WHY 'RING TAXI IS MORE FUN THAN DRIVING NORDSCHLEIFE

[@stobsie]

Oh how everyone laughed at Hyundai when they announced the N-Taxi program. I’ve done 10 laps with them and I’m still amazed by it.

[@volkswizard]

I can't see a GT3 taxi lap being as wild as that

[@stobsie]

I’ve previously done the APEX M3 and Ring Taxi M5 and nowhere near as much fun, if you thought Marcus can slide a car wait till you have a lap with Marc the other N-Taxi driver 👌

[@ed40lew]

haha marc is mad - after my go i understood why you kept going bk out in it haha

[@garymcgregor7048]

What a driver, so cool. The speed was amazing 😂😂

[@Birmingham_racing]

Race car drivers are a different breed

[@volkswizard]

So true

[@JamesGadbury]

Marcus had that Hyundai flying! That looked seriously quick, but smooth and under control. Didn't think that car would be that quick.

[@volkswizard]

Impressive car and driver

[@NiceGuyAidey]

What a great driver !!!! He threw that i30N around the track fair play

[@volkswizard]

Not just any track too, the fearsome Nordschleife with zero run off in most corners - crazy but brilliant!

[@NiceGuyAidey]

@@volkswizard Amazing Skill

[@ivanb3303]

The Look and the expression sums it all up

[@volkswizard]

I think everyone should go outside of their comfort zone every so often - the thing with Marcus was that he clearly knew what he was doing so after I grabbed the door handle and got comfy, the wild ride was a lot of fun and not actually terrifying. I think that speaks volumes for not only his skills but also his laid back and confidence inspiring attitude.

[@ivanb3303]

@@volkswizard When a Master Cabbie drive for a living excitement is whats on offer and not be terrified .Smiles all round

[@Alex-wl1je]

That i30n looks like so much fun!

[@volkswizard]

It certainly does!

[@andrewbarnard6935]

You look so nervous in the N Taxi 😅 He is flying though, great driving and lap

[@volkswizard]

I was nervous at first but grabbed a door handle and was ok after that. Simon grabbing centre armrest is amusing 🤪

[@andrewbarnard6935]

@@volkswizard I did see that, hugging the centre armrest for dear life 😆

[@V_Dubya]

Marcus has skills. He was amazing

[@volkswizard]

🙌🏻

[@remfanuk1970]

wow. just wow...amazing drive Andrew, thanks for taking us along. one day i need to do that.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for coming along for the drive!

[@tameracingdriver]

That video certainly shows the difference between an enthusiast like you or I, and someone who can actually drive! I bet most people barely get 50% of the potential out of their cars. It's funny that people often go for faster and faster cars but in the end, a car is only as fast as the nut behind the wheel! 😎

[@kevinclarke9933]

The track where behind every shiny new barrier is a heartbreaking story.

[@volkswizard]

So true

[@andrewbarnard6935]

And a big bill

[@MercSLRFan]

The lap with Marcus had me grinning the whole way. Definitely a bucket list item for me now.

[@volkswizard]

👍👍

[@steve74wilson]

This is how I think I would feel driving at the Nordschleife. Its not a track you can learn in 10mins or even get one lap in that time !!! But the cost of crashing vs fun, would weigh massively over me . The Ring Taxi ride looked like so much fun and I'm sure we'll all forgive you for a few swear words rather than the eloquent gentlemanly langue we come to expect from this channel 😀

[@volkswizard]

Ha! I do try and avoid swearing but that was an extreme situation :)

[@Sdwiked]

He was some driver 👍

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Wow what a drive fantastic:)

[@volkswizard]

🏁🏁👍👍

[@slamminx3]

Can see the slight fear and enjoyment in your face 😄. Also would love to see the footage from the phone in the back, I can’t see that being very stable! 😂

[@real2gone]

Wow. That Korean taxis was having its front wheels driven off by, Marcus. I was nervous just watching! Great content, Andrew. Keep it up.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks! 👍

[@billx4266]

Very nice video, must go to there again, but yes the risk is almost too much

[@volkswizard]

Thanks, it's tricky as I think the risk is played down by most reports and it's not just the cost of damage to your car, there is so much else especially if you drop oil or coolant

[@pk-dn5sj]

Best video ever...your face expression 😂😂😂😂 What a drive

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much! Marcus is a legend

[@andycross1982]

I’ve seriously thought about swapping my MK7.5 GTI for an i30N over the last couple of months. How about getting your hands on one and giving us a comparison review off the back of this awesome video Andrew?

[@volkswizard]

Not a bad idea Andy. I was at an event with a few manufacturers back in May and while it seemed the VW PR team did their best to avoid me, the chaps at Hyundai were offering to lend me a car to review. Without a DSG rival I30 N wasn't really a fair rival for 7.5 GTI but now there is an auto version (I think the taxi was auto) it's worth another look. I think that I30 platform is a bit hobbled as it's quite heavy and the engines aren't particularly efficient but I think the next generation will be a force to be reckoned with and can't be too far off seeing as current (3rd) generation of I30 has been around since 2016.

