colino72]

@@VytautasJ it’s low - about 42,000km

[@damosil80]

The MK8 is such a step back, the interior looks so cheap and feels cheap when you first sit in it. I wouldn’t upgrade from my MK7 to the 8, but I’d definitely consider the i30N.

[@bilum]

I wouldn't upgrade my Mk5 GTi to an mk8, maybe a 7.5

[@shaunrosant5813]

@@bilum lol

[@HCD488]

so after 2.5 years and 25'000 miles in my i30n I can say I still love it and have zero issues til today .... 😍👍

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Love the wheels of the i30N.

[@RamanSharma007]

i30 N is winner for me I think..👍

[@JacesOwnWorld]

As a stock car, I would get the I30N purely because it’s a better performer in speed and handling. If I planned on modifying the car, I would choose the MK8 GTI because the EA888 engine has proven itself to break a lot of hearts when modified in terms of speed. Overall, both great cars. Ones more raw, ones more comfortable. Both can be modified to your liking.

[@mitchjames9350]

You be surprised with the power particularly the torque you can make with the i30N with a simple tune.

[@kevinpower1710]

i30 all day long. I owned a manual chosen over a golf. I have never been asked so many questions about that car and in some of the strangest places( dare I say even at a funeral). It's fun. It does what it says on the tin and when you're behind the wheel you smile all the time.

[@johnnyr25]

The wheels on the Hyundai look 100x better

[@Jesssxox]

Great video and I’m definitely going to buy a i30n after seeing this video and I’m just where is the location you filmed it because I would love to go there with my one and take some pictures 😊

[@superking1098]

Great review Tom. The i30 dct really does look like a great option Side note, I've always wondered why some manufacturers like Hyundai have LED tail brake lights on their cars but stick with halogens for indicators/reverse. Surely it can't be that much more expensive just to have the whole lot as LED.

[@kalfreak3]

Cheaper cost of repair/production 🥴🥴 so i was told atleast.

[@albertkang1052]

Tom! This is by far your best review. Massive thanks.

[@Damo1998]

Finally getting my i30 N dct on Monday.

[@EbuAydin]

Got mine a couple of weeks ago and loving it, especially now that the 1000km run in period is over.

[@jonathand9420]

Considering the Golf will cost an extra 10k if you want similar options to the Hyundai (which are standard in the Hyundai) it's a no brainer!

[@rickybee6488]

If the smile on your face is anything to go by, when you give the N some beans, its a hands down win to the Koreans!

[@robbied1468]

Have had a Golf, albeit not a Gti for 4 months - The software and driver interface are a disaster with more bugs than a mangrove swamp …. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND unless / until VW get their act together and sort this !

[@PrinceofPeace2000]

Sounds like Ford to me😬

[@Mac-kd1qu]

I've got a Mk7.5 R-line I have had for 18 months with no infotainment issues other than gesture control being too sensitive so I turned that off. Not one other issue at all.

[@megageek8509]

@@Mac-kd1qu MK8 software is hot garbage. I have a mk7 golf R and never had an issue as well.

[@matthewreffold2723]

The Australian Henry Catchpole! Best reviews in Aus Tom 😁

[@junjip]

really enjoyed your detailed review again. This channel definitely deserves more subs.

[@stephengriffin4990]

GTI as my daily driver every day great review Tom.

[@hondacar]

A comprehensive comparison.When it comes to reviewing hot hatches or performance cars, it would great if you could( legally)test the actual real world results of the 0-100kph, 1/4 mile and in-gear acceleration runs.

[@chasingcars]

Yep. It’s in the works, promise.

[@boyteebah3794]

@@chasingcars please do a drag race between the 2... VW tend to downball power figures. That 180 kW is not what it seems so pretty interesting to see a race (and i don't mind if you do it illegally...lol!)

[@mrskate1495]

im so excited for getting mine i30n DCT this year with all extras in Shadow Grey 🎉

[@nexusonels]

Don't mind the cars, the white pants are what caught my eyes first haha. Always a pleasure watching your reviews Tom :)

[@johnholst]

We never got the i30n in Korea! Makes me sad! Such a wicked car for the money!

[@MrRonan3]

You say VW knows its customers. It does not. I have been a customer of VW since 1990. Drive a GTI TCR 7.5. Have had 6 GTI’s and 2 Golf R’s. I would buy the Hyundai,

[@gamingmadforever6363]

i think once you've owned a hyundai for a while you will miss the quality of vw imo, at the moment people are just excited how hyundai have come from no where. we will see

[@norm2655]

Another great review from Chasing Cars and Tom👏. I30n all the way, but it’s gotta be manual. Real shame they didn’t go with the digital dash like on the Kona N or i20n though. Forged alloys look a treat too on the Hyundai 👍

[@SixplusonemediaAu]

Also, for those who like to take their cars to the track, the i30N has a track warranty included.

