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This is somewhat bittersweet, as it will likely be the last time we drive the Hyundai i20 N.
As first reported by childcareman.xyz in October 2025, Hyundai ended production of the i20 N in recent months, though its Australian arm expects to have enough supply of the pint-size hot hatch to last the rest of this year – with a replacement said to be arriving in 2027.
Until you end this review and decides you want one, so that the phone is picked up to secure your own or before they go completely away.
Although no one is revealing the new-generation model, reports say the Korean automaker will be adding hybrid technology to this mixture and that the current i20 N was amongst the last ever pure petrol-powered hot hatches available with a manual transmission.
But the fact that it’s available with a manual isn’t coolest thing It’ll only be available through – and not just by. And it’s the only car in Australia to be on sale (the Honda Civic Type R is not available to order at this time) that doesn’t even have an automatic option.
There is no grandma-spec base grade – just the top-shelf N version, tuned by Hyundai’s performance skunkworks and its performance ‘unconventional ball’. The i20 remains oddly in some ways as it has been described for being an oddball (in fact) of this type of .
Is it still relevant to the new crop of fun new cars as we bid farewell to Hyundai’s littlest hot hatch?
How much does the Hyundai i20 N cost?
The Hyundai i20 N, which costs $38,500 in the on-road price range and there’s only one variant to buy.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| Hyundai i20 N manual | $38,500 |
Updated pricing for the Turkiye-made i20 N – and its bigger sibling, the i30 N – was announced in September 2025, with Hyundai claiming the increase was due to its longer new (conditional) seven-year warranty, tightening local emissions regulations and European factory sourcing.
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This included a further $2000 on the price tag but for consumers, it is worth that extra warranty. Later, read more on that .
Despite its month-long appearances, Hyundai has also hiked the cost of $1000 by another $100 to bring the run-out i20 N up $38,500 before on-road.
Sporty models don’t have a lot of options at that price, though. A lot more money is required for most hot hatches, such as the Civic Type R and GR versions of the Toyota Yaris and Corolla.
For those looking for something spicy and cheap, what is the best way to go about finding a few options? But if they’re not traditional competitors, so does it make both the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 and the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ coupe twins competitors (although their prices start with four years of price)?
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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What is the Hyundai i20 N like on the inside?
To put things in context, the i20 is basically Hyundai’s equivalent of the ‘Yaris’ model for European market – but range-topping performance variant N is the standard version of this type of car.
That means we get the best version of one of the brand’s cheapest models.
The outcome is a mixture bag (part of’mixed bag’) from . It’s not necessarily in the bad sense, but there is no real reference to . assuming that the is so, but we don’t really know how nice it is to the lower grades.
The panels are cheap, hollow plastic and some of the higher-quality materials (such as the upholstery) are a few cheaper. The digital climate control buttons feel well-built but are just a single-zone system, and it’s only one-way. It is a good size infotanment screen but only supports wired Apple CarPlay, which has been shown in the Infotainment.
How does it feel when you pick up some sharp-looking youngster at a high class dinner for scientists, and then you find out they pronounce ‘nuclear’ wrong. Then, you don’t really care about the guy who looks good and can cut a move on the dance floor but there is still an odd disconnect that you can’T help but notice.
Regardless, Hyundai has done a good job lifting the interior of the car. To justify the price, small details like light strips embedded in the door pockets, sporty seats, alloy pedals, a digital instrument cluster and dozens of other tools and knacks help to explain how they are priced.
But it’s based on an affordable car, which is actually quite useful in some ways It still has things such as climate-control buttons and a traditional handbrake. The i20 N has them still in place, whereas other car companies are reintroducing buttons and knobs.
It’s automatic, but the headlights and wipers are mounted to a stalk that is predictable and easy to use. The stereo has a decent volume knob, even with.
The manual seats are comfortable and do a good job supporting the torso, but we would have preferred more lumbar support to help with those longer drives. The fact that Hyundai has a lot of steering wheel adjustment too is long way to find the right seat position – this is particularly important, as we’ll get to know what it will be.
The pedal placement, shifter location, hugging N seats and the size of cabin makes it feel as if you wear an in-fitting jacket like a nice fit for your bike. Albeit 1200kg jacket for .
This is a little light and indirect, which doesn’t make the gear shifter think of it when we change cogs – but that’s far from worst; frankly speaking, since there are no and all sins in this day-to-day transmission (and so many) will forgive any and everything.
There is a second row of seats back there, which can be comfortable for adults to make short or medium trips as they are five-door hatchbacks and may be better for kids. When you’re without kids, the back seats are like a second boot to throw your shopping on.