[@CJR_989]

That taxi lap is insane. When I eventually get to the Nurburgring I am definitely having a taxi lap. Fantastic 👍

[@volkswizard]

🙌🏻

[@964tractorboy]

For Brits whose insurance does not cover the Nordschleife there's always track-day insurance. This can cover damage to your car and the barriers, but will not usually cover third party vehicles. German insurance covers vehicles on the Nordschleife as far as I am aware. BMW run courses using their own cars with all-inclusive packages covering car use, insurance, track hire, hotel, food and fuel. Porsche run courses where owners use their own cars. I'm not aware of Porsche supplying their own cars for use in such circumstances. I have only taken part in the BMW Experience courses.

[@volkswizard]

There does seem to get a more care free attitude to Nordschleife laps from Germans which made me think they must have some sort of insurance

[@twiti111]

Hyundai Driving Experience also offers training on the Norddchleife

[@richfixescars]

I feel the jeopardy, maybe a ring taxi is better or a track day with less cars. Marcus was excellent, you did well also. Thanks

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Rich - definitely a track day on Nordschleife would make more sense, costs a fair bit but a lot less than a MishaP

[@richfixescars]

@@volkswizard Is nurburgring track insurance an option? Although I expect it's fairly pricey.

[@dasautogt]

Well...... Yeah, good onya Simon.... how'd that video come out from the N ride.😂 Man, didn't Marcus have that N REALLY moving, brilliant. 51 is the new 41. Could've done without the pasty Pommie legs.🤭 Awesome stuff, both cars but the N ride was brilliant. Great series, thanks Andrew.👏👏

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much👍 Trust me I only wear shorts when necessary, we were about to cycle around the Nordschleife which might be another video

[@dasautogt]

@@volkswizard 🤣😂👍

[@oomstu]

That looked fun and I'm well jelly Andrew. The ring is on my bucket list but travelling from Caoe Town is a little expensive, I'm surprised you didn't meet up with Misha at Apex though, he would have taken your car on an epic lap. Apex also have a rental Golf too.

[@volkswizard]

Misha is pretty hard to pin down and is a very busy man, would need to plan ahead and we only booked this trip 48 hours before we left. Cape Town is some distance but if you are ever anywhere in Europe, it’s worth the effort to get to ‘ring, especially for the N taxi!

[@malcolmscott4150]

Best taxi EVER! You’re own lap sensible fun showing your own skill set and ability to use your brain and right foot 👏 I’d love to do something similar in my own RS265 at Phillip Island Oz with plenty of run off space however a taxi N run in Germany is on the bucket list 🏎🤓🥳

[@volkswizard]

👍👍👍

[@shaunperry2024]

Whilst you were in the Taxi, you forgot to ask him if he’d been busy and what time he was on until? 😊

[@volkswizard]

I did ask Marcus if he was busy, you must have missed it. The taxis were busy with bookings, the track wasn’t busy. We were his last ride at 6pm, track open to 7pm

[@marcvanweert85]

What an amazing video . Do you think you’d be tempted by an 130n ?

[@volkswizard]

Now there is an auto version I could yes. I was thinking how Hyundai N is more like VW when I got into VW in the 90s, a bit niche. VW went for volume sales with Mk4 and that was beginning of end. If I was young now there is no way I’d become a VW fan as they are just too ‘normal’ now.

[@marcvanweert85]

@@volkswizard agreed. I’m trying to persuade my father in law to buy a 7.5 not an 8

[@ed40lew]

we went out with Marc in the I30N taxi and bloody hell!!! lmao, think he drifted around the whole time, great driver and what a car!! def has made me start looking at potential replacement.

[@eponymous7910]

Replacement jocks? 😉

[@volkswizard]

💩

[@jayburrell]

WOW !!! 😁

[@tonyjazz4073]

Great video of the track experience. For me I would prefer the Taxi ride. Visited once some years ago and watched in amazement as owners sent their cars everywhere except the track! It's a deffo top weekend if you can make it. Thanks Andrew.

[@volkswizard]

Thank you Tony - even if you drive on track, a taxi lap is a good way to get a feel for the track - might put your off forever though!

[@beanburnham01]

That i30N is so capable stock. I wish we got it here in the states!

[@volkswizard]

I'd have thought the fastback version would go down well over there. Maybe it will come in time

[@Buck3366]

The Elantra N is a very good car by all accounts and is called the I30 Sedan in some countries. The hatch is more appealing to some though. One thing about the Elantra is it’s tendency to require manual fuel learning between fill ups to get its maximum power of 19 psi over the 15psi default. It’s even in the owners handbook.

[@rorycantellow2973]

Taxi ride just brilliant.

[@volkswizard]

👍

[@patrickbateman7122]

Hi Andrew, i20n owner here. Saw you drove one the other day and enjoyed it. I've got a love/hate with mine. Different class but would you say the clubsport s is in a different league to the i20 when it comes to emotion and capability?

