2021 Hyundai i20 N review: better than my Favourite Car in the World(tm)?

The 2021 Hyundai i20N has a huge job on its hands: it's taking on the Ford Fiesta ST - also known as my Favourite Car in the World. With a 204hp 1.6-litre turbo engine, a totally reworked chassis and FLAMES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, can Hyundai's smallest hot hatch so far really kick Ford's bum?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Would you pick the Hyundai or the Ford? Tell me in the comments! Or just abuse me, whatever.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Good review ya badly git.

[@htasker8]

How tall are you? and the hyundai would be my choice. You see the ST everywhere, I know it's because I an amazing car I just want something that stands out a little and I could use on track.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

@@htasker8 Hey, I'm 6'3". I fit fine in both - not tried either with a helmet on but I reckon they'd be fine.

[@htasker8]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Thanks fitting in the back with no problem is pretty impressive from Hyundai. Great video btw!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

@@htasker8 Thanks! Yeah I was very surprised. Knees weren't even touching the back of the driver's seat at all!

[@shadowplay8477]

One of the best first impressions (mini review) of the i20n I have seen so far. Thank you.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you for watching!

[@davidallan2813]

I really appreciate Hyundai for making these N cars and bringing a challenge to these 'hot' segments. I feel that I am obliged to support this and buy an i20N now. Great 1st review that contains all the comments and details that we need. Thanks.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks David, appreciate the kind words!

[@shaungowing9468]

I struggled to choose between the Fiesta ST and the Hyundai i20 N here in Australia. I ended up putting a deposit on the Hyundai as the level of tech in the cabin won out.

[@ndhkroatien999]

in australia aswell bout to drop that deposit sometime this week not sure on the colour yet

[@shaungowing9468]

@@ndhkroatien999 I went w/ Hyundai Performance Blue, w/ the contrasting black roof.

[@mattpurcell4108]

when is the i20n due for release?

[@shaungowing9468]

@@mattpurcell4108 My car was due in Australia on the 4th of August. However, that has now been pushed back to the 14th September.

[@420hansol]

you made a wise decision

[@MrJoshua1107]

Class review, better than a lot of well established car channels on KZbin. Was nice to get a down to earth view on the car, keep it up!

[@alechopkins6545]

It's a practical light class (in aus classed as light hatch, think In England called super mini, correct me if wrong) so brilliant to see, always glad to see more manufacturers build cars for this segment

[@albertlira7443]

Happy one year on KZbin man! I enjoy both of your channels and the reviews are always great. Practical and entertaining!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Albert!

[@timmo3351]

Happy YT Birthday, love both channels!

[@NH-bz9jv]

Ordered mine yesterday, Polar white with a black roof. Cannot flippin’ wait🙌

[@TheCrusader200]

I'll take Hyundai over Fiesta because of bigger trunk and newer infontaiment system, but both cars are great!

[@graenicholls4657]

I have a 2014 accent sedan that is Waaaay better than it should be for the money. I cannot imagine what this i20 N would be like, but I definitely know I want one.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hyundai definitely punch above their weight

[@johnkinnane547]

G'day and greetings from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 good review we have seen a few down here and they are a lovely looking car not to mention it's performance. We have a Peugeot GTI 1.6 turbo and I would love a comparison on them, as far as equipment level from what you showed the "N" is way in front including the mechanics, We are planing to trade it in as we've had it for 8 years now nothing has gone wrong with it, thanks again for reviewing it you answered most of my questions kind regards John

[@ian7675]

Absolutely love this car, I feel I need to drive one.

[@cadenguyen8778]

First time here.....duuuuude.....you're a natural at this .....with the right camera work and editing,....I think you would do well on Carfection alongside Mr Catchpole. Well done sir.

[@nicolasberesford4933]

Thank you for this, I plan on having one of these as my next car.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

You'll love it

[@jasonwratten425]

A great video ordering mine today

[@suspensiondude]

Nice vid mate! Look forward to you driving it on a race track

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Difference for me is in the actual honouring of the warranty without weaselling out of it on fine print and wild wear specifications. Dear Ford, read that twice.

[@aerotus888]

Great review thanks!

[@ian7675]

Just noticed I commented on this a year ago, not only did I drive one I bought one. Brilliant little car and a bargain for what you get.

[@ljp1942]

How's the ride quality in the little I20n ?