A true boot is 310-litres (300 litre) of space and a false floor, but fold the seats down and jump to’very healthy 1123L’ – so hot hatches are better for those who like fun on the road but still need some real life practicality in their car.
| Dimensions | Hyundai i20 N |
| — | — |
| Length | 4075mm |
| Width | 1775mm |
| Height | 1440mm |
| Wheelbase | 310L (VDA, rear seats up) |
| Cargo capacity | 1123L (VDA, rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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What’s under the bonnet?
The Hyundai i20 N is 1 at the other end of its . The four cylinder petrol engine, 6-litre turbocharged 4–cylinders with 150kW of power and 275Nm of torque to the front wheels by six-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential.
| Specifications | Hyundai i20 N |
| — | — |
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 150kW @ 5500-6000rpm |
| Torque | 275Nm @ 1750-4500rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1210kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.2 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.9L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 7.5L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 157g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 |
However, the i20 N features an overboost function that temporarily increases peak torque to 304Nm over 2000-4000rpm at full throttle.
The Hyundai claims 0-100km/h sprint time is just 6-6, thanks to the upgrade of its clutch, launch control and the LSD and overboost. for 2 secs. That would have embarrassed some serious muscle cars back in my day,’ .
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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How does the Hyundai i20 N drive?
If you only had a few minutes behind the wheel, it would be easy to feel underwhelmed by the Hyundai i20 N.
In its standard mode, it drives pretty much like a budget hatchback designed for suburbia in suburban-style. This is easy to park, it can bog down off the line and generally unexciting most of the time.
That makes it feel like a pretty run-of–the mill candidate for city commuters all of which is why I am so at heart. And if that was doing the Hyundai i20 N a disservice, it would be ‘doing something wrong with its s.
I was driving a car for an hour, and the more I drove it, the longer I put my car in N mode after the engine warmed up. I’m thinking, “It makes life just that little more fun and exciting.” Let me tell you.
On the steering wheel, hit the blue N button and louder’s exhaust is a sharpened (usually doughy) throttle response that makes it up, the handling feels like there’s – or at least more – power and, perhaps most importantly, torque.
A good sporty car is the mark of a good sportsman’s car, whether it makes your life better. It’s cool to own a Ferrari 250 GTO, but I’m sure it would be expensive and stressful. In contrast, the hot little Hyundai makes your daily commutes fun and engaging – but doesn’t take anything away from the practicality and usefulness of day-to-day.
And I even used the automatic rev-matching option, which is accessed by a large red button on the steering wheel. While I am proud of being able to heel-toe without the use of electronic devices – and when it was introduced many years ago, I may have scoffed at that feature is nice enough for me during traffic or you will dial up one or two notches.
I’m 50 and this won’t mean much to anyone under that age, but aside from the technology i20 N feels like a modern interpretation of the Nissan N12 Pulsar ET Turbo. Neither the best hot hatch nor the fastest ET was better than the most efficient, but it did provide enough performance to be fun to drive without losing the build quality and practicality of a Nissan hatchback.
The turbo lag was the only thing that made me think of the little Pulsar, which I thought was in my mind. This has caused a noticeable delay between throttle inputs and the turbocharger spooling up, giving power delivery an unusual old-school flavour.’ The N is also known for its ‘i20 N’ version of the original model (the first one in four years) that was introduced to it at this time. I’m here for it and that’s a .
No turbo lag is now visible on most newer Turbocharged Cars. It’s great for family cars to try and keep performance, efficiency and drivability in the car but when you get a small-pot engine with some lag just adds excitement and drama.
When it hits, the power is strong – most of it in the second half of the rev range – and remains relatively consistent up to redline.
While harder acceleration from slower speeds, there is a small torque steer (though it’s not serious) and just further improves that retro driving character. It’s important, however, because you want to have a good grip on the wheel.’ The ergonomics are particularly crucial for s but it is also an important aspect of this process. While the steering itself is a good job of telling what’s going on at the front wheels, it does not mean we’re talking to telepathy level communication here.
In fact if their only experience is driving a Holden Barina City, then that power output will not be going to blow anyone’s mind. This car doesn’t make sense with but that isn’t the point of this car.
This is just the right level to keep drivers entertained on public roads, balancing grip and playfulness.’ The performance level – especially with N mode in which I believe increases boost – is exactly what’s the proper level for driving at this point (i.e.
Handling follows the same pattern as . Unless you’re in a hungover and just have to buy mcMuffin with little sensory input, the car will be your Hyundai city hatchback (bringing you to shops/back quietly and without fuss).
