Hyundai i20 N is fizzy and infectious like Fiesta ST but with a better cabin

THESE days cars are more like your mum than a mistress. They are constantly nagging you to be careful.

When they decide you are too tired to drive, they flash up a coffee symbol for you to pull over and take a break.

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When the satnav warns of bad weather ahead, they advise you to slow down.

They even tell you when you have entered a 30mph zone, even though you have seen the sign with your own eyes.

And don’t get me started on the lane departure system that beeps and tugs at the wheel if you go near the white line.

Honestly, some cars sound like a Calvin Harris track with the blizzard of alerts from the on-board computer.

But this little Hyundai i20 N goes in the other direction.

Refreshingly, it encourages you to enjoy yourself. To have fun.

As I was driving over the Woodhead Pass to Manchester the other day, I was pleasantly shocked to see this message on the driver display: “S-bend ahead. OK: N mode on.”

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For those who don’t know, “N mode” turns everything up to 11 and goads you to attack apexes like a track day at Silverstone.

In short, this car is engineered for entertainment. Like a Ford Fiesta ST.

And there isn’t much to split the pair when it comes to price and performance either.

Both are fizzy and infectious and just about affordable at a smidge under £25k.

I have to say I admire the Koreans for being the last ones — alongside Japan’s Toyota — to have some fun.

Hyundai only started its N performance division a few years ago, with the bigger i30 N.

It was brilliant straight out of the box. But I reckon the i20 N is even better.

Handling is king in a hot hatch and this little cracker is so precise and darty, it reacts instantly to every input, like it is wired to your brain.

Now let’s look at some numbers.

The Hyundai has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Ford, which translates into a faster 0-62mph sprint time by three-tenths of a second.

It tips the scales at a bantamweight 1,190kg — 30kg lighter — and is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo producing 204 horses.

 It feels like you are getting more for your money

Rob Gill

The Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo with 200hp.
Both have limited-slip differentials, launch control, drive modes, slick six-speed manuals and sport suspension.

So, in truth, there’s not much in it.

The better pilot will come out on top.

But where the i20 N does pee all over the ST is the cabin. It feels like you are getting more for your money.

The 10in touchscreen takes care of the usual music, phone and maps but also unlocks the heart of the car.

By that I mean you can configure the engine, steering, ESC and exhaust note exactly how you want them.

You’ll also like the rev-matching button on the steering wheel for hero gear shifting. And the sporty seats, which are well bolstered and heated. And the slick graphics in the driver’s binnacle.

Where the i20 N grates with me slightly is that go-faster PE kit. Not just the baby-blue paint on this test car but the chequered flag front grille, stick-on rear wing and the red stripe running along the bottom of the sills.

It’s trying a bit too hard. The Fiesta ST is more polished and understated.

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Now for the big question: Which is better? I’m going to sit on the fence here because they are both wicked fun. You’d be well happy with either.

But your old girl wouldn’t.

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