[@ian7675]

@@ljp1942 it’s quite firm which may be helped when I put new tyres on it but on longer journeys it’s a bit tiring on public roads. This is where the i30’s adaptive suspension would be nice but obviously at this price bracket that’s forgivable.

[@lambethlongshanks7990]

First came across your motorcycle stuff. You're ace.

[@liueric1988]

My first car is a 2004 hyundai Elantra. Even back then i knew Hyundai will be great one day. Their engine is really good even when back then. They copy and improve!

[@mudkipsarekool]

glad I found this channel great stuff

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Welcome aboard!

[@lewisantony7743]

Just ordered mine, can't wait to drive some twisty B roads !

[@twistedsanity623]

i would have the i20n simply because it looks much better than the st in my opinion

[@andreapozzi5136]

Cannot Wait to try it! Good job mate

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hope you enjoy it - thanks!

[@andrewmaple9863]

I've got a puma st now love it to bits but I'm falling in love with the I 20 n I think

[@felipe_uk2840]

Great review. Both informative and funny. Also very reassuring as I am about the buy one. It is 200 miles away so no test drive (local dealer can't even get a demo car). I have driven the i30N however. It really sounds like this car has recaptured the true spirt of the hot hatch (reminds me of the civic type R ep3), as opposed to cars like the Golf R and M135i, which have sanitised it.

[@montha123]

How are you liking it ? I also bought one yesterday a long way from me without even seeing one yet in reality, price of them here in Ireland Is crazy high compared to the uk price ,we pay about 10 k sterling more than uk price 😬dealer told me it took 1.5 years to get from the date he ordered it

[@stopspin]

Kona N and Elantra N is about to be released as well.

[@HeidLander]

happy anniversary dude, I totally enjoy your nonsense!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you! I'm glad someone does 😅

[@ndhkroatien999]

solid review

[@philwignall6714]

Great review Tim, thank you. You could deffo be the next JC 🤔

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Phil. I'll take that as a compliment ;)

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Wait, you did mean Jesus Christ?!

[@philwignall6714]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff haha, funny 😆 Well since this is a car review rather than promoting religious acts, I was actually meaning Jeremy Clarkson! But I do have 5 loaves and two fishes if you want to turn them into an i20N for me ?! 🤣

[@gerryrowe6389]

Great content , bruiser of a car 🏋️‍♀️

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Cheers Gerry!

[@kayescott4243]

'LOVED U'RE VIDEO REVIEW ON THIS CAR HERE, I WANNA BUY ONE FOR MYSELF SO, MY DEAR BOY GET ME ONE PLEASE!?' "JOKES!!."

[@grantorino9049]

Im trading my ST in for this Baby in sleek silver :) never been so hyped for a car 😍

[@missameliafrancis]

really want this car

[@lawrencepll76]

Can you do a comparison of the Fiesta ST against the BRZ/ GR86? Both affordable by proper fun cars, with very different approaches! I’m interested to see your thought because I’d love to buy the new Fiesta ST, but am currently weighting up against the GR86!

[@russozard2626]

Just got one all I can say is get one 👍

[@deejayimm]

We will never see them here in the states so I hope my Fiesta ST runs forever lol. We just do not get much here in this segment, honestly I was SHOCKED we got the Fiesta ST at all, even though it was only the 5 door, and they put headlights from 1987 in it..

[@i20nScot]

Spot on about the rev hang. It’s a heavy flywheel surely? Literally the only thing I dislike about mine. Had it over a year now and I still look for excuses to take it out. Incredible value performance motor. Huge fun. Gets more attention than a Porsche (honestly).

[@antj29]

It’s not a heavy flywheel, 5kg, the rev hang is mapped in for emissions

[@i20nScot]

@@antj29 Is that why? It’s irritating. Can it be mapped out with a tune/chip?

[@antj29]

@@i20nScot apparently so, doesn’t really bother me

[@naveenkumark05]

Tim I’m your new subscriber. Pls tell me which among these two would be your pick? Skoda Octavia VRS or Hyundai I 20N?

[@paulfreedomfighter]

Carnt wait to get mine April

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

You’ll love it!

[@shoaib3385]

New official dream car

[@shoaib3385]

Btw I own a MK7.5 GTI and it’s kinda boring

[@ndhkroatien999]

im saving up for one now

[@DontPanicDear]

What a little pocket rocket 🚀

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

It's so good. Whether you pick this or the Fiesta you're in for a treat

[@DontPanicDear]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Glad you had a hoot 🦉 I’ve made my i30n bed, so I shall have to lay in it 🤓 Mine was the one you’ve seen in DPH group 👀

[@samporter4882]

Your a likeable guy . I subscribed

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Sam, really appreciate it!

