i30N vs Type-R vs Megane RS vs Cupra R - Ultimate Nurburgring Hot Hatch Test

Curious about how we select new vehicles to add to the RSR fleet? This video will give you an inside look to the process. Searching for a successor to our beloved Renault Megane RS265s proved a perfect opportunity to gather the best hot hatches on the market and put them through their paces to see how much the segment has progressed in the last couple of years. Fair to say, we were pleasantly surprised. If you are in the market for a FWD hot hatch, make sure you watch the whole video so you can see why you can't really go wrong with any of the above!

[@nathanogrady6201]

Had my i30N performance for two weeks now. I had a BMW 2 series previously. I can safely say this is the best car I have ever driven.

[@gixxerboy555]

you're not the only BMW driver who say's that.. ;)

[@Damo1998]

I'm getting the 2021 i30n in a couple of months and i can't wait.

[@AaronDelgado90]

@@Damo1998 any indication if the 2021 model will be just as loud as the 2018-2020 models? From footage it sounds like an electric car. not sure to get the 2020 or wait for the 2021

[@Damo1998]

@@AaronDelgado90 I'm not sure mate. If its not as loud it will be a bit disappointing but I'm sure its not that different.

[@GadgetMart]

Praise indeed

[@jimmy92goodwin]

The video production is sublime, I could watch it all again. Loved it and earned a subscriber, plus I might have to come down and check this out!

[@TheSkyline35]

Nice test ! All of them are brilliant, hothatch are shinning, long life to them !

[@tinoschneider6350]

Awesome high quality content! Well done guys.

[@Iron883Man]

The i30N has the same type of diff as the Cupra: electronically steered mechanical dif. I bought the N because it’s the most fun on a daily basis.

[@DamoDrives]

TheDudeInTheRedHotHatch i reviewed the N for my channel and absolutely loved it.

[@Toolsin]

@@DamoDrives I got my red i30N for the same reason. Its the most fun to drive!

[@LargoatMcGoat]

What's it like in the corners on winding roads? I currently have an M140i which is amazing in a straight line or if you want to go sideways but I'm looking for something a little cheaper and more composed on twisting roads. i30N is top of my list closely followed by the MK8 Fiesta ST

[@Iron883Man]

@@LargoatMcGoat It feels properly planted through corners. It's not going to kick out the rear like a Megane RS or Focus RS, unless you are very agressive on the cornerbraking. But the steering feels great, the cornering speeds it can handle are amazing (probably even higher than in the Type R) and it's a car that inspires a tremendous amount of confidence for the driver. It's really easy to take this car on German Eifel roads and drive the shit out of it. I've left far more powerfull RWD cars behind on twisty sections.

[@hondamanvtec2894]

So you have owned them All for how long?

[@jeromeo23]

The I30N has a proper mechanical LSD that is electronically adjustable. It is NOT an E-diff.

[@Psyck2006]

yeah you are correct but it's not available in UK spec cars so maybe European cars (one shown in vid) might not have the mechanical slippy diff too. I believe only the Australian market and a few others get the mechanical diff.

[@Iron883Man]

@@Psyck2006 Not correct. The mechanical diff commes with the performance package which is available everywhere. Some markets, like australia, only get the performance pack version. The standard i30N has the ABS diff simulator, but noone buys that. 90%+ of N's sold are percormance specced. The car tested here is equiped with the performance pack and thus has the mechanical diff.

[@Psyck2006]

​@@Iron883Man Hey you're actually right! I take back my previous comment. I was told by my local hyundai salesperson that we don't get a mechanical diff here in the UK when I went for a test drive. I actually believed him because I also test drove a FK2 CTR around the same time and the turn ins felt a lot more aggressive and sharper in the CTR compared to the i30N Performance because i30 didn't have much of that "feel" of the diffs working so I assumed it was a very clever E-Diff doing it's magic. Silly me lol

[@Iron883Man]

@@Psyck2006 Np. ☺ The N's diff is electronic which means it's ajustable. You have to put it in Sport+ to make it work more agressive. In Normal it's way less intervening. ✌

[@DamoDrives]

I was lucky enough to have this car for review over 4 days, fantastic bit of kit

[@MclarenMP412C-]

I’m a McLaren collector and my Type R FK8 is about to join them in my garage.... fakking awesome piece of kit period 👍🏻

[@VVH1997]

really nice video guys!