A similar story is also a one at highway speeds. It doesn’t feel like you’re in the Land of the Giants, planted and confident, and not at all darty or on-edge – as can be with smaller hot hatches.
Nevertheless, when that blue N button is pressed, the car has its lively side – pitch into bends at antisocial speeds as you control the turbo lag on exit. This is a non-lethal dose of lift-off oversteer, but the car can be pivoted mid–corner with the throttle; this makes it fun and friendly all round about its conviviality.
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If you’ll meet understeer, as is the case with s and push it beyond what reasonable; keep it at or below 7/10ths (and that’s a good time).
But a little compromise is needed to achieve that kind of handling, from if it’s slightly firmer ride. Nevertheless, it is a good compromise for the most part to be comfortable at least.
The caveat is that you may want to test drive the car along familiar routes if you live somewhere with an over-representation of poor roads, and this means your life has been in some good places. The suspension can get sucked up over long patches of rough road, and driving long distances along pockmarked surfaces could be tiresome if that’s your daily routine.
Although it is a fairly light clutch pedal, with an abundance of throw and constant engagement, we found the brakes spot-on – enough for the shopping-centre car park; but good bike feeling as well as having the stopping power to inspire confidence when driving enthusiastically.
At the very least, there’s a lot of performance from engine and chassis to scare your mom on re-roading but not enough that you’ll need lessons from – retired racing driver for learning how to get the most out of it.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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What do you get?
As should be obvious by this point, Hyundai offers just one i20 variant – the N performance flagship.
Certainly, while there are better-equipped hatchbacks at this price point, you have to keep in mind it’s the go-fast bits that you’re paying for here.
If you’re used to luxury cars and the features they offer, it’s unlikely that you will be looking for anything more than what the Hyundai offers.
2026 Hyundai i20 N equipment highlights:
- 18-inch forged alloy wheels (new design)
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Space-saver spare
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Active variable exhaust with Normal, Sport, Sport+ modes
- 6 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, N, Custom 1, Custom 2)
- Reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Single-zone climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter
- Bose sound system
- Cloth upholstery
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite navigation
- 1 x front USB-C outlet
- 1 x rear USB-C outlet
- Electrochromic rear-view mirror
- LED interior lighting
- Bluelink connected car services
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Is the Hyundai i20 N safe?
In 2021, Euro NCAP rated the i20 with four-star safety rating back while Australia’s independent auto safety authority hasn’t ranked the model. But this conclusion was based on the closely related Hyundai Bayon, which had been linked to .
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane Following Assist (lane-centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear occupant alert
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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How much does the Hyundai i20 N cost to run?
A standard Hyundai warranty is a five-year, unlimited-kilometre (seven years) long term one-time Warranty provided that the vehicle is serviced on time through Hyundai’s dealer network.
| Servicing and Warranty | MAKE MODEL VARIANT |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres (conditional) |
| Roadside assistance | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Up to 21 years (factory service schedule) |
| Average annual service cost | $447 (over seven years) |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3132 (over seven years) |
And like all N-cars, the i20 N warranty covers non-competition use on a racetrack.
They also list as many as 51 years – yes, you read it correctly capped-price service costs on its website, helpfully allowing for the year 2077 or 510,000km (whichever comes first) of service.
Honestly, the factory servicing schedule lists up to 21 years of service but we’ve listed pricing for seven years services in the table above so that it is compatible with the vehicle’s conditional warranty period.
To see how the Hyundai i20 N stacks up against its rivals, use our
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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Hyundai i20 N
i20 N sits at the centre of a Venn diagram of an individual looking for practicality, value and old-school hot hatch fun in.
But if it’s not yet obvious, this car isn’t about outright speed, razor-sharp handling or big horsepower figures. Just put, it’s one of those rare cars that makes your life better It can make you look forward to your morning commute (just like a grocery-getter (with easy parking), or hold its own on an early-morning mountain run with your friends.
Perhaps more relevant is the i20 N in the ever-diminishing pool of affordable sporty manual cars than it has been before. It’s a bit sad that it’ll be going away, and we can only hope the new-generation i20 N is as good as this.
Hence, if you’re the type of person who cares less about bragging rights and more with your love for a car – and only has one car space in your apartment – then Hyundai i20 N should be on your shortlist.
It’s a pretty much the opposite of some exotic Italian supercar in that way. I think it’s a relatively cheap, inexpensive to own and run (and can be driven quickly while still within the law and physics limits). And either way, it’s not stressful to drive in the city as .
But that’s what is really the best thing about old-school hot hatch fun, and it may be the last car to provide that kind of experience.
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