[@neilbenton1152]

I've just purchased the gr yaris! Just thought I'd throw that in which do you prefer ignoring the price difference ? Great videos btw 🤨

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ignoring the price difference then definitely the Yaris. But both are huge fun

[@andrewmaple9863]

I got a fiesta st 2 mk8 live it but this seem good as well

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

The Fiesta is still a brilliant car! I'd have a hard time choosing between them to be honest.

[@k.o.t.o.n.]

fiesta st is heavy compered to it's hp and interior space.

[@teggsy2165]

Lets wait and see the car with a resonator delete air induction kit and a remap and then compare it to the MK8 Fizzy?

[@lupislune]

This is an awesome car! Side note. Any chances of getting your hands on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 to test drive?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yup, I’ve already filmed an Ioniq 5 review, it’ll be out soon!

[@JesPersson]

Will you do a video on your long term Octavia? I'm waiting for mine but it's stuck at the factory due to the chip shortage...

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hey! I will do - I just need to sort my life out a bit and clear my backlog of videos. I'm a month in and it's wonderful though. Just about sporty enough, but absolutely delightful to use day-in, day-out and for long trips. Just so easy and relaxing (yet you can hoon it when you want to)

[@butchmeister80]

Fiesta st is chav tastic and uncomfy this is a smart bit of kit

[@andrewmaple9863]

What would you buy firsta or this ?

[@k.o.t.o.n.]

Can i get it with anoramic sunroof?

[@SiXiS4]

good video

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Good comment - thanks!

[@ya55er4008]

If streets in my country aren't totally rubbish. I would by one at blink of an eye

[@DrKampfpudding]

I much prefer the look of the fiesta st and the three pot engine sound . That's why I will go for the fiesta st mk8 :)

[@FefyGT]

Yeah it just looks and feels superior quality. Pity that Fiesta it is not practical enough for it's size, especially the boot is very disappointing.

[@Jamie_Dee]

Does it have cruise control?

[@paullasky6865]

Why is AutoTrader saying the 0 to 60 is 6.2 seconds but KZbin is saying 6.7

[@JC-xp5bd]

Does it make much diference to the stability with no sway bar compared to i30N?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hard to say really - I remember when it came out some people thought that rear strut brace in the boot didn't do anything (if that's what you mean)

[@AdaaDK]

How does it sound on the outside, does the crackle and spark, like the I30N ? or is the nice sounds only via speakers inside ?

[@aono335]

It crackles and pops

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ja

[@Camarao_Pistola]

The Fiesta maybe older in tech but the quality of the cabin is higher. And the recaro seats are way nicer than those. The 3 cil sound is nicer as well. That's why I chose the Fiesta. Still great car the i20n

[@focusmicro]

Is it key-less acccess?

[@keenobeast5920]

That near dorking at the start?

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Is the i20 or Fiesta available as a 3 door anymore? A proper hot hatch for me must be a 3 door.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

The Fiesta comes as a 3 door, the i20 doesn't… yet is still a proper hot hatch 😜

[@gixxerboy555]

This I20N is built by 'Albert Biermann'..former chief engineer @BMW 'M' .. for more than 30years.. :)

[@Chappers.Gaming]

I can't choose the ST Has 320nm torque 200bhp and I20n had 204 bhp and 275nm it feels like it's slowly then the ST?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

From memory they feel just as fast as each other in the real world! There's a bigger aftermarket tuning scene for the Ford though, I think Mountune have got it up to 260hp

[@cyrillmanser1877]

fiesta!!!

[@Chappers.Gaming]

The seats don't look like they hold you in place like the ST ones?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

From memory the ST’s seats are more supportive

[@SChapps]

Purple?!

[@richardb2343]

Nothing like Palma Violets!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Other than baby sick… (jk, I like them too but I think we're in a minority)

[@voqzmk2]

Hyundai and Kia make great cars at the moment. I have a Hyundai i30N, but I want to sell it for a i20N ;)

[@Camarao_Pistola]

Omg don't do that

[@voqzmk2]

@@Camarao_Pistola I sold the i30N yesterday, I won't buy a i20N, because I currently like older cars more. I already have a 1989 Golf mk2 and I'm going to swap a 1.8T in it and will probably get a old Porsche Boxster or Toyota Supra Mk3

[@martinallinson1549]

I've ordered a gr Yaris... But am getting impatient, and the i20n is £9k cheaper so I am definately tempted. How does it compare??

