Hyundai i30N vs Honda Civic Type R: Is The Honda Still The FWD Hatch King? (i30N Review Part 2)

This week I had the Hyundai i30N on loan. It's brilliant, but is it as good as the Honda Civic Type R? Until now, my favourite FWD Hot Hatch...
#Hyundai
#Honda
#Battle
Follow us on Social Media:
/ jayemmoncars
/ jayemmoncars
/ jayemmoncars
Support us on Patreon here: / jayemmoncars
If you're a car fan looking for local car meets, also check out the new site CARHUDDLE: carhuddle.com/
LOVE MY CRAZY SHIRTS?
Get your own from CLAUDIO LUGLI! Check out their site - www.claudioluglishirts.com and enter JAYEMM15 at the checkout for a discount on us!
Need oil for your car?
Enter "jayemm10" in your basket at Opie Oils for 10% off your next oil order!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@frederikvaneeckhoven4458]

I wanna say I liked both of your video's. I already own an i30 N but it's always fun to just watch some reviews and see if other ppl share my point of view on it. Just one thing, in this video you say at the start that if you can afford one you can afford the other, and then 5min later you're telling us the Honda is a GT spec... That's in Belgium an €8.000 difference then between the 2. Not that I was fancying the Honda at some point, but I can imagine that for some ppl this might be the difference maker. Also afterwards because the Honda has more horses and a higher value it will cost you more insurance wise. For anyone else reading. I love my i30 N a lot. I took it out on track and the car is better than I am if you know what I mean haha. And all I have to do is press 1 button and I could pick up my grandma at the airport without having her even know I got 275 horses under the hood. Also that trunk space holy cow... When me and my brother go on for trips which include some walking we have to take his wheelchair with him and it fits perfectly. Recently we went to some bike races and spend the weekend there and even with some luggage there's still plenty of space left. I think the best way to describe the i30 N is as a wolf in sheep's clothing. It doesn't even look half as badass as the Civic, or as racey as the Megane RS, heck the inside even looks classy. But it sure is one hell of a great car whether you drive your kids to school or you wanna tackle the raidillon. Is it worlds best hot hatch? No. Does it have to be? No. Buying a car is personal and I personally didn't regret it for a second :-).

[@TheSwaGGerFM]

Agree with all this I bought the i30n over the type r for many reasons i didn't want something too flashy and more subtle, I have kids too and when they aren't in the car you bet your ass I turn n mode on and have a play, very practical.

[@gixxerboy555]

Inderdaad en als je meer vermogen wilt..Klasen of TurboZentrum.. :)

[@Tombrosapien]

I have an EP3 and I would go for the i30 purely because the new civic is hideous lol

[@upbeatmantis86]

Yup everyone but the car based on own preferences. I bought my type r because it is a weekend car and i use for spirited driving. Not for everyday use as i have a daily car. So that said, it fits my preference and profile of use

[@carlosanderson4479]

The fact that Hyundai got so close to a car that has had a bit of refinement over generations is a great achievement.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

i think its partly because the head of the i30N was the head mechanic in the BMW M division. Had Hyundai did the i30N by its self completely, im sure it wouldnt be as great. It was an overwhelming success for Hyundai which certainly wasnt expected at all, considering the fact that most i30N have been sold in Germany. it seems to me that Hyuindai took a lot of thought behind this car, and not necessarilly focus on details. Toyota produced the Yaris GR on its own with 25.000 limited cars, but it just didnt have the same echo as the Hyuindai, considering that both companies produced their first ever hot hatch. Toyota tried a similar formula with the Supra, which they failed, understandably so if you ask me. everything has to excactly perfect for such a car to succeed, and Hyundai did just everything perfect. The Type R has many generations of existence, which means experience and feedback, but now with the release of the i30N, they just got a bloody nose. Its german rivals, besides the Golf R, are just basically premium hot hatches really, without any different ride or quality. Now BMW recently released the 128ti with 265bhp. the hot hatch market is growing, and i think people will be more encouraged dumping their cayennes, X5s, 911s, panameras, mercs and bmws to get one of these babies.

[@carlosanderson4479]

@@emiliospowerballer1441 I welcome the shift.

[@fabioribeiro5071]

@@emiliospowerballer1441cars like these have always existed, the hot hatch market was more filled with alternatives than now, problem is they don’t give the manufactures any money. They are used as halo cars to sell the more affordable versions, however now you have suvs which give you more space than the equivalent hatch it’s based on and the enthusiast is not going to buy an suv. People are shifting from big salons and big suv to smaller suv and smaller fastback salons.