[@mikuelable]

Basically the golf screen freeze so you get no a/c in Australia hot summer 👍....I30n for me

[@Antphoneigh]

Thanks for the review, great comparison. Missing the weekend driving since we’re in lockdown. Can’t wait to see i20 N review soon!

[@simphiwendlovu7]

Long awaited review… Let the best Hot hatch win this one! Performance comes 1st

[@JonNewell]

FYI I30N has air ducting under the seats which directs air to the rear passengers.

[@stephengrainger248]

Great review, Tom. I haven't driven either car or even seen either up close. I lean toward the Hyundai but I'm in my late 60s and the youthfulness/brashness of the i30 might make me look even more like an old dodderer trying too hard. It might have to be the GTI for me. I wonder if the Mk 8 Golf R is worth the extra over the GTI, or whether some of the other 'hot hatches' are better than these cars?

[@janneshildebrandt1]

Did u decide for one or the other car, if so are u happy with ur choice?

[@bjcliving386]

the best reviewer ever!!! :)

[@gixxr88]

I wouldn't want a Volkswagen out of warranty that's for sure, I30n dct with track backed warranty is definitely a winner for me

[@dg8643]

Yes sir, Yes sir. Let’s see if that i30 banger delivers the goods.

[@R56Cooper]

Hi ChasingCars- Thanks for another great comparison! Please do another comparison with the Kona N and the mk8 GTI! Thanks!

[@QKvox]

Personally id so i30 N but id go manual because its just more fun

[@nybre8964]

that "mitsibushi evo style" sold me... I am getting my I30N tomorrow

[@m0cachin0]

I dunno, they really missed the mark with the new GTI. I think I'm going to stick with my Mk7 for a while longer. i30N is definitely tempting.

[@Postman00]

The Mk 7.5 really is the best generation Golf. Having no physical buttons for basic controls really really sucks.

[@j1871]

Commending you on a brilliant and detailed review. Gold standard 👏🏼

[@Dixter64]

I'll keep my 2 door manual mk7.5 GTI with Revo stage 1 tune thanks. More power and torque than an R. A future classic?

[@davidsimao3329]

Not with a stage 1 🤥

[@shaunrosant5813]

@@davidsimao3329 Yeah, Crap

[@Philbyyyy]

Mk7.5 GTI looks so much more aggressive and better. The mk 8 just looks like a goofy Bert stare. This is before we talk about the infotainment, interior quality and lack of engine upgrades.

[@cy9nvs]

They really dropped the ball with this golf generation imo. Extreme cost cutting wherever you look, a well known tester accidentally ripped the shiftknob and surrounding leather off while driving, on TV. I feel like the i30N and 2022 Focus ST facelift offer better performance, better looks and similar or in case of the focus better interior quality. VW no longer is semi-premium in my opinion.

[@DEATHSTARER]

As an i30N fanboy AND owner,it goes without saying which of these hot hatches takes the crown.

[@scollyutube]

Got me with the skiing analogy ;-) Agree on the GTi definition, it's a great all-round car. I had a 7.5 R and for the Auckland to Queenstown drive I did 4 times, it was a fantastic, quick, comfortable, all conditions long-distance hauler.

[@NorbertNagy00]

Great video Mate greetings from London.However it would have been a better comparison between the Gti Clubsport and I30n

[@Mac-kd1qu]

Nice review. I will give my bias that I own two VWs. I tried the i30N and it is a terrific car but I did get it to understeer and the quality of the interior was not up to Mk 7.5 Golf ... Mk8 interior however is a whole different equation.

[@mcgeoch81]

Liking the power translation to HP for viewers outside of Australia, thanks.

[@geenev3]

I30N is the way here. If i want comfort i’d buy a lexus not a golf, also golf touch screens are not that good. When it comes to spare parts, you’ll be happy you selected the Hyundai over the golf.

[@ewen75]

I chose the GTI 7.5 over the i30N two years ago. I'd choose differently today (Mk8 vs DCT i30N).

[@TheSPazCORE]

Great review. I'm personally willing to wait a few years for (hopefully) an AWD i30N. I will jump on one if it comes to fruition. I know they made one in R&D but haven't committed to bringing one to market yet for some reason?

[@NLimVideos]

Loved the review Tom. Question for you - MK8 Golf GTI or Alfa Giulia Veloce?

