Hyundai i20 N Long Term Review: Honestly, What Is It Really Like To Own?

[@moee1337]

Hey there, I've got my i20n for about 2 months now. In germany it manages the streets pretty well. No problem with the suspension at all. For our streets it's not too stiff/firm. I've driven it now about 4.000km and it's hella fun. Everyone who loves Hot Hatches should consider to buy this one, if he can affort it. I'm serious. The sound totally nails it, compared to the trashy Polo GTI or the Ford Fiesta ST. My first little "Dream Car" was the Fiesta ST, as I've driven (normal 100hp) Fiestas my entire time, since I own my dl, because they are pretty affortable and I ain't got that much money. But as the i20N released, I were like. "Jup, thats gonna be mine." I don't regret it.

[@ax5022]

I just bought one and I totally get what you mean, I love the car it's just awesome.

[@moee1337]

@@ax5022 Got about 16.000km today and I still love it. Right now I'm moving to a new apartment and I got some problems with the space of the trunk but therefor I just got some friends with Ford Transits and cars like that. Also the Bose Soundsystem could be a bit better in the highs/mids but is still pretty good. Thats pretty much it with the negatives of this car. Some positives to mention: The exhaust sound is still insane and the suspension makes you feel like you fly through corners. A huge infotainment that works pretty good A permanently disableable lane assist Super fast cooling/heating A/C and heated steering wheel Much space for passengers in the backseats, because it has the measures of the i30 in the interior. I'm 1.80cm tall and everyone of my friends fits behind me without touching my seat in any way. Just the foot space is a bit small, because the sport seats are very low (which is good). The trade for this is the trunk space but thats fine for me. I wish you a lot of fun with your N! You won't regret your choice of car!

[@Nimrawid]

Soft enough for Germany is way too hard in Poland! haha To me all german cars a bit too stiff for everyday use. Mostly because of our giant potholes.

[@shizhang7181]

Happy to hear that mate, how about the fuel consumption ? In city and driving at 130km/h on motorway?

[@moee1337]

@@shizhang7181 its about 5.5l with cruise control at 100km/h. if you drive it sporty its 9l and above, depending on how fast you drive it. for daily driving expect about 9l, if you shift late, use the n mode only and like to drive faster than "normal" cars/drivers. if you drive normal it should be about 6-7.5l average.

[@noel_s_visuals]

I've never thought I'll buy a new car. But the I20N made me order it brandnew. Lucky me it took 3 month (March until delivery in June) and I could pick my Brass I20N up at my Dealership. I have to say, that I/we own a bigger car too. For trips on the Autobahn with the family etc. So space and comfort for traveling far away were no things I put into consideration. But now that it's here, me (and especially the kids :) ), only want to drive the I20N, or at least as often as possible. It's more spacious than I thought in every day use, and the superb handling and the good engine still putting a smile on my face. My love for the car grew even bigger and I'll keep it for a long time. MPG is great too btw.

[@claudiadavies5110]

Loved seeing this and how you have a great affection for it, recognising it's not perfect, but just driving normally I find it comfy, I'd imagine giving it a bit of stick in the bends may be a bit less comfortable, but genuinely it's a magic, fun and special car with true head turner charm 😀 hopefully we keep seeing more of these charismatic beasties on our roads🤞🤞🤞😎😎😎

[@Damo1998]

Hey there! Have you driven an i30N? And if so, do you think the suspension is harsher or softer in the i20 N compared to it??

[@claudiadavies5110]

@@Damo1998 Oh you've got me thinking! I did drive an I30n just once and also have been a passenger in one a few times and I don't think the owner of the I30n had it in the hardest suspension setting, but it was very comparable in that yes, they're both undoubtedly firm and, yes, if you go into a pothole it will do that crashing feeling because of the stiff sidewall of the tyre, but it just makes perfect sense when you drive something like this that the grabbiness has a teeny little price to pay! I hope I've been able to help, I have to admit the second I test drove mine (which was the day I picked it up from the dealer) I felt like it was "right" and made sense. It's genuinely comfy on a freeway and the seats are incredible, a couple of hours driving and no sore backside, hooray! For me, it's not a compromised ride, it's a carefully balanced ride, so would I buy it or an i30n again, oh yes, without question!!! I'll be interested to hear if you decide to go with either of these, you can't go wrong😃