[@KameeGaming]

I am not sure how it is in the UK, but I checked the prices in my country and Type R costs almost twice as the Hyundai N, I see an offer for a Fastback N with the DCT for 32K euros and Type R is 60K

[@COOLUKGAMER]

@@KameeGaming FL5 Type R is roughly £45-50k. The FK8 (which is in this video) when it was still around and you could get it as new was sitting around £35k if memory serves me right. The FK8 even as a used car has retained its value pretty well, obviously some of the newer ones before the FL5 released sit around £30k but 2017-2020 has an average around £25k with the tail end being roughly £18k from what I've seen.

[@SanderVandeWiel]

I actually own an i30N, but I agree that the Civic is the better drivers car. However, I've only gotten positive feedback about the i30N (ok, not everybody likes the color...) while on any car meet, the Civic owners get the typical "yeah, it's a great car, but it still looks like a transformer being stuck". Pretty curious about the upcoming Focus ST though, if they give it a bit more "RS"-feeling, it might beat both of these cars. And the price point is pretty different as well. Paid €26200 on my i30N Performance. The offer for the Civic Type R was €40000. That's a difference of 12000 Pound...

[@proinmaking]

No one mentioning the excellent and very polished intro? :(

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Nope - and that's why I rarely do them!

[@ajwest3081]

JayEmm on Cars - Shame I loved it - thought it was from a global car ad campaign at first it was so good !

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Absolutely first class comparison, thanks ever so much indeed, James! Also noticed that the production quality of the video is better than ever.

[@thatebutuoyguy788]

Hey, weren't you in Hot Fuzz with Simon Pegg?

[@TheRefusedStoney]

Hyundai coming up in the game since getting bierrman from bmw's m division

[@gixxerboy555]

and AMG engineer too..

[@christill]

I prefer the more extreme look of the Civic personally.

[@popsandbangs8858]

Chris Till you childish than .

[@pswmetalmonkey]

@@popsandbangs8858 well pops and bangs are gay balls, and besides the CTR looks way better in person compared to the boring ass Hyundai

[@pswmetalmonkey]

@@popsandbangs8858 well pops and bangs are gay balls, and besides the CTR looks way better in person compared to the boring ass Hyundai

[@SIPEROTH]

Well, if you are gonna make the car look like an aftermarket tuned car then why go conservative on the sound and not make it pop and roar like the i30N? A buyer gets confused here. I mean the buyer that will want to buy a car that looks like that will also want it to sound like a wild beast when it presses the right button. The i30N has a great price and is better for those who don't want police to follow them just by the look of their car BUT on the other hand it looks too much like the normal boring i30 and sorry to say this BUT that blue sport is shit and Hundai doesn't exactly give you much deciding options. Light blue is the last fucking color i would thing a sport car to be(well along with pink i guess).

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

I'm delighted to see you've ditched that assortment of worn-out dusters you were wearing. The mirror I sent you has obviously been put to good use‼️ The Type R is redolent of a tart's boudoir, exceedingly exciting, but not something you'd want all day, every day. The i30N is more the young lady of whom your mother would approve, but when required can be amazingly good fun‼️ So, the Civic it is, because, who gives a sod what your mother thinks‼️😜😜😜

[@ikarugaxx3749]

That's is the single best comment on the Civic's appearance I have run across.

[@shonen84]

Great video, wonderful you’ve been able to get both cars on hand!

[@UTubeSL]

I own and love my i30N - it is my favourite - though I also recognise the astonishing achievement that is the Civic Type R! There are so many cracking cars in this segment that it really is a matter of preference in most cases.

[@brokentougers8252]

Have fun with that beast!!! The best opinion here!

[@UTubeSL]

@@brokentougers8252 ha thanks mate 🙂

[@lewisbuckingham8434]

I own one too 👊🏼 sick little motors!

[@1974gogo]

Indeed, done 10k in mine now, it was mega at Spa😉👍🏻

[@UTubeSL]

@@1974gogo wow that sounds fantastic! I've taken mine to Bedford autodrome and it was amazingly competent... will branch out after a few more visits!

[@techyd8411]

Keeping a close eye on hot hatches at the moment for change next year...both these are atop my list, I can live with the Type R looks so it will come down to the experience for me, and of course how ‘daily’ they can be...ultimately I don’t need absolute pace (Lotus gives me that) Another great video as well James, always enjoy your content and hearing your thoughts!

[@tomthorpe6628]

Best intro so far 👌

[@Frank-1978]

Great video again mate. ✌🖒🖒🖒

[@jalkhi]

Excellent video excellent review excellent music choice!

[@themanipulator1]

I30n for me. Love the look of them

[@FeelTheDrive]

Awesome production and comparison!