[@grantorino9049]

If u need the car only for racing go with the yaris. If u need a daily car u can race with go with the i20N for sure :)

[@ndhkroatien999]

i20n with a stage 1 is going to be better then a yaris and more fun

[@DontPanicDear]

I thing the GRY is a WHOLE different ball game! Some people are leaving their Porsche GT cars at home, as they find the GRY more fun!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

The Yaris does feel more special - but is it £9k more fun? I wouldn't say so

[@djlefevre]

The GR Yaris is in a class of it's own. Lets just say it ain't for the simpleton ;)

[@darrenbridge3312]

Would you stick a GR Yaris into this category of hot patches?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Not really - it's £10,000 more!

[@montha123]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuffYaris gr is € 20,000 more here in Ireland & the i20N is € 43,000 new , we are ripped off here big time compared to the cheaper prices you get cars for in the uk

[@focusmicro]

I quite like this car. Though I am 40 and would use it for NHS first responding (999 emergencys), I dont think suitable for me :( lol

[@virginiatressider5753]

I'm older than that, and I picked mine up today.

[@parmarmanav5095]

Fiesta is best

[@wakaflockaproject]

How does this compare to a mk7 gti and the i30 n

[@thejamunit2835]

I bought a secondhand i20n just today, Ichose it over a brand new i30n. I20n was way more fun...

[@davidhayes4814]

The i30N is already becoming quite pricey…. ~ £35K … and heavy. It is hard to get close to the GTI mark 1s stripped out weight of 875 Kg …. where you were effectively the car’s crumple zone but this and the Fiesta ST do a pretty good job of delivering that fun and price for 2021.

[@ryanpinder9053]

If you want something comparable to a MK1 GTI get an Up! GTI

[@davidhayes4814]

@@ryanpinder9053 don’t be daft..

[@andrewmaple9863]

Great video don't think you want to give it back lol

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Haha nope, would happily daily it!

[@dragix11]

it this better than the st?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

They are both very, very fun. I think I'd have the i20 N just by a whisker. If you bought either of them you'd be very happy

[@grantorino9049]

In german magazine Auto Bild the i20N won vs Fiesta ST in 8 out of 10 categories (plus the i20N was faster on the test track). So i would agree the i20N is the better value

[@rich4896]

Cool car but more firm than a Fiesta ST? Put it in the bin then. The MK8 Fiesta ST is like sitting on concrete so can't imagine what a firmer ride would be like

[@ndhkroatien999]

you need a bus

[@grantorino9049]

Lol it is not! U obviously dont own a Fiesta ST. Its a pretty good daily ride.... so is the i20N. I30N in Sport or Sport+ is firm 🙄

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I dailied a Fiesta ST with a 3-month-old baby and it never struck me as too firm… and I like to whinge about firm cars (see the hate I got in my M5 Competition review)

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

More grip than a fiesta st pure bullshit

[@grantorino9049]

@@iliketowatchvideos47 It has even WAY more grip. Its been compared with a subaru wrx sti or miata mx5. A level the ST is not reaching...

[@untruenorth]

Weird. I have no interest in Fiesta STs or i20Ns (other than a passing interest in how damn good the Koreans are at cars these days), yet I still watched the whole video. I think that sort of means you're doing something right, and five thousandish people seem to agree. Maybe it's the jiggly moobs? Whatever it is, more nonsense please!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Barbieri, really appreciate that. I need moob tape. Or a bra.

[@khursheedahmed2407]

Old is good

[@rodbrown8306]

Hyundai nuh, still has that old engine up front 17years old I believe it's about!

[@x12flare73]

RIP Fiesta ST? No chance 😂

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

They're both utterly brilliant - I'd choose either the Fiesta or i20 over many more expensive cars

[@davothegreat9990]

Misinformed and ignorant, gets you no where....

[@kd2833]

what about drive it hot first before u floor some one els his car. its to firm i think for dayli driver. rev hang is for crankcase gases green save the world crap.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

It was already warm but thanks for your concern!

[@jsl02008]

We never get anything cool in the US.

[@neilg3364]

The fiesta is for those under 30. The more mature should have this.

