As recently as five years ago, the small hot hatch market in Australia had an abundance of choice. Volkswagen Polo GTI, Suzuki Swift Sport and Ford Fiesta ST – all very fun cars to drive. Fast forward to 2025 and the light car segment has contracted to just four entrants, while the MINI Cooper is now auto, and average new car prices are soaring higher than ever.
Hyundai has the right antidote with the $35,500 (before on-road costs) 2025 Hyundai i20 N. All the expertise from the Albert Biermann-led N division distilled into a B-segment five-door hatch. Paired exclusively to a six-speed manual, it is the most affordable proper hot hatch on the Australian market.
For 2025, some light updates freshen up the exterior and add some feature enhancements. A new Y-spoke design for the 18-inch wheels is the main exterior clue, with brake calipers finished in ‘Dynamic Tomato’ red (Atomic Tomato was already taken by Samboy), and the badges are now black. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car package is introduced as well offering SOS calling, with live traffic updates and voice recognition joining in-car services.
We’ve already driven the 2025 i20 N on a racetrack during its launch, as well as its bigger brother, the i30 N. So how does the newest iteration stack up compared with an ever-thinning rival base, let alone its bigger brother?
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 150kW@5500-6000rpm / 275Nm@1750-4500rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 215/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Kerb weight: 1213kg
Power-to-weight: 8.08:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.9L/100km
Our consumption: 7.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 40L/91 RONPower efficiency: 21.73kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.41 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.61 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.14 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.68 seconds at 156.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.798g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.23m in 2.84 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.332g*
Decibel at idle (/N mode): 41/45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 87*
Starting price: $35,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Hyundai i20 N: How much does it cost?
In signature Performance Blue with red calipers peering through the 18-inch alloys, shod with Pirelli P-Zero 215/40 tyres, red-accented body kit and spoiler, the i20 N looks so much more than its $35,500 price suggests. This test car also has premium paint ($595) and the two-tone roof ($1000).
The i20 N benefits from Hyundai’s capped-price service program, with intervals set at 10,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first). Prices are as follows:
A five-year, unlimited km warranty as well as up to 10 years of roadside assistance gives the i20 N the same guilt-free ownership experience as more pedestrian Hyundais, despite its naughty capabilities.
Best of all, the 40-litre tank accepts 91 RON fuel. At the time of writing, Sydney’s median fuel price is $1.86/L, meaning a reasonable $74.40 to fill its small tank.
There are not many rivals for the 2025 Hyundai i20 N. Volkswagen’s 150kW Polo GTI is well into the $40K mark, although excellent in its own right, with its not-so-distant Czech cousin, the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 110TSI a whisker below $40K.
Surprisingly, the MG3 Hybrid+ is the only car cheaper which offers similar straight-line performance, but obviously cannot come near the i20 N for overall ability and thrills. The MG is a bit of a wildcard since it doesn’t really have any performance flavour to it but it is priced from $27,990.
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Interior & packaging
Being a five-door hatch, this is quite a practical car – not only for everyday commuting but long distance, too. It measures 4075mm long, 1775mm wide and 1440mm tall, with a 2580mm wheelbase. Wheels are pushed out to the corners for optimum dynamics and cabin space.
Rear passengers miss out on climate vents in the back of the console, but there is USB-C charging and storage, plus a flat floor, with decent accommodation for two adults and somewhat snug for three.
The front seats have the perfect amount of bolstering and back support for not only aggressive cornering, but long distance touring. In fact, there is no compromise here like you would find in the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ – both of which grate after a while due to low-slung seating and engine drone.
A digital instrument cluster provides crisp clarity, with different displays depending on which driving mode you’ve chosen from the N Grin Control System ( Eco, Normal, Sport, N, Custom), from the anodised blue button on the newly leather-clad steering wheel.
That wheel is just the right diameter for fierce driving, with the centre armrest positioned at just the right place for the gearknob to fall readily to hand. Looking down into the footwell, the alloy pedals are the perfect distance for heel-and-toe downshifting. Ergonomically, a lot of thought has gone into making this right for enthusiasts and long-distance touring.