[@Oemg35]

Id pick the civic because its distinctive a not like every other hot hatch and I like the styling imo

[@mudgatebronn4438]

thats like saying "I eat dogshit because it tastes distinctively different from any other food."

[@Oemg35]

@@mudgatebronn4438 where's the connection?

[@mudgatebronn4438]

@@Oemg35 civic and dogshit are both distinctive and vomit inducing

[@sophiawoods6748]

MudgateBronn what he is saying is golfs are driven by to many council estate drug dealers called Leroy junior. So golfs have a bad name now. Hyundai’s are driven by high iq people. Not Leroy juniors who live on council estate

[@theweeknd2725]

@@mudgatebronn4438 You are a dogshit and obscure person 😎

[@galacticmaui2]

I love the looks of both. I lean type R for my preference but I would get both.

[@schunkelperser1794]

Another great video - with two of the most attractive affordable Sports cars of our days.

[@willotoole4118]

Great comparison with both FWD Hot hatches

[@Mikele-ez2jw]

I have the i30N and I am very happy with it. I like the Type R a lot as well, but as a single family car I had to go with the I30N.

[@diogosalvado7889]

I'd go for the I30N

[@mikeygtvi]

I loved the video but I decided to check the actual price difference between these 2 cars and the difference is Australia is $45k for the performance hyundai and $57k for the typer R. So $12k which in my book is a significant chunk of change. What shocked me he most though was looking at the accessories of the Type R the forged wheels are a $14k upgrade!! Needless to say my jaw dropped to the floor. Hyundai all day for me.

[@kemalkeza6795]

cheaper doesn't make it better, with that logic, I could get a 20 year old evo for half the price and it'll be better than both with a few spare change of tweaks

[@mikeygtvi]

I agree with that all I’m saying is that in this particular comparison price plays a part. You can’t compare these two cars and say it’s a fair comparison when there is a $12k price difference between them. The type r should be compared against a golf r or sti.

[@mikeygtvi]

Evo is dead btw, 😂😂😂

[@shockwave9282]

Of course Korean cars should be cheaper coz they're cheaply made and not reliable also their resale value is much lower than Japanese cars

[@Adrenaliving]

forged wheels are standard in the rest of the world.

[@ca9968]

I worked for Hyundai in South Africa in 2013/2014 and was given the second generation i30 1.8 as a company car and that model really impressed me, on long highway drives it was incredible, lots of car for a lot less money than its competitors at the time, i`m absolutely dying to have a go in one of these, especially with the new DTC gearbox... Hyundai have come on in leaps and bounds in the last 15 years or so, long may it continue!

[@azamchaudhri]

Jay, I actually think that hyundai/ kias first attempt in the sporty hatch market looks better than the i30N. The car I'm referring to is the much forgotten, Kia Proceed Gt in 3 door form or Ceed Gt in 5 door form

[@Tigermoto]

I think it'd have to be the i30N. The Civic these days looks like someone ran through Demon Tweeks and all the 1990's Fast Car magazine BS just stuck to it. I honestly think I'd be happy with a Kia Ceed GT though.

[@Tigermoto]

@Bob Climax I think I'm not, but Ripspeed works too www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/performance/vehicle-styling/bodywork-trim/

[@djs18]

I would rather take the Civic type R, any day of the week. It's performance trumps the N in every category.

[@unperfectcooking]

I own civic. Very practical car... And best experience to drive it. I always take the longest ride going home from work 😉

[@popsandbangs8858]

Does it have a sound ?

[@unperfectcooking]

@@popsandbangs8858 if you are looking for exhaust shots it's not here, this car is not fake and doesn't need any additions to be fast. Very fast. But if you put custom air filter, it will give you best turbo sounds ever 😉

[@popsandbangs8858]

Michał Jabłoński I know what do you mean to 😉, but I just like the i30N sound , to me I don’t care much Nurburgring times !!! And every one has it own taste

[@unperfectcooking]

@@popsandbangs8858 i30 is also awesome :)

[@TinkerBelleMichelle]

practical with 4 seats and no bootspace, how exaclty?

[@stephengriffin4990]

Great comparison thank u for mentioning fuel consumption in the N.

[@lewisbuckingham8434]

Stephen Griffin I’ve had 45mpg in my i30N on a trip

[@stephengriffin4990]

@@lewisbuckingham8434 Thats awesome

[@chrisroberts1440]

Upvote for the intro sequence alone :)

[@bat33.12]

You might get some of that more motorsport styling when the 390bhp 4wd model arrives which I've heard is well on it's way to production but probably not until the i20 N is released which I'd guess is a Fiesta ST competitor

[@HMCarReviews]

Side by side the I30N looks far better than the Civic. But the Civic just has something about it. I looks far better on a track but I don't know about being seen on public roads with it.