[@proscuittodibello2040]

I have the i30N Performance in Perfomance Blue! It‘s a lot of fun every day!

[@msya2831]

But Reliability Sucks

[@IAmxZki]

@@msya2831 5 year warranty

[@proscuittodibello2040]

M Sya2 no! my i30N works like a swiss clockwork mechanism!!!!

[@proscuittodibello2040]

IAmxZki yeees! But it works....

[@proscuittodibello2040]

And the sound is awesome 😎🙉

[@MrAlexzxlex]

Always a great review by the RSR team. Cheers.

[@radudanila5139]

Which trophy version!? The one that's not on the market yet!? 😂

[@-igg1-912]

Can't wait to see the new Trophy version in action ...vs. Type R 😋

[@georgemavrides3434]

Took an i30N for a spin yesterday, marvellous car. The car can easily handle some 30-50hp more which is where Hyundai is going with this. Gorgeous looking, great handling, pops and bangs, comfy and fun as a daily driver, I'm puzzled only with practicality Vs the upcoming i30N Fastback (which is irrelevant here). The Option cars show where Hyundai is going with the N series as a platform. My view is that future releases will get a performance boost well beyond 300hp (larger turbo, intercooler, remap, perhaps AWD options) while they will shave 50-100kg kerb weight. Then it will be head on with the Type R and Cupra in terms of performance (which are up to 20% more expensive) while providing great customisation and track warranty. The only real competition in this group will be the benchmark Type R ... Seat (VW) and Renault are notoriously bad in terms of reliability. No discussion about the Golf GTI ... i30N smoked it with even this first edition. Great job Hyundai.

[@oesi100]

Do you also upload the complete laps? Would be interesting.

[@PaddyMcQueen]

really interesting test thx for sharing !

[@batmikipig]

I just bought a cupra 300 and l was coming from an 2007 A4. I love the cupra, but the seat is not as sport, it's higher than my old A4. Is it possible that no review mentions the seat height?

[@sdi1111]

thanks for a nice review

[@onehorsepower]

Cupra R: 'less power'... Actually, the tyres are conti sportcontact 5P on the test car, NOT 6. So instead of less power, I would suggest it needs better tyres, either indeed the SC6 or Supersports or PS4S, or Cup2 for more dry/track bias. Then this car comes even closer to greatness, and is basically a discounted Clubsport S with rear seats (half compensated by the fact that a Leon is a bit lighter than a Golf)...

Driven it. Floor it in first and second and you feel the steering wheel vibrations in your hands as power goes from left to right trying to find grip anywhere it can. You would need slicks or less power, exactly as the guy said.

[@KXP70]

@ I have two 290 Cupras in my family and I really dislike how they put down power (or at least try to) in the first two gears. Even easing into it they want to spin up or shuffle the power across the axle in a frantic manner along with the ESC cutting and reapplying power far to aggressively. I'm curious as to how they would fair with a normal mechanical LSD and if that would improve the low speed traction and refinement. At higher speeds the franticness leads to it being quite edgy and exciting (which can be a welcome thrill if you're after the fun factor). While chucking it round a bend with a strong amount of throttle applied, you can really feel the diff send power to the outside wheel as it pulls you round the bend at surprising pace. Overall though, at high speeds I *LOVE* the car. At low speeds... I hate it.

[@pokest225]

The cupra R comes from factory with Michelin pilot sport cup 2 tires. Why they have it with normal cupra tires? . I have a cupra 300, and it have these continental sport contact 5p tires. Normal tires, nothing special.

[@KXP70]

@@pokest225 I wondered this also. Especially considering the Civic was put on Cup 2s instead of the SC6 they come with from factory. Can't fathom why they downgraded the Cupra tyres.

[@pokest225]

@@KXP70 it's a nice test. But is a bit unrealistic. Cupra R without cup2 tires. Civic with 19" cup2 instead of 20" conti sport 6. Normal automatic megane instead of manual with cup chassis and lsd...