When approaching a sharp bend, the instrument panel beckons you to engage N-mode. This is an innovative example of how modern technology can augment a driver’s enjoyment, rather than hinder it, and we love it. The gauge cluster displays a suggestion to engage N mode.
The infotainment touch-screen incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a (quite good) native sat-nav and even an N screen with lap telemetry, oil temperature, braking, throttle, boost and all kinds of data to stimulate the most ardent of car nerds.
How safe is the 2025 Hyundai i20 N? With six airbags, ESC and supremely agile dynamics, the i20 N has crash avoidance built into it. Thankfully, the philosophy of being a driver’s car means it’s not overloaded with ADAS features, but there is some handy tech; speed alert (easily defeated), driver fatigue monitor, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and parking sensors all round, plus a reverse camera are included.
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Powertrain & handling
Pressing the ‘N’ button on the steering wheel unleashes many different personalities, depending on the driving mode. You can have a rambunctious little rip-snorter with popcorn exhaust, or a quiet little church mouse that won’t disturb any passersby.
While more sedate colours are available, the Performance Blue makes the i20 N look like Sonic the Hedgehog on crack, and it is rapid enough to deliver on that promise.
On a twisty road, with N mode engaged at its fullest extent, the steering feels eager and communicative with the mechanical limited-slip differential biting into the outside front P-Zero to maximise available grip. It is superbly confidence-inspiring, with a very capable braking package able to withstand lots of punishment without any discernible fade.
Hyundai’s local testing team have worked their magic here once again, resulting in a car that feels right at home on Australian roads. Best of all, you can track it on a racetrack and Hyundai’s standard warranty still applies (as long as you’re not officially competing).
Like its bigger brother, lift-off oversteer is available. Despite the fact it lacks the i30’s multi-link rear suspension setup, the i20 N never feels like it lacks dexterity around bends. The rear end remains planted and secure at all times.
The i20’s ride is firm without being intrusive, with freeway cruising being surprisingly refined and relaxing. At 110km/h you need around 2750rpm in sixth, with no drone. After a long journey, we experienced no backache or fatigue. This is very impressive considering other sporting-focused cars are too highly-strung for cruising. During our time with the car we saw an indicated 7.8L/100km, which is excellent considering the official figure is 6.9.
This has got to be the value proposition of the decade, especially for driving enthusiasts. A truly capable hot hatch that is equally capable of a relaxing, long distance cruise, can seat five, looks amazing and has a popcorn exhaust, switchable driving modes, telemetry and more for mid-$30k is wild.
Yes, Toyota has added an automatic options to the GR Yaris and GR Corolla but they are priced very north of this, and there are some distant rumours an i20 N successor is in the works with a hybrid automatic powertrain. If true, that only illustrates that the time is now to jump on this absolute bargain. You won’t regret it.
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Sharp handling dynamics: The mechanical LSD and stiff chassis provide exceptional cornering ability, with plenty of adjustment and modes to find your groove.
- Turbo engine: It’s not the most powerful unit out there but this 1.6T delivers impressive power and torque for its size and is just about perfect for a fun vehicle like this.
- Practical and affordable: P-plater approval, reasonable servicing costs, and a decent warranty make ownership easy.
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Key considerations before you buy
- Manual-only transmission: While enthusiasts will love it, some buyers may prefer an automatic option.
- Compact middle rear seat space: Legroom is limited for taller passengers, but this is common for this category/size vehicle.
- Niche market appeal: Sales figures remain modest in an SUV-dominated market, perhaps due to auto-tragic NPCs?
2025 Hyundai i20 N: Videos
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
Can’t drive manual? Get lessons. It might be frustrating at first, but the payoff is huge. Don’t take the path of least resistance. The sensory rewards, satisfaction of nailing a good shift and extracting the potential from this car is an extraordinary feeling. That it costs $35,500 seems like a glitch in an otherwise dystopian matrix that we have found ourselves in.