[@corone2018]

Harris Motorsport Reviews I get way more complements when I take out my type r than my i30n so each to the own I personally think my i30 n is pretty plain Jane

[@stephengriffin4990]

Being a Golf driver I might sway towards the N.

[@sophiawoods6748]

Golfs are great car if your a local council drug dealer called Leroy junior

[@Dom-sc9ih]

Quality Sunday morning 😎

[@taxus750]

@3:35 - It's all about personal preference, but in contrast I think the i30N is pretty well pitched when it comes to looks. It's a bit of a Q-car - it doesn't look like it will take on much more than a bog-stock Golf GTi let alone anything else, but when the rubber hits the road it's one of the best real-world hot hatches for the road. It's the same MO Biermann had for the early BMW M-series. Tune it to ~300bhp and do some mild suspension mods and it'll take on any hot hatch (Type R included) and no-one will see you coming.

[@iiNNeX]

You do the same tune to any of the other hot hatches and the gap remains. Invalid argument, but I see your point.

[@andrewkirby4495]

May I ask which road you use for this test ?

[@glennchartrand5411]

The Civic has a rear wing that you need to explain to your friends. Answers to frequently asked questions 1. The wing isn't after market 2. I'm serious , it comes from the factory that way. 3. No, I didn't buy it from a "ricer" I bought it new at the dealership 4. No it isn't a promo for "Gundam Movie". 5. For the last time , the wing is real and it comes from the factory that way. 6. Yes I know what a "Superbird" is.

[@yint2416]

It looks like the rx0 gundam Jk

[@stuartchristie654]

Can’t do an individual set up in the civic. Quite frustrating but for me it’s the civic, and the comfort setting in the type r is absurdly comfortable for normal day to day driving

[@Iron883Man]

My experience exactly. Short-leased an FK8 for 3 months. The fact you can't set it to softer suspension without compromising steering and throttle respons is very frustrating if you live in a country with less than perfect roads.

[@Tim955w]

On your favourite B roads based on driver involvement / fun, would you prefer one of these larger cars or a Fiesta ST. Thanks for the great videos.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I'd take one of these

[@Tim955w]

Thanks for your response, having already spent some time with the mk8 ST I'm amazed that a larger car could be more fun. Time for me to take out the i30N then.

[@gunnerplaygames2305]

I’d take the Honda based on the saloon shape and the big wing, reminds me of early 2000s Subaru Impreza WRX STis, however, I can’t forgive the electric handbrake, so for driving, I’d have to have the i30N, it has the customisation for suspension and steering etc in the infotainment and a proper handbrake

[@PlanetautoUK]

Both are extremely good, one understated one the complete opposite, performance wise the R has the edge, however the N reminds us more of an old school hot hatch power delivery etc, which feels familiar, would have either tomorrow, thank you.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Does the Hyundai have a comfort mode and did you try it? Or is the normal good enough for longer journies?

[@UTubeSL]

Hi there, I own one and it is my daily driver. There are 3 suspension settings, normal, sport and sport+. The latter is for the track only. Normal is used in the normal and eco modes, and can be used in the custom mode too. I have found it perfectly comfortable on UK roads to daily drive. Hope that helps!

[@andrewnorris5415]

@@UTubeSL Thanks Steve! I take it you like the car?

[@UTubeSL]

@@andrewnorris5415 welcome. Yeah it's sensational fun on a B road, a track or even at slow speeds.

[@chilevet]

Great review Jay, if you add a megane rs to these options what would the ranking be under the driver experience to choose one ? Thanks for your videos !!!

[@MiraSubieGirl]

Megane RS is better than both of them :)

[@popsandbangs8858]

Nåti M oh i30N is faster than Megan RS , nice priced , sound better too

[@popsandbangs8858]

The CTR it just Faster than both

[@MiraSubieGirl]

@@popsandbangs8858 Its not though... I paid 10k for a 2012 Megane RS Trophy... Mine has 309hp and weighs 1240kg... So cheaper, faster, looks better and you dont have "Brand New" Warranties and crap to fulfill. Stock the cars that are what 7yrs older are still faster or "so fast" it depends on driver skill more than the cars themselves. And if that i30 is automatic its not even a real track car...

[@MiraSubieGirl]

@@popsandbangs8858 i30N is slower than Megane RS lol... in every way. CTR a different story.

[@JonJon-dk3nh]

I would choose the Honda, but at those prices I'd feel bad spending that much on a front wheel drive car. It seems it's been that long that people forget FWD cars are made for cheapness first and performance later on. Yes I know the Honda is special for a FWD car but it's still the best of a bad situation. The older Type R's I have driven have been fun. Nice editing and Happy Easter!