[@volkswizard]

I20 N is good for the price but yes Clubsport S is in a different league largely because it had a far bigger budget (£34k new in 2016 probably equivalent of £40k today), multi link rear suspension and a lot more power. It probably made a loss for VW but the ‘ring record had a fair bit of value. Those days are gone now with VW and Hyundai N are making more engaging cars today

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@volkswizardThanks for the reply, yeah i thought as much tbh 🤣

[@paulvallins5994]

Jesus Christ that looks fast 😮

[@KevBoy3D]

I must admit when I was there I kind of dismissed this taxi but it does look fun and especially at that price point

[@volkswizard]

TBH the only reason we'd gone for it because we felt it would give us a feel for what a hot hatch could do on the Nordschleife, as it turned out both car and driver went above and beyond expectations

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Marcus? = A clown. LoL. Drift king there. Looks like a lot of fun. I watched Misha do tons of laps here, none like this. Seriously though. He's a pretty serious guy. I've enjoyed this series.

[@danielrussell446]

Well done Andrew and Simon a brilliant video and two amazing experiences jn one video Marcus has some amazing skills he was throwing that Hyundai around! What a drive! And well done Andrew with your great lap in the CSS it’s something I would love to do one day!

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Daniel! You should definitely do it once in your life (but just once will suffice!)

[@philliplawton-jones1489]

Great content thank you and feeling the need to visit the circuit……

[@volkswizard]

Have fun and thanks!

[@muckspreader1able]

Sorry but I knew golf’s were boring and slow but not that slow.That i30n showed how it was done.

[@volkswizard]

Don't blame the Golf, it's Nordschleife lap time is still very impressive 7 years later - FYI Hyundai don't publish lap times. Blame the uninsured driver (me) and the potentially ruinous bills if you crash or cause someone else to crash

[@muckspreader1able]

@@volkswizard could of at least tried🤣

[@McNasty214]

That porsche at the end of video ❤

[@volkswizard]

Indeed, supposedly rare so they must all be at the ‘ring!

[@McNasty214]

@@volkswizard True. I remember Mat Watson testing one on his channel. An amazing car!

[@malchowle5618]

Wow... That's a ride and a half 😊

[@volkswizard]

😁👍

[@MercSLRFan]

Bier with Biermann😂

[@volkswizard]

I think that was nerves but I’ve said worse 😁

[@robc5955]

Yeah, think if I ever go it’ll be to get driven by a pro. The difference is incredible.

[@davidbates247]

You looked dangerously slow in your golf

[@volkswizard]

The problem with 'ring is you go fast, you crash. Go slow and someone crashes into you. I drove as fast as I felt safe but it's still dangerous.

[@tonyjazz4073]

Maybe I missed an update but I thought you fitted the Black RL 360's for the track visit. See you still had the Pretoria's on the car. Getting a Silver set fitted to my Mk8 very soon.

[@volkswizard]

I think there was a mention of the swap back to Pretoria. I prefer the look of the silver Prets plus they’ve got the Supersport road tyres which cope with rain better yet still work on track. Sod’s Law we didn’t see any rain 🌧️

[@tonyjazz4073]

Thanks. Now the choice of Goodyears or Michelin PS5's to ponder.

[@skeelo69]

The position of the go pro is woeful. The viewer has no view ahead.. big pillar blocks the view. 4 out of 10 😑

[@roberttye5908]

How fast were you going in the Hyundai?

[@volkswizard]

I’d estimate 140-150mph on fastest bit but speed wasn’t really the aim. It’s funny because Hyundai don’t set ‘ring lap times officially as they are going for fun over cold clinical times and I respect them for that

[@slakka6495]

Was that i30n stock Andrew?

[@volkswizard]

So he said Slakka, yes it was - I am surprised but if it was then that just shows how well the N cars are setup from the factory for hard driving - I didn't ask if track use invalidates the warranty - it does on VWs apparently (though they are happy to shoot the brochures at race circuits🙄)

[@garymcgregor7048]

Yr mate wasn't helping much in the passenger seat, oooh solid concrete wall there, don't fly though the barrier here etc. No wonder you had a dry mouth 😂

[@volkswizard]

A lot of it is psychological but the risk is real as some Brit in a 1 series found out not long after

[@garymcgregor7048]

Not you Andrew 😂😂

[@volkswizard]

I worked that out 😅

[@garymcgregor7048]

Brilliant video. It'll be your best one. Well done 👍

[@garymcgregor7048]

We think we're canny drivers till we go out with these guys. There so in control all the time, and chatting and relaxed. Unbelievable. I'm going to watch it again now 🙈🙈🙈👍

[@Buck3366]

A shame you didn’t have the opportunity to let Misha Charoudin drive the Clubsport S. Now he would have shown you the cars capabilities.

[@volkswizard]

Simon was up for Misha but we only booked 2 days in advance so didn’t have time to make as many arrangements as we could have - next time👍

[@MattHealey.]

Cos you won’t pay of they stack it lol

[@volkswizard]

😁👍