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

I bought the GPK version back in May (‘22) to replace my 10 year old Opel Corsa Eco Flex that got totalled through no fault of my own. What an upgrade! It’s extremely comfortable to drive, I have no issues with the suspension at all. I’ve got a severely herniated disc (L3-L4) since August and so far this car is the easiest for me to get into, out of and to drive. That’s saying a lot as my SO has a luxury BMW. It’s an extremely fuel efficient car if you are a sedate driver. I’ve done some tests and at 70-73 km/hr I can get as low as 3.8 litres per 100 km, going up to 4.2 litres per 100 km at 90 km/hr. My only gripe would be its soft paint. Not much of an issue when you know about it and use the proper equipment when washing it but be prepared for a few light love marks here and there. The car feels spacious even in the back, plenty of leg room and head room for even taller passengers and more than enough to transport a human and a medium-to-large dog simultaneously on the back seat. Love the safety features. I took it on a long drive (Ghent Belgium to Düsseldorf Germany and back) and I really liked the comfort level as a driver, especially for a car in it’s size and price range. Couldn’t be happier!

[@ProAssassinII]

What a coincidence, I'm currently driving a 2013 Opel Corsa Eco Flex and I've been dreaming about getting an i20n since it's release 😂

[@lovesprouts753]

Amazing little car I've had mine for a year now and I absolutely love it I don't rate the Pirelli p zero though my front tyres only lasted 4500 miles, I find the suspension perfect and the mpg also amazed and also the great sound it makes

[@discoarmadillo]

I picked up a two tone Performance Blue to use as a daily driver a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier. The suspension is super firm, but that's about where my complaints end. It's a cracking little car! The baby N has to be the best value performance car on the market at RRP.

[@ljp1942]

So you could daily drive the 120n ?

[@discoarmadillo]

@@ljp1942 yeah I have no problem, but I prefer a sportier ride. Potholes and uneven road surfaces are very noticeable.

[@ljp1942]

@@discoarmadillo Ordered mine in April dealer told me vehicle has gone into production in August sadly dealer did not honor contract signed in April so will cop the $2000.00 price rise.

[@paultravels3762]

100%...its better than the 130N also.

[@ChrisBurpitt]

@@ljp1942 I ordered mine in June, was delivered in September but I also copped the $2k increase

[@DS-ip2dl]

I've been driving mine for over a year. I only waited 4 months for him. I did 11,000 km. Mainly on good and fast roads. The astonishment of overtaken drivers of large and powerful 🙂

[@ljp1942]

So you can drive the i20n daily ?

[@DS-ip2dl]

@@ljp1942 of course, although the car definitely likes good roads

[@Getting-Older]

Fantastic little rocket!! Love mine (UK) agree suspension is subjective and was one thing i was concerned about but after the test drive and now having done 800+ miles not an issue and for me easy to live with and no real complaints from passengers (possibly due to the jaw dropping levels of grip). I like your balanced approach to your reviews, keep it up.

[@jibby4554]

How long was the wait for your order?

[@Getting-Older]

@@jibby4554 I was lucky as got a cancelled customer order so only waited a month or it would have been 12 months

[@J-theSloth]

I’ve had mine for about 6 months too. Still love it and I haven’t had a single problem. Admittedly I haven’t tried the eco mode all that much so I can’t speak to the efficiency. A quick note with your rims, although the tires can be rotated fine, you can actually tell your rims are on backwards (the fins are not symmetrical and have a clockwise/anticlockwise rotation)

[@J-theSloth]

Rev hang: yes it exists. I’m used to it but like you said, it never comes up when I’m actually trying to drive fast and so it doesn’t bother me.

[@Salmon_Toastie]

Ecos great as it’s a small little engine. Haven’t got any numbers on hand but it isn’t that different in consumption to any other 1.6 turbo.

[@davidhayes4814]

Writing in Nov 24, my partner has had a black i20N for 18 months. Astonishing little car and a great daily driver.

[@stevemarshall3481]

My son ordered his back in June 2022, he received a phone call last week (Dec 2022) to say his car should be delivered by Apr 2023, looking forward to the day when he can take me out in it 🤪

[@tonestar0183]

Well done John and Chasing Cars :) Great quality review that aimed to answer a lot of the questions people have. A month ago I put a deposit on an I20N that was a cancelled order from someone that needed a car straight away. The one I've put my money on looks the same as the test car. White with the black roof. The price I'm paying is $42999! I'm in Brisbane Australia. A lot of money I know and a lot more than what they were just 12 months ago! So if you've picked one up for anything under 40k I reckon you've got yourself a bargain. The estimated wait time for me is another 6-9 months. As we speak that seems to be the price you have to pay. No stock available, Hyundai Australia currently not taking orders, huge demand worldwide, great reviews etc. .It may also be one of the last petrol hot hatches you can buy before things go hybrid and electric etc.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Interesting Tonestar01. I wonder how much of the pent up demand for this vehicle is from people who want to purchase one due to the impending electric revolution?