[@mugenrr8202]

Jon Jon load a bullshit 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@taxus750]

Your question at ~6:00 If I was 25 I'd lust after the Honda - it's lighter, pokier, it looks like it fell off a Star Wars set. As it is, I'm nearly 60 - I'm an unhinged fan of the original Golf GTi (and even the cooking versions of the original Golf). I'll take the i30N - it's much less "out there", its slab-sided looks remind me of a Mk 6 Golf GTi and if there's one thing I really like, it's a Q-car. But I don't want a new Golf GTi, the Megane is too expensive (and rare) in Orstraylya, and the i30N is - if the reports I've read of it are correct - a pretty tough bit of kit that comes with a big warranty. Horses for courses, as they say. Bear in mind that Straya is a long way away from Britain and that what holds true your end won't hold much water out here.

[@naraineo]

I own a 10th gen civic myself. I love both cars but for a different reason! CTR is an attention seeker and its powerful and the aftermarket support amazing! The only manual car from civic range to get in Australia sadly :( i30N is very subtle styling which majority like! Cheaper I guess but can really change driving modes to your liking! Personally considering the fastback version in 2021 :)

[@pswmetalmonkey]

Live in NZ, bought a CTR, only $5000 difference in price over here = 2500 gbp totally worth the difference, i took both for a test drives, the CTR is amazing to see in person and totally blew me away to drive compared too the Hyundai, i personally found the exhaust pops quite annoying so that didn't impress me when some people raved about it.. otherwise very happy with my purchase.. FYI i am 37 years old and a family of 4, own a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite for a family tow vehicle so i am not bias.

[@jasonboyle7203]

Glad you picked the Honda for king as only had went and got myself one heheh.

[@ashleychambers7602]

Hyundai are making some fantastic cars at the minute especially the N cars. IMO the i30 N looks great in any colour you decide to opt for where as the Honda doesn’t , I was at my local dealer recently and they had 3 Type R’s in white, red and grey and the grey looked stunning in contrast to the other two colours.

[@tomweller1318]

Like the pics of the N option I’d have some of that. The problem with the Civic is that it’s really now a saloon car in size and not a hot hatch. It’s a real shame that no car maker makes a great hot hatch. It’s quite simple really. Get shot of all those electric setup gizmos. Give it suspension that’s Lotus like and keep it light, then some red carpets and hey presto you’ve got the perfect hot hatch.

[@nickvasey915]

Your conclusion would seem to be spot-on i.e. an individual's choice between the two cars will likely come down to looks. Mind you, I do think that said 'choice' might well swing more in the Hyundai's favour were it competitively priced (say £2-3k lower than the Civic). And is it just me or would anyone else baulk somewhat at paying £30k for said Hyundai? Thanks for the vid.

[@dylnbxtr]

Nick Vasey here in Aus, the i30n is approx. $45k. The civic is a few short of $60k. That’s a big enough difference to swing me to the i30n. Especially once modified like street fx, and still be 10k less than the civic.

[@robertwhigham18]

Love my 2019 type R!!!

[@johnclucas1523]

It's a great pity that the Civic isn't available in a more subtle guise. All the aero adenda may actually work - but probably won't do that much at the sort of speeds most of use on the road. I'm not that influenced by looks - but I'd draw the line at the Type R. The number of posters who have responded in similar vein suggests that Honda are shooting themselves in the foot.

[@johnbradshaw5900]

Two great cars, I don't think many could be disappointed with either of these. Practical, fun and fierce, what's not to like?

[@andyclarke1206]

Coming close to mid 30's. I think the i30 is a nicer place to be. I am looking at one for a test drive on Saturday. This is almost making my mind up...

[@elaxel1469]

I prefer the sensations of a late 90s japanese car. (Integra, Prelude...)

[@SonOfTamriel]

I like the front end of the Type R, but I'd take the i30 N, being a Golf GTI/R fan.

[@whorutothink]

That's my hang up with the Honda's. The styling is way over the top and too flamboyant. Sure way to drum up a lot of attention from all of the wrong people...

[@tommieboi707]

Is ir just about looks for everyone now a days? Performance doesnt matter anymore??? Just buy a regular car if performance comes second behind looks.....

[@popsandbangs8858]

I would love to see the 5.2s 0 to 60 us i30N (Veloster N ) against that ricy boy .

[@granttiller3360]

When I bought my new motor in august I test drove the i30n, thought about it very carefully, then bought the Honda. Actually it was mainly the slightly extra space in the civic that made the difference, but hey, im not sorry..both good cars, but Honda has the looks.