[@hondatrix]

Nice video...FWD = Fun Without Disaster.....

[@alexini5]

Well I just crashed my FWD on the rear wheel just like a RWD.....If it slips so hard there is never enough power in the front to pull it straight ....AWD is the way to go .

[@hondatrix]

@@alexini5 Never heard of a FWD KTM...

[@alexini5]

I dont own only a KTM ...but 3 hondas and a suzuki.

[@grobfahrlassig3802]

Tolles Video!

[@2tonedangert891]

Great review

[@coupe6339]

I30N for me

[@greekspirit4818]

You must drive the trophy version of megane not the "simply one"

[@Albydaman]

Yeh but the price tag is crazy compared to the rest

[@sophiawoods6748]

The simple one looks amazing. Personally I love all 4

[@meganers2696]

Megane RS 👍

[@shredthetrack6858]

Great Video👍 everytime i Go to the Ring i See the MX5 outside of RSR . It looks wild

[@ventiadi1460]

That Megane is so hot!!!

[@romancech2723]

Yeah, design of new Megane RS is just amizing - from my point of view, would be nice to have only 3 doors variant. On the other hand from complex point of view, one generation older Megane RS is better I think. I afraid of too many electronics in the new one, and not rly sure about 4wControl. - It`s only my opinion ofcourse. Still agree with you, I rly love this new design.

[@BricoHr]

@@romancech2723 New Megane Trophy R would not have 4 controle and more power and photos of TrophyR are awesome!!

[@spencerswart9227]

Why no opel opc?

[@starchaser5188]

Civic Type R with i30 N Soundtrack - PERFECT!

[@jacekdziuba3106]

What a great vid

[@yarisTSk]

interesting cars there, thanks.

[@HashiriyaR32]

What does the Cupra R offer, other than a warranty, that I can't already get by replacing the 2018 (Important, because starting this year the GTI gets the PP as standard) GTI's IS20 turbo with the IS38?

[@pokest225]

Different engine. It's a s3 engine, not gti engine. Dcc suspension is standard, tuned specifically for the car. Brembo brakes. Lighter golf clubsport front subframe. Different front suspension arms, allow for 2 degree camber, better cornering hability. Lighter forged wheels. Michelin pilot sport cup 2 tires... This leon cupra R is the equivalent to the gti clubsport. The gti pp is below them.

[@SM-sc2zl]

Not a great review guys. You should have had the "Manual Cup" version of the Megane. Why on earth would you take a Megane without a mechanical limited slip differential and put it up against the others? Apples with Apples.

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

I taught the same.. everytime every channel ,magazine etc al do the top spec cupra , s3 or i30n bur never the Megane cup. So no LSD agianst cars with lsd seems fair..

[@jimmyjt16]

Exactly my thought..

[@mrconta]

Where is focus RS?

[@tipsreviews7476]

Wheres? Wrx?

[@gixxerboy555]

Just bought the i30N ..got to wait another 2 weeks till it arrives... :)

[@gixxerboy555]

@@samsearle4433 yes indeed my friend..thanx

[@77doppelkorn77]

nice video

[@stuartmcguire4852]

No metrics? Enjoyed the video immensely, just curious.

[@horym8541]

But the Type R's OEM tyres are Continental SportContact 6 245/30 20.

[@aristsimpanogiannis5279]

But why do u compare the megane rs with the cupra R u have to compare it with the megane rs trophy

[@IwillBwaiting]

Leuke auto's . Ben inmiddels een beetje nieuwsgierig naar de nieuwprijs , in Luxemburg...

[@kuhenvelusamy3049]

Y u no 308 gti boys? :(

[@FlyinGato]

Once again, we see the Type R dominate as the "Driver's Choice". Love my FK8, can't wait to take down some "large prey" in this upcoming 2019 racing season

[@whistlingk9833]

Great performance, BUT. It looks like a lazy transformer that forgot to transform all the way, or something. From some angles it looks hideous.

[@hondatrix]

@@whistlingk9833 So what, the only thing all the others see are your tailpipes....