[@FidoVsetin]

I'll be honest, I'm probably biased as I drive i30N and a friend of mine is waiting for his i20N to be delivered, but most of other reviews / drives just kind of end on a note that "it's not Fiesta", and it feels like these people don't want to accept, that someone might be doing things a little differently than Ford. Or they might just prefer Ford's way and I'm biased, as I said... I haven't driven any Fiesta, and even less the ST. But in any case, I really enjoyed the video, first one I've seen on this channel, but definitelly not the last. Thank you!

[@shadowplay8477]

Fully agree. I am perfectly aware that Fiesta ST is a great car but for some reviewers it's like the i20n simply can't win. Either it's not similar enough to the established king Fiesta, it mimick it 'too much', or the fault is simply that its a Hyundai. I'm just happy hyundai chose to do a small b-segment ICE car for enthusiastic drivers in 2021. It is likely among the very last of its sort. For a company with fairly short experience it's an impressive effort having engineered a car that can challenge a car many seem to consider something like a modern classic. In other words this review seem to me more balanced than some others.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

They're both brilliant - they drive differently, but at the end of the day they're both absolutely cracking FWD hot hatches that can play the hooligan. I just think the i20 N has a bit more depth to its abilities

[@Corsa15DT]

I think that the only people who think Ford is fun, are in UK.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

It's impossible to drive a Fiesta ST and not have fun. They're up on three wheels at every corner!

[@Corsa15DT]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff But is that fun though? I remember the old Opel Kadet GSi from 1988 did that and nobody seemed to appreciate it.

[@timrodierides]

@@Corsa15DT Well I like lift-off oversteer… I'm not a fan of cars that are super tied down

[@DontPanicDear]

@@Corsa15DT That’s true, as lots of fwd cars can do a tripod, which in itself isn’t a sign of joyous handling. ….but that car (Astra GSI in the UK) was a dull lifeless old lump to drive! The Fiesta is light in its toes and fleet of foot. It darts telepathically into corners and is super reactive to inputs, after turn in. It’s like an excited puppy of a car. Fun 🤓

[@davidwales9657]

Rev hang sounds like you're not coming off the throttle properly when changing gears..

[@timrodierides]

Thanks internet man. I have been doing this job for a while and I think I’ve worked out how to drive…

[@davidwales9657]

@@timrodierides Aw I'm on the internet so it's rude to have an opinion? Yeah alright bro. Compare the sound of 10:27 to 10:55. First one you can hear the revs jump when you engage the clutch, as if your foot is still resting on the accelerator a bit, but the 2nd one sounds fine. Go watch L'argus drive it around the Nurburgring, upshifts are pretty damn clean

[@simon2823]

@@davidwales9657 have to agree on that, just watched the L'argus video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp7Gomx8rLh5Z9E

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

Your fave car in the world is a fiesta ? Like wtf 😂 😂😂😂

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

What's wrong with that? I've driven a Bugatti Chiron too, and I stand by my claim

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Super ugly (but that never hurt the civic). Well done Hyundai for even bothering. Buy either, have fun! The big q, given ford so good with fun, will they be able to make a small fun ev? Top review, thanks

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Pigeon

[@miraphycs7377]

ford is better

[@leeandjancruise]

Couldn't live with that badge on the steering wheel or on the front of the car and I'd dread anyone asking me what I'm driving these days, no I'll stick with German brands.

[@DontPanicDear]

That’s a shame! I’ve had a long list of BMW and Porsche cars, but I’d buy this if I needed a little pocket rocket. Zee Germans don’t make a car with this particular set of skills anyway 🧐 I’ve had more positive comments about my recently acquired i30n, than my last two Cayman GTS 👀

[@gearhead598]

Ford fiesta is crap in the philjppines due to overheating and transmission issues

[@nelsoncoelho2866]

No, it’s ugly AF!

[@patrik8908]

I loved the I30N but this one though... Holy crap it´s ugly as fuck!

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Your having a laugh ha ha st all the way,more grip than a fiesta st fack off no chance

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

You sound like an angry Fiesta ST owner

[@stephenboulton1347]

Pointless cars on uk pot holed terrible roads....30 mph and cameras everywhere....just buy a cheap city car end of

[@DontPanicDear]

There are plenty of lovely national speed limit roads to enjoy little fun cars like this. No need to be so defeatist. Fun isn’t illegal yet 😀