[@ristekostadinov2820]

Where i live 48 000 euros is gt 2.0 spec Typer R and I30N Performance pack is 36500 euros

[@GimmieTheGaff]

Hey, I checked your merch on your website and there are no heinous shirts available like the ones you wear in your videos. WTF?

[@andrewnorris5415]

One advantage of the aggressive purposeful looks is that people get out of your way quickly 9:29. Still, think I would prefer the understated Hyundai (I'm British) and love that colour.

[@93455Driver]

Still liking the GTI (I am totally bias) over these two FWD hot hatches, it does everything well and the interior makes a great commuter car. If Honda did a redesign, removed the fake vents and reduced the boy racer aero, if Hyundai even sold the i30N in the US, would take a look at these two though.

[@UTubeSL]

Ha fair play mate, awesome car!

[@muckspreader1able]

Golf the most overrated amd boring car you can buy

[@93455Driver]

@@muckspreader1able Hi, hope all well.

[@mikefletcher2310]

Like the Mad Max start

[@sirronkcuhc]

Moved from Ireland to US, got a hot hatch and can't enjoy it: straight roads with poor quality on this kind of concrete that's popular here that only puts road noise and harshness in the cabin with no fun. You said in the previous video that the Stinger is a better option for US roads and I agree. Probably I will have to ditch the 'car enthusiast' part of me, get the SUV just like 99% other customers around here with lots of tech to just follow blindly the car in front and tires with plenty of meat to absorb all this poor pavement. #IAmGettingOld

[@donkeysunited]

iulianm You're already spelling tyres like a yank - looks like you've been fully Americanised :)

[@sirronkcuhc]

@@donkeysunited it's good that I don't have any aluminum parts on my car as I'm still not used with 'aluminum'. I think I spent too much time on 'tirerack.com' to look for quieter and more comfortable 'tyres'.

[@michaellorenson2997]

The roads in America depend on where you are. Our 'interstate highways' are always built to a military standard for potential use in national defense. Hence, the very thick concrete construction. But we have thousands upon thousands of miles of fantastic sports car roads. You just have to know where to look. Like the Appalachian mountains, which run all the way from northern Georgia to New England, for one huge example.

[@syd_jzx100]

I got my fully-optioned i30N in polar white for 45k here in Australia, the Type R was 65k. Spending that extra 20k for 50hp more and like 0.2secs quicker to 0-100kph (and not to mention the uglier styling imo) would've been stupid. I couldn't justify doing that.

[@MiraSubieGirl]

For 15k my 2012 Megane RS faster, better looking and as reliable... Had it a few years and I even shippe it home to Russia with me when I left Aus. If you know what your doing Secondhand/0 warranty the way to go!! (Im a Mechanic)

[@syd_jzx100]

They're great cars, awesome fun for what they're worth.

[@MiraSubieGirl]

@@syd_jzx100 Idk why but in Aus the Megane 3s are unknown and severely under priced!!! The negative stereotype about French reliability got me one of the best track cars ever for under 15k AUD.

[@paulstabin6233]

Other than the ability to customize the steering, suspension, throttle in the N with more flexibility, and the exhaust sound, the Type R wins every other category. Not saying the N isn't great, I tested one. It is. And for about $8 K less than the Honda it is a real contender. It has a silkiness to the engine and handling. But it is just not quite as pure a driving experience.

[@vytas5584]

If the i30n had flared wheel arches and a bigger wing it would look a lot meaner

[@pirikaty]

I am now in my 60's (arghh!), But ex-international rally driver. I would have the I30R all day long as more analogue/left foot braking'esque. Plus at my age, I would just feel a prat driving the Honda!

[@maxgreece1]

Maybe 20 years ago if have considered the Honda but now it's just too garish for me. On the other hand that Hyundai is a bit plain and that interior is very black. A bit of piping goes a long way and would improve the look considerably.

[@NorthWolfe]

As you said, "The Civic is Epic." I wouldn't be sad to own the Hyundai in my "street racing days", you know before cameras were everywhere. However, in today's world (I mostly drive in the Eastern Block, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, where they are still not too bothered about anything), I require a car that can also be a GT. Don't know about the Hyundai, but the civic is also excellent eating miles and keeping a smile on my face. I obviously have real GTs, but if I was back in my late teens, yeah.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Whatcha doin mate, run it against the Vw Gti where it actually competes at the same price point, not against something that costs around $5000 more

[@another3997]

Seems like someone wasn't listening properly toward the beginning of the comparison. Or indeed later on when he explicitly mentioned the Golf GTi. And, perhaps consider that countries that use the $ may have different prices to those that use the £. And check the exchange rate too... just to put some perspective on things. 🙄