[@royalstevep68]

@@hondatrix its mega ugly but decent choice for the ring. Prefer my rs3 saloon and s3 sportback

[@hondatrix]

+sp royals I’m 100% convinced that you have never tested a CTR...

[@UTubeSL]

Yeah that's one hell of a car - amazing actually!

[@milo6507]

Trophy?

[@Therealguy12345]

The King r is an another class 🙌

[@renizer]

anyone think they should have added price tags in the video? nice comparison with the comments tho

[@KarlOsuchowski]

Type R takes MVP, Hyundai wins Most Improved Player, the RS seems too over-engineered for its own good and, well... then we have the Poopra. The car you get when you want a great daily, but you also work for dad and need his approval.

[@SushiParty]

I wish I was European just to be able to drive beautiful hot hatches like the Seat Cupra R or Renault Megane RS. But I would love to own a Hyundai I30N.

[@aruncgdesigner]

Type R responds alienly sharp, can't understand what they done to that car.

[@clio2rsminicup]

Use the manual gearbox version of the Megane 4 RS, the faster version on track. Especially wait the Trophy 300hp version which arriving...

[@sukmadiak945]

Super Video! Fehlt nur noch der GTI Clubsport

[@leprismah]

🤮

[@InfoumusMOBB]

Wish we got the Leon Cupra R here in the states

[@chantalslut]

No you dont. Its a cheap product from VAG.

[@corone2018]

What where the bloody times

[@stockey]

The I30N, is definitely the best deal for the price here.

[@wilsonwise]

Renault Megane RS!! Most complete car and has the best looking!

[@whistlingk9833]

Someone please help me.. Is the Seat a vw golf?

[@hondatrix]

Seat is owned by VW Group, and shares platforms and the same components with a few different bits and shapes...in short, it's NOT a Golf, but it is..

[@wezznsb7376]

Yup

[@radudanila5139]

That Seat is the best Golf on the market 😉

[@FinnishCarGuys]

Nah, it's cheaper. Otherwise; yes.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

a cheaper Golf :D in a nut shell

[@drazenbudis7881]

N Performance DOES come with a propper mechanic diff. Its also the only of the bunch which has warranty that covers track abuse and use of semi slick tyres. If you’re known on the matter, that should tell you enough.

[@tonyb1223]

Well according to Hyundai you are incorrect, they state its an "Electronic Limited slip Differential", not a controlled mechanical one (pretty hard to do unless its an open diff) but Electronic.

[@drazenbudis7881]

Tony B Its a tricky writing, listen to some interviews by albert biremann and youll see. You think ABS simulated diff would last 24h race without mailfunction and overheating the brakes constantly?

[@tonyb1223]

@@drazenbudis7881 it doesnt have to be an ABS simulated diff but something similar to VW's one which uses clutch plates and electronics :)

[@drazenbudis7881]

Tony B Well clutch plate limited slip is an mechanical lsd

[@tonyb1223]

@@drazenbudis7881 not really, mechanical basically means unassisted, torsen, ap etc these work physically with no intervention (mainly because you cannot intervene with a mechanical diff) hence e diff :)

[@luisribe5767]

The Focus RS is missing!!!

[@andre171187]

The laptimes ????

[@lincoln537]

3 faptimes

[@serviziomessaggi7264]

@@lincoln537 ahahahahahahaha good job

[@gyo1381]

Reliability, consistency and maintenance costs. ←period. Hondas have always been the best package. RSR are a business, a fast car business, so this choice is sound. All I ever read are comments on feelings, body colors, outter shapes, chrome strips, speaker sizes and short term arguments… these comments are the reflection of the real world : shortsightedness and stupidity. Have fun in lala-land until you car breaks down and you spend your days in a rental.

[@simone6952]

Civic and Mégane my favorite cars

[@gixxerboy555]

Would like to see the 1st i30N with a laptime on the Nordschleife under 8 minutes..

[@MajorAMinor]

The Trophy-R is still the best driver's car and will remain so.