[@Damo1998]

Thats rough... i only paid 12 grand more for my i30N dct. Hello from Ipswich 😀

[@Lukesphysique]

Got a cancelled order myself in performance blue with black roof just under 2 months ago and arrives in nov/dec for 40k!

[@tonestar0183]

@@MrBenHaynes the days of the petrol, manual hot hatch are certainly limited so yes that I believe is definitely part of it. I think there will be good demand for these in the future as they're a great track car and in the future will be very tuneable for greater horsepower.

[@andyfear3534]

Great car, I think most people would expect the firm ride. Maybe a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5's would improve comfort levels and improve the wear issues that some owners are reporting below!

[@kreamypie]

After owning this for over 2 years, so far i Like this car. Rev hang was fixed when i mentioned the TSB to the dealer.. Sadly, one of the ABS wheel sensor broke but it is covered by warranty and is still driveable. Swapped the Pzeros with PS5, I’ll probably go with 225 instead of 215 for my next tyre change

[@marklambert2750]

Yes the Pirelli tyres on the front of my i20n only last around 6,000 miles and not great in colder conditions. I have now gone for Michelin pro pilot sport 5 for all weather conditions.

[@LuBre]

I've got the GPL version for 19.000€, I freaking love it. I can easily do 15-16 km/liter at 0.77€/liter. Great engine, low consumption, great comfort.

[@ljp1942]

You can't even order the 120n at the moment so it can't be that bad a vehicle if there has been such demand for it.

[@SiXiS4]

Microchips

[@justayute]

@@SiXiS4 yh my vw took me a few months it only just finished a few days ago

[@kenz2854]

@@SiXiS4 that’s the reason they are taking so long, my i20 is coming next february and i ordered t 2 and a half months ago

[@SatanDotExe]

Small production quality and international outreach tip, providing on-screen conversations for common international units such as mpg along with the voice L/100km is likely useful.

[@marklambert2750]

I have one and the daily ride is good, after all it’s a performance car you’re buying…..I love this car 😍👍

[@ljp1942]

So you could daily drive the i20n ?

[@theaces3697]

the firm ride really isnt an issue for daily driving, i get that where you are the roads are rougher and bumpy, but for towns, cities, motorways etc this car is perfectly fine

[@mdo]

In the UK not so much. Roads are terrible especially in towns and cities. And where they're not terrible there's silly speed bumps of all sizes and shapes.

[@maxcardenas8257]

When I had a test drive and asked about the rev hang they totally dismissed me and said that another high end buyer loved it and never mentioned rev hang! My opinion was invalid I guess! I bought a swift sport and installed a lightweight flywheel and it's perfect now. Revs drop just in time for the speed of my shifts. I would i20n owners to try a LWF to fix the rev hang

[@mitkoprakov1296]

hey @ChasingCars . i do own a I20 N (Line) since it has done 1000miles ( didnt buy it brand new but hey no waiting time) and i could say as watching your video, when we do exclude the horsepowers and some unique characters from the 20N, i think both cars do get quite close anyways, especially when we do speak about daily driving and trips experience(track experience isnt included here ). Id say i am more satisfied of the comfort of the N line seats, since they are deeper and they dont give me any chance to more at all when im sitting, compared to driving some other cars. It is firm but i guess the 20N is one idea more firm even in comfort settings so people should remember and decide what experience they want, when we speak about sounds i20 N and N line are very close in the sound at idling and driving if used normal mode and CLOSED valves on the 20N :) consumption on the 20N u are refering to 7.5 which isnt actually bad having in mind it has 204HP, while the i20 N line does personally with me make 6-6.5 with mixed driving and not pushing too much so yeah quite a good choice for enthusiasts that would like to give more gas but save some fuel as well.

[@erinmingo5919]

Can’t really compare the 2

[@marickshorts]

Really can't be compared. The N-line is much much softer and slower. The sound is not as loud and has no pops n bangs like the i20N, n-line lacks some options and the engine and the steering is much more refined on the real N. Also the seats are very different.

[@ytrezzzz]

Very honest review, i'm ok with your conclusions , despite that i still love the car

[@psewgobind]

Would be nice if N's part were available for other model. Suspension upgrade on base 6MT Venue would make for a nice budget car for enthusiast.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Excellent information, thanks John. I almost ordered one sight unseen to replace my ND MX-5. So glad that I waited for your reviews as the car is not suited for most of the reasons you have outlined. I wouldn't select Fiesta ST or Polo GTi as alternatives due to their poor reliability and company attitude to warranty claims. An i30 N-line would solve all of the i20N's shortcomings for me personally. Keep up the great work. I love your honest and humble presenting style.