[@dylnbxtr]

In perspective. The Hyundai is approximately $45k, where the type r is roughly $60k. Really, the type r should be compared to a golf R, and the i30 to the gti

[@sophiawoods6748]

Gti? Driven by local council estate drug dealers called Leroy junior.golfs golf r? All driven by Leroy

[@21dazzer]

All depends on what you're going to do with it I guess, the Civic probably gets a better reception from its driver when being driven at nine or ten tenths most of the time or on the track, but certainly over here in the UK, you really can't do that in every day situations unless you happen to live by some interesting yet fairly unknown rural roads. I honestly think that for the amount of its performance that you can reasonably get out of it, the Hyundai would be the one for me. Even putting the Civic's drawn-by-a-ten-year-old's looks aside, fully loaded £37k against the fully loaded, but standard spec i30's £28k - it's a lot to swallow for what's essentially, off the track, not a great deal more accessible driver enjoyment. Yep - I'd definitely have the i30N, but if I had the choice, I'd go for the fastback.

[@dangrbitch]

I just looked at the i30. I love the looks of it. Way more than the civic. I’d buy it

[@theroddy]

Apart from the people who’ve said they own one, have any of the commenters actually driven an i30N? It’s a fantastic car. Absolutely brilliant to drive. I only got my Leon Cupra because it was cheaper, even though it was more expensive. Yeah, I can’t work that out either 😂

[@stan1036]

Great vid! Are you planning a favourite AWD Hot Hatch battle too?

[@Galm_1]

It's literally their first proper performance car. Give them some credits.

[@thetruth7633]

Huyundai write-off is probably horrible, but I agree the CTR looks is over the top, Honda should make a sleeper version. Honda does not use fake vents, you can remove most of plastic covers but you do not need extra cooling for a daily driver. The CTR is also prepared for 4WD (chassis has room for driveshaft and rear diff and rear hubs can be fitted with axles as well). I actually like the Huyundai, they seem to have shed the cheap Korean looks. 12:20 I would buy a 1.5 Civic Sport or Focus, have a tune and have a nice economical daily driver, for fun? Civic EK with K24/K20 LSD box. Soo much more fun than these two.

[@Android-vk8yh]

I'm late to the party on this one but a good video from Jay as ever I like both Hyundai and Honda's the both of their cars I think Hyundai are extremely good value for money but the issue here is I think would be be the after salevalue the Honda will hold its value much more than the Hyundai I don't think that's fair I think Hyundai has a good cars but bad snobbery comes in here somewhere. It's personal choice as I own an older Honda Civic Type R I think you only need 200 brake horsepower to enjoy a hot hatch on our British B roads so unless you're gonna go on a track which I think the Honda would definitely be the better car I don't think budget wise are either really affordable for the normal person? I think hard I could have been a bit braver with the styling but I'm guess they're just going after that Audi golf look you've got a hands up Honda where they keep it Honda you drive down the road you know what it is👍

[@samanson2001]

Much prefer the looks and performance of the Type R, however I much prefer the infotainment and the sound of the i30N, why couldn't Honda just get with the times for their infotainment and give that exhaust a fun note too 😭

[@robertrishel3685]

I LOVE the Type R. Bought my wife a 2019, Red. It’s stunning to drive and look at. But then, the most beautiful cars in my opinion, are race cars. I wish they offered the i30N here in the US. We get the VelosterN, which is odd looking with its three doors. I’ve never driven the new N iteration but I have driven a couple of the lessor Velo models. They were genuinely decent cars to drive, in fact, the best rental car I ever had was a veloster. Even if they offered the i30N here, I wouldn’t choose it over the Type R; over a GTI, possibly, but not over the Honda.

[@Industriconial]

If you ever find yourself on the Honda Technology course at the Head Office you'll find that all those little vents do have a purpose... Even down to the shape of the wing mirror...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The wing mirror isn't a vent though

[@Industriconial]

@@JayEmmOnCars No, but what I'm saying is they all have a purpose. The Aero design that goes into the car is all about moving the to cool brakes, and redirecting the air to get the vortex, created by the vacuum of the car cutting through the air, further away from the rear of the car to prevent the car being 'sucked' backwards as it drives. The mirrors are shaped to redirect rain water past the section of window you look through when you check the mirror...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@Industriconial the vents ARE fake though - they are just plastic pieces through which no air can pass. Some of them aren't, and I know the car does have real aero (talked about it in my review) but that doesn't change the fact lots of bits on the car are just for style

[@Industriconial]

@@JayEmmOnCarssorry, I haven't paid enough attention to the gen 10. I know the design ethos of the 9th gen was that everything had a reason. perhaps that changed... I assumed that these were the same. I'm disappointed that they chose to do that.