[@e1337prodigy]

12:37 I disagree, the tyres that come with the cars are part of the package and should have been thought about by the manufacturers. If the manufacturers decide to fit supposedly inferior tyres or don't think about these things when designing the car then that is there issue. You buy one of these cars for the whole package. Edit: I think the I30 N could lose some weight. If I had a choice, I would take the I30N or the Type R. I don't think I could trust the reliability of the other 2.

[@stevehash158]

Where the fook is the 308GTI???? Weird.. 270hp and 1200kg who doesnt like.. many have Said it's the best driver involved car

[@DILINGER0]

1200 kg are not measured in the same conditions as other rivals. Probably dry weight, without driver.... The real GTi weight is 1280 kg, more realistic and still a good value.

[@stevehash158]

Yea i found it 1280kg some cars are prolly 1300kg still 150lg less rhrn cupra R and 200-250kg less then Renault 280 Megane RS and Peugeot 308GTI so still just the same impressive

[@themarenda]

And the winner is...any car you want the most, because we have all come to see how is our favorite holding on with the competition

[@luigipetillo6353]

why honda has 19 inch? is it a German version? they always advertise with 20 inch conti sport contact 6 tyres...

[@whistlingk9833]

Lower aspect ratio certainly doesn't translate into traction. Quite the opposite actually.

[@luigipetillo6353]

@@whistlingk9833 please read again my question. I did not asked about performance, but if they have changed something... try again :-)

[@timeggenheimer7731]

The Type R has the wheels from the FK2 (2015-2016) Type R.

[@raydegracezitha]

Here in south Africa it comes with 20 inch, only fk2 came with 19inch

[@aristsimpanogiannis5279]

the megane definetly looks the best

[@steve0680657]

Where's the Ford Focus?

[@AF-nf4yf]

Type R looks good in a sedan-ish format

[@tcm9696]

type r 🔥🔥

[@paddydowney6269]

I reckon I’d prefer to keep €12k in my pocket and get the i30N (but then veer off at the last moment and actually buy another Gti)

[@n-r1-s-7_9_6]

👍

[@holidaeyy674]

Everyone is asking where the ford focus Rs! Still in the shop getting the head gasket&block repair. even though the typeR still will Eat up the rs for breakfast. ..

[@melcanuck5951]

"i30N vs Type-R vs Megane RS vs Cupra R - Ultimate Nurburgring Hot Hatch Test" ..with NO lap times... NOT ultimate - disappointing!

[@clio2rsminicup]

Because to run a logical chrono on the 20 kilometers of the Nurburgring, it is necessary to have this 20 kilometers full free for them alone. And it is very expensive and not possible for them...

[@JohnDoeAnonyme]

Each car has set a record ... Just check them .... That's why you see don't a pointless lap times test

[@melcanuck5951]

@ john Doe - "Check them...??" So what are the Nurburgring lap times for all the cars then? I only have the time for the civic Type R. Kindly tell me.

[@felixXH12]

@@JohnDoeAnonyme i 30 N hasnt yet

[@renizer]

let me tell you that probably the sum of all i30N kms from development and testing is quite a bit higher than what your personal overall road milage of 2018 so far ;) @pandemonium is right, to have an objective comparison you would have to take a lot of effort for exclusive track time, do it all in one day with all cars and also dont forget about all the training time for the drivers to get every last bit out of every car.

[@novaf4946]

Megane 🔥

[@youngyoungem]

Where’s the 308gti it’ll wipe the floor with the i30n and possibly a couple of the others.

[@doublerfanatic5641]

Well Said. Complete package. Period.

[@Yokazz]

and ugly AF xD no offense

[@van_der_lindeDA]

Complete package...about as ugly as a fiat multipla

[@excelsior_1448]

Cupra is beautiful 😍😍😍😍😍

[@schumifan78]

Here's three things I would change about the Honda. 1) Put a 5th seat in it. 2) Take at least 3/4 of the fake intakes and plastic wings off it so anyone who is over 17 doesn't feel embarrassed to drive it. 3) Give it some sort of sound to go with the fancy 3 exhaust pipes.

[@cagednm69]

good thing you aren't an engineer then. the vents shave weight off bodywork and the wing loads the rear wheel to generate rear grip

[@denniso113]

Civic sends them all home for supper and early bed.