[@chasingcars]

Giulia hands down - though to be fair it’s like $10k more

[@celicajim9336]

I've decided to wait for the i30 Sedan N over the Hatch/Fastback, the newer lighter platform, the digital dash, a better sound system(Bose), wider PS4S tyres and possibly suspension with more compliance in normal mode? It might solve a few of your i30 N Hatch negatives vs. the GTI. But then, can it be compared when it's not a hot "hatch" ? lol

[@chasingcars]

Sure, I think the sedan deserves to be in the mix. It’ll could be a touch lighter, too. Equivalently specified N Line sedans are about 20kg less than their hatch siblings. Not huge, but it’s there.

[@Postman00]

I guess I would never understand the appeal of a digital dash, though I do wish the Hatch could be optioned with the improved audio system, wider rubber, and more compliant suspension.

[@kevinlee509]

And 4 of more N models are coming. More variety of choices

[@kodessa]

I'll take the i30N for just for the conventional interior. The dashboard in the GTI looks too sparse. Plus the UI on that touchscreen is pretty mediocre.

[@megageek8509]

Wish Hyundai/Kia would do an R, S3, A35, M135i competitor. I would take a hard look at one if they did. Just add in some rear aircon vents and a HUD please :)

[@CARacterReviews]

i30 over the GTi for me. Or better yet. The Mk7.5 GTi.

[@dg8643]

Too true, the smart money is buying the mk7.5 gti.

[@stevenswann2835]

Your best review yet, Tom. Some really in-depth, interesting insights on how each car feels to drive and compares against the other. Keep up the good work and you'll soon be competing with young John! Oh, and 11 clowns downvoted this review?!

[@philipc239]

I like this drive first talk later format 👍😊

[@marlonb94mb]

Awesome Review! How do you think the new DCT i30N compares to the Mk7 ED40 or Mk7.5 TCR GTI?

[@shaunrosant5813]

Not a fair comparison. Will have to bring the Hyundai i30N Project C to kick TCR ass

[@marlonb94mb]

@@shaunrosant5813 Would be more fair then this review.

[@fazerhomer]

I prefer Hyundai, but I think both great cars !!

[@dimsoneill]

Currently driving and loving a Octavia RS wagon based on the 7.5 golf club sport and loving it. Buuuut I think my next new car next year will be an i30N. Brilliant cars.

[@cheroiurobert7255]

here the difference in price is huge... i30n 35~38k €, and the gti is 50~54k €... with some decent options

[@chasingcars]

Interesting! Less than $10k (6k EUR) difference in similar spec here

[@silo_fx3182]

For me I am more i30N vs the Focus ST. Would like to see that comparison of the 'auto's' now. Excellent review.

[@mspanebianco1]

Great review, it may have been asked previously but why is it that Golf Australia do not give the option of a manual. ? Understandably many like autos but we still like our manuals. Be nice to know why the the manual option has been dropped.

[@TheStigHCE09]

Because buyers of Golf don't like their manuals as much as others. A very small market share of manual is the reason why it's been axed.

[@LL2500]

I cannot wait to see the comparison of i20 N and POLO GTI even they have different transmission. Also, KONA N and its compatriot like SQ2 please.

[@kozangwoo2984]

I will go for i30n dct. more fun and power also designed.

[@nuttylaurel312]

Loved this review!

[@waynekok4973]

You are going to have to compare the Golf 8 Clubsport to the 130i N. That's more of a like for like with power output?

[@chasingcars]

Volkswagen don’t sell the GTI Clubsport in Australia so that’s going to be difficult

[@dobarlos1381]

@@chasingcars golf gti tcr

[@vincentbaelde-millar670]

I've never seen lesser tyres as an issue on a sports car. Stickier tyres won't solve a balance issue, they'll just mask it for a little bit. If you don't like the stock ones you can always change them after a year.

[@kwa_nguyen]

i30n FOR the win! I just wish it had better interior these new golfs have missed the mark :( which breaks my heart because I own a gti 7.5

[@anakinskywalker4113]

I love both cars however, to be true hot hatch it needs a manual gearbox so I would go for the i30 in Manual. An automatic just doesn't cut it, No matter which way you try and spin it. It is such a shame we are losing that key interaction of driving a manual car. Nothing beats being able to heal & toe in a proper manual

[@dennischeng4391]

I am longing for this , thanks

[@lsiv12]

Wow ! Shows how far the Koreans have come! Great review as well

[@jackblackwhole]

I would get the i30N over the GTI, in the manual. I don't know why but the older Golfs are just more timeless in their 'looks', which the i30N delievers in that department. Personally all I need is bluetooth audio in a hot hatch, I really don't use anything else in my daily commute.