[@ljp1942]

Have one on order and do not regret it remember Ford Australia will ceases bringing the Fiesta st to OZ so this little beast maybe your only future option.

[@stevefoster4509]

I drove the i30Nline and i20N, bought the i20N, they are not comparable really and totally different cars, you don't see track tests of the i30Nline for a reason, it's a daily driver and family car in comparison to the i20N. If the short comings are more track focused performance etc then yep, it'll solve them ;)

[@ljp1942]

@@stevefoster4509 So what is John Law carrying on about.

[@stevefoster4509]

@@ljp1942 I think it is a case of if suspension is too firm for you get the i30nline, trouble is everything else is softer as well and ultimately it does not compare with the i20N

[@ljp1942]

@@stevefoster4509 I test drove the I20n only briefly did not seem bad to me.

[@mharro88]

The i30 n sedan is the best N car there is. It has refinement but also fun

[@eugenewang4650]

I dont know why manufacturers keep choosing P0's as OEM tyres. Theyre so bad for daily driving because of accelerated wear and horrible grip in the wet. If you get a new car with pirellis fitted, when you run the tread down never get them again and get some PS5's or if you dont want to pay Michelin tax then Hankook s1 evo 3 or Kumho ps71s or Goodyear eagle f1 asymmetrics are good too.

[@BDogs10]

Was interested to hear the ride in Fiesta ST maybe more forgiving than i20? I’m interested both cars but I’ve heard the ST is quite firm too. I’ll have to take for a drive. Regards

[@JudgeMeByMyJumper]

Well done, John and Co. Would love to see a Kia Carnival (or other big family hauler) next. Hope one in the team has kids or a hockey team to really put it to the test.

[@chasingcars]

Great suggestion! We will see about a Carnival or similar van for a future long term loan.

[@lesgibbs326]

I'm a huge fan of hot hatches and i20n seams a lot of features is a bonus too . Unfortunately trying to get one to test in Australia is difficult. As it probably won't get on the track with me do you think eventually replacing the pirrellis with a tyre with more profile would increase the ride comfort 🤔

[@N3WM00NFR34K]

Yes

[@zaamuro8408]

Shame that the suspension lets it down. I like the look of this over its rivals as its not the usual tall roof light hatch.

[@nathanbarnes7375]

Drive it yourself. I've had mine for 10 months now and I don't mind the firm ride at all. I use it as a daily and for fast bendy roads. Can't wait to take it to a track.

[@zaamuro8408]

@@nathanbarnes7375 yup, worth a try but if you lived where I live, it will get annoying very quickly.

[@E4008B]

These roads look great, can you let us know where they are please?

[@BDogs10]

Yes ,like to know too

[@ljp1942]

@your local Hyundai dealership.

[@andrejkumer4607]

How much is ground clearence?

[@letsseeif]

I'd like the standard (standard range) i20! That said, the Hyundai i10 would sell extremely well especially around the suburbs of Australian cities. [I'm 'over' performance cars.]

[@MrBenHaynes]

Kia have you covered with the Rio and Picanto. (esp the Picanto GT)

[@StrandedSteve]

Great car...I like mine...I'd like it better though if it was actually working. We have a big problem in Australia with i20N fuel pump failures which have left myself and an ever growing number of other i20N owners with no car and currently no idea when they will be fixed. Head on over to Hyundai i20N owners club Australia to see for yourself.

[@gregorysmith177]

I have a 2024 i20. Not the n. I find it very good car indeed

[@aidanhayes6676]

Got a cerato GT instead of this and I’m not sure if I made the right choice 😭

[@claudiadavies5110]

I had the Cerato GT before my i20n and they're both brilliant cars, beautiful road hugging in the GT, i20n more hard core. I reckon they're both fantastic, GT as a superb warm hatch, i20n as a hot hatch👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩

[@simofsimenz]

I got the cerato gt too. I really love it but I’m not a track day guy so I don’t miss the dip in performance. I find it’s ride is a little too firm for me but the fun driving it makes up for it.

[@MrA2G]

Love to see a long term haval or MG SUV. Be interesting to see how it fares over a long period, might put certain perceptions to bed.

[@lewise6450]

Put 7k miles on mine, love it!

[@ljp1942]

How is the ride a quality ?

[@boskojovanovic2770]

Correction: Total torque is 275Nm and over-boosts to 305Nm.

[@GinoFoto]

Even standard i20 is set up for a pretty firm ride, which is great for amazingly groomed roads, not so much where asphalt falling apart.