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

When is there gonna be a proper fair test between these cars ? The megane isnt the cup version so it hasnt a LSD. Like the others. Come reviewers get the top spec of every car or dont do a review.

[@jimmyjt16]

That megane is a non cup spec'd EDC car..now try the cup manual.

[@mtb8396]

Where is Ford?

[@spencerswart9227]

Like really

[@YerFarQ2]

Megane Hands down i know i own one

[@fireblade6756]

what out on track in case u cant see u are driving on a ROAD NOT TRACK!!!

[@mikelfli421]

En circuito para mi todos con los mismos neumaticos michelin cup 2.el cupra y el civic.luego megane y el último el i30.por lo que yo he visto en circuito

[@sasicuomo9217]

Renault rs❤️

[@hartmutthomas989]

Bin ich sehr ehrlich , so finde ich das jeder der vier auf seine Art schön ist . zum glück sind sie sie auch sehr verschieden . Find the mistake: The Type R always drives on Continental

[@nicorallysport]

Focus RS MK2 😉

[@VBHB83]

I30N over all

[@PureLeeful]

Think they should have had a cup specced Mégane, poor review.

[@SM-sc2zl]

Agree!

[@cyasoonbro]

Type R.

[@ACS607]

The Cupra R is the winner for me. Sure the Renault has the best steering, the Hyundai feels the least artificial and the Honda has the best feeling controls, but i don't think it matter when the Cupra offers the most fun at the limit and the engine is arguably the best of the four.

[@KXP70]

Cupras are definitely fun at speed but if I had to live with one it would be the Civic without a doubt. Much more enjoyable to drive as whole in most scenarios; and while not being quite as fun and frantic at the limit, it's still a joy and is also faster than the Cupra if that matters to you.

[@KrusssH]

Just that Cupra is also a better car for a daily use. I think most of the people use these cars out of the track anyway.

[@afrank3029]

Please leave the comment section, when had a vw an outstanding engine, one of the most mediocre german brand...!?

[@emmadeeba2038]

Cooorr that type r!

[@Clint_Moto34]

3:05 and they are all FWD 😒😪

[@onehorsepower]

GT86/BRZ are on another level than these hot hatches for driver involvment. The engine/noise isn't great but this can easily be much improved upon. I only sold mine because I needed something more practical eventually.

[@KrusssH]

I don't understand. Usually people blame Leon to be to easy to drive and not so fun, and he said completely the opposite :S

[@KXP70]

It's not difficult but it is feisty and definitely fun.

[@FinnishCarGuys]

From my experience (300 manual FWD, but anyway...) it's pretty predictable close to the limit, but it has some issues putting the power down in slower corners. The stock power and torque curves are a bit... Volkswageny...? But decent set of rubber and a re-tune and you'll all set!

[@KXP70]

@@FinnishCarGuys what would you have done with the retune? And mine has Cup 2's and it's still shit at low speed.

[@FinnishCarGuys]

@@KXP70 I'm not a tuner so not really sure, something about the torque-curve maybe? Maybe it's just throttle mapping, but I felt like everything happens a bit too soon on the rev-range. As it does with many many modern cars... Gives the non-car guy the impression that their Kia Rio has a million horsepower because they have shoved all the torque in the world @1800rpm with 25% throttle lol. Hard to explain, sorry for the novel!

[@KXP70]

@@FinnishCarGuys fair point. Only problem is, that torque and low-mid rev response is nice to have in the higher gears. Ultimately I think it is just a flawed car at low speed. I test drove the Civic and it's a world apart. It was damp on the day yet it put down power exceptionally well with no fuss and only a touch of wheel spin.

[@red-onecpasmoijetaitentrai3400]

Why cupra R? Take directly the VW golf R she better and It's the same brand

[@Lead_Foot]

This is a Fwd comparison.

[@RogueBrit]

And the winner is who knows 😂😂

[@vytbbb7146]

honda is probably good to drive, but that looks... kills the deal for me...

[@leprismah]

That Golf and I30N so boring but that Type R,Cupra and Megane are really sexy ☣️