[@yaolungkhong]

Are both cars equally noisy on the move or is it the microphone?

[@samituomisto106]

The dual cluch do not make the farting noise when shifting gears, it´s the engine management. The el seat do now mean higher seat position, it´s the design of the seat frame and the seat. Mk5 Golf GTi did not have EA888 engine. Not even MK6 GTI, MK6 R nor MK2 Audi TTS. It was EA113 with timing belt systen not a chain drive like on EA888...

[@dill8498]

Personally I can live with the new digitalized infotainment in the Mk 8. I never had problems (till now) with the reactivity and after a few days you will get used to it. Ok, I would have preferred more physical buttons,especially for the climate control,but it does‘nt work that bad as it is mentionned in most reviews. The i30 N is a great car, I didn‘t try the facelift with the DCT but I think they did a pretty good job in South Korea. I prefer the looks of the GTI, and I don‘t regret having bought one, I think it’s the perfect blend of a GT all day car and a B road hot hatch with much space and enough comfort.

[@richardstephenhempshall2451]

Got a Golf 7.5 performance manual ,had it 4 years now from new , love golfs no rattles solid build ,handles well ,quiet on motorways ,like the look of the i30 N , will not hold it's value as good as a standard golf gti

[@upup4893]

What area did the video take place?

[@jarrodlee1506]

Vw owners have posted that you need to deal with the bugs and quirks of its build quality yet badge snobs still love the car.130n all the way save yourself significant money.dont be a badge snob it's just a car.

[@2tonedangert891]

I30N because if you love driving, than thank the engineering at Hyundai for releasing the kraken...if you like turbo lag, restricted power for fuel economy than that VW engineering for not listening to car enthusiasts.

[@maku4814]

The I30 is such an awesome car, it's a shame I really don't like the way it looks.

[@sn5837]

Out of these two, which dual clutch transmission is more reliable/durable long term?

[@chasingcars]

I don’t have a crystal ball I’m afraid. Hyundai’s gearbox is a brand new design. Volkswagen’s has been refined over many years and is much more reliable than previous iterations. So I don’t know.

[@DjBreky]

Was this filmed with an iphone 4 ?

[@mandlamthembu2490]

My view, the next generation of the I30 N, after all the learnings and real life consumer experience and feedback, it will run the hot hatch game Hyundai made a great start and the brand, having cemented a reliability reputation can only go upwards and they’ve taken care of this cars presentation Of course the GTi will always have the image and be the safe (if you can call a consistently engaging car safe) option

[@bhill252]

Just open and close the door on the GTI, or use the VW emblem on the back to release the hatch … more solid, more refined, just better engineered. And ultimately that quality “heft” defines all elements of the car (save and except the lack of normal switch gear). Hyundai has improved exponentially, but not to this level…. At least not yet. In the mean time, it’s the GTI.

[@jhunter2662]

ive got the dct N. so much fukn fun

[@jhunter2662]

@@DEVILTAZ35 ive had both mate, fake probably aint the word for it. its got more get up then NA 6 and 8's

[@jed8375]

Pls make a comparison between i30N hatchback and sedan. Really interested to see 3 year development gap

[@salausal]

I prefer the VW I can cruise around places, not interest in noise or speed, anyway VW can go faster than I30N if you do a dino tune I just compared both cars on Exceltune. They have also other cars and models you can check out. VW Golf 2.0 TSI GTI (2020-Present) 327 BHP, 470 NM Vs Hyundai i30 2.0T N Performance (2020-Present) 300 BHP, 440 NM. My car is new and I can't do any Dune tune has they say the ECU is locked.

[@fale892]

GTI is way overrated by VW fan girls

[@lids8945]

Just went and looked at these today... VW has the class that unfortunately Hyundai will never be able to emulate. The i30N sounded like a weapon though!

[@jarrodlee1506]

Because it's $10 000 dearer.

[@PatrickTCAPIreland]

Do you really want class in a hot hatch?

[@MLife1972]

I have to be honest and say the audio when you were in the car was not up to your usual high standard. The droning of the engines over your voice was a bit distracting. Maybe it's a synthesised engine noise near your microphone. A good review, otherwise.

[@snotwurfit]

Showing the same clip of the Golf going 20mph didn't really do it for me. Supposed to be about hot hatches...

[@aono335]

I30N is the better car period. The only people who would say GTI is better are VW fan boys who cry all the time. Pound for pound, GTI loses every fight.