[@steffidas4785]

The original polo killer only if we could market it well

[@BM_PAZ]

I put Eagle F1 tyres on mine, absolutely superb handling. My average mpg (U.K.) is 45 on E5 fuel, can get high 50’s on a long run. Suspension is firm and gets tiring on longer journeys. Irritating to drive in slow traffic, bit too jerky when crawling in a queue. Agreed the faster you drive it, the better it gets. Loves to be revved high. Superb on a tight country lane. If I keep mine long term I’ll probably swap out the suspension.

[@Getting-Older]

how do you find the eagles? did you go for 215 or 225? I find grip of P0 very good but wear rate is high i've noticed after 800miles

[@BM_PAZ]

@@Getting-Older I went for the 215, I find the grip is very good. Early days for wear rate but I’d imagine they’re better than the P Zero. Time will tell.

[@Silverwarhawk]

I20N is a rolls Royce compared to gr yaris... So comfy and plush

[@stevo7233]

What oil did you use? And why is it a soft spot haha I have the i30 sedan N and I use 5w 30 I don’t need 0w 30 because Aussie weather is never that cold to need such thin oil

[@HCD488]

2:27 bro who torques wheels like that 😂😂😂 never seen that 😂

[@nathanbarnes7375]

I do, I use the rattle gun 1st and then check them with the torque wrench.

[@HCD488]

@@nathanbarnes7375 yeah thats part is normal but why are you not using the weight of your body and push down the Torque wrench instead of pulling up ... would be much easier to turn it arround and pushing down 😂

[@MrBenHaynes]

@ Saabstyle Torque shaming, 😂😂😂I've never seen that before 😂

[@nathanbarnes7375]

@@HCD488 100% agree

[@HCD488]

@@MrBenHaynes 😂😂😂👍

[@chasingcars]

Many more notes on the i20 N here: www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/small-cars/hyundai-i20-n-2022-long-term-review/

[@acetayob8163]

Does the car come in automatic?

[@maheshmelwani7919]

No

[@memorial6]

you say long term and then you talk about 6 months, WTF ?

[@kelvpoon]

Such a shame the fiesta is no more

[@elmin2323]

12 months? It's blown out to 24

[@ljp1942]

That's not correct at the moment as you cannot place an order with Hyundai Australia.

[@elmin2323]

@@ljp1942 ye if of U have it's 24 months

[@ironlungthe3rd]

30+K on a performance hothatch and then fill it with E10 = mistake.

[@ljp1942]

Why would you feed this little beast E10 rubbish.

[@mitkoprakov1296]

i dont see the problem here.... if u daily drive and want to save money so yeah who cares? i drive mine in both and yeah there is difference in E5 no doubt but they guy isnt from UK or EU so 98 premium=100 octane E5...

[@hondamanvtec2894]

If it was 10.000 kilometer with hard driving That must be good quality tires then

[@ljp1942]

They are shit tyres bro.

[@hsv215i]

6 months with a BRZ!

[@MrProthall]

Nah man. You don't need track days for this car to be worth it. The Polo is boring and the Fiesta has a horrible interieur by now.

[@ljp1942]

So you could daily drive the 120n ?

[@BM_PAZ]

Also super rare on U.K. roads, I’ve literally only ever seen one other in the flesh and that was in a dealership. I see more high end super cars on the road than these.

[@irockz9723]

Same with the Kona N

[@mikemorley2797]

Mine is in Sandbach not seen another one apart from at a dealership. I was lucky I got a cancellation got the car within 2-weeks but had to travel to Blackpool.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

I'm very impressed. The way those Engineers detuned that turbo charger enhanced engine to only 150 kilowatts, it's a feat of boost control magic. Surely it makes more power than a Kia Cerato? Just kidding, of course it doesn't. Oh what a feeling, de tuned engine.

[@ljp1942]

Wake up.

[@rocfella]

but could be a bit cheaper, it is a small hyundai with only 205 hp and bunch of gimmicks

[@ThePedroDB]

Everything could always be cheaper. It is what it is - or rather, what it was. Can't get them anymore. Orders stopped from March 2024 in most of the world...

[@Damo1998]

E10!?! Naaaaaaaah man screw that

[@MrBenHaynes]

Depends on what driving you're doing. Commuting, then e10 is fine. Track work or in very hot climates, then use premium fuels.

[@1990tankard]

you are a noob

[@robinaulakh682]

Lets keep the likes at 666

[@r3games1985]

GTI mk8 is still way better.

[@ThePedroDB]

🤣 Dream on. With all those nasty haptic controls to boot. Clearly you missed Autocar choosing the i20N over the Golf R...

[@aussielegend8576]

Awesome car. Very good review. Not much of a fan of CarWow 5 things. You could probably come up with something a bit original