[@gixxerboy555]

It's just what you prefer...but if you consider the price...i think the choice is very easy..and if you want even more power..you can choose...300-350-400 or 450hp.. :)

[@NicB-Creations]

I don't really love the looks on either, so I would take the more exiting car to drive, Civic.

[@stu4181]

I’m trying to convince the Mrs to get the 130n for the fact on the road you rarely get to explore the 9-10ths and spend far more time in traffic commuting to work and going to the supermarket. The extra expense of the Honda and the 3 year vs 5 year warranty Honda need to up their game warranty wise, shouldn’t be an issue if they are as reliable as everybody says

[@BrucieMagik]

I'b buy the Hyundai. Good performance and factory mapping for pops and bangs? hell yeah

[@williamstrachan]

I think the i30N would fly under the gf's radar a bit more, as long as I didn't turn the exhaust onto sport+ when she's in it...

[@MotoMaxuk]

De-badged I30N in a conservative colour.

[@taxus750]

With a modest tune to make it 300bhp and some suspension tweaks. It won't slay a Type R but it will still be doing its thing when the Honda has to go in for major surgery.

[@UTubeSL]

Ha yeah would be fun to fly past Audis, Beemers, Mercs etc in that!

[@christopherdaniel6142]

no......big i30 n sticker on side lower and better looking wheels .....still buys the civic cause its a lambo for broke boiz

[@thetruth7633]

ChristOpher DaNiel Lambo boyz go broke on maintenance 😁

[@christopherdaniel6142]

@@thetruth7633 yup just if you dig a bit these cars are rated for 100000 + miles with simple maintenance. your turn .

[@pauldavenport949]

Be interesting to see how the AWD i30n will compare to a Golf R - Hyundai will listen to every single comment on their first generation car and i think it will trounce everything else out there unless - unless they go more track focused which will ruin it on UK roads - i like our i30n - it takes me back to driving old minis with snappy handling and bouncing about , back to the 90’s with the R5 gt turbos and certainly puts a smile on my face - the only think i would have liked to feel was a bigger kick from the turbo , its to civilised

[@Elementpunx]

I prefer the i30. When I went to Honda dealership they asked me to drop 1100$ security deposit to test drive the Type-R.

[@Tsardoz]

i would drop my pants and moon them for that

[@stephenmoss7619]

Must be a bit of a price difference between what the Type R costs in Canada vs. the UK if you're saying the Golf R is another step up. The difference in Canada between the two cars is only about $800 base to base.

[@350zdutch6]

Here the golf r is cheaper then the type r

[@jamesbishop1161]

The Honda’s looks are like marmite- love it or loathe it - and like marmite I bloody love it! I’m seriously considering getting one although the missus will go mental with the garish looks

[@l8erzmonkey]

im looking at the i30 currently as i can afford it but im not even close to being able to buy and more importantly run a type r so for me there not the same class

[@1972dsrai]

My neighbour has the Honda in gun metal grey and it looks pretty nice tbf. I'll stick with my Audi A4 Avante though thanks, never been a big fan of Japanese cars.

[@jameslove888]

Pedant in me spotted something. Official 0-62 time for the i30N is 6.1 not 5.9.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Quite right. 5.9 is the 0-60

[@jameslove888]

JayEmm on Cars sorry, my bad! Got so used to just seeing figures through the 0-62 lens 🤭

[@tye595]

i would actually choose the typr R if it didn't look like it came out of the fast and the furious, so for me its the 130n 2021 facelift model for me, looks so much better then the civic

[@unfussylobster]

The only thing i wish my type r had was the exhaust note the I30N makes, other than that i love my CTR.

[@mugenrr8202]

Regular Guy Airsoft hell no type R don’t need no crack and pops will be too far away to hear anyways 👋🏼👋🏼🤪

[@unfussylobster]

@@mugenrr8202 just my opinion on my ctr. Everyone else can do what they want.

[@1970boggy]

Neither is my sort of car to be honest however great 👍 review James I do prefer the Honda over the i30 but that’s on what I’ve heard as opposed to experienced. I’ve driven the Honda not the i30

[@chrispraz5198]

That bit of leather below the headrest on the Hyundai seat is sorely missing a embroidered N....the Hyundai is a better value, but I'd undoubtedly have to go with the Civic.

[@mixit2413]

if i was never going to do a track day i'd take the hyundai but if i ever what to do a track day and if i could afford either car i would then i'd get the honda.

[@jalalalap-akalala]

I30n comes with a track warranty

[@350zdutch6]

Only i30 to slow on a track the type r Will rape the i30 on track