Comparison: Focus RS, Type R, León Cupra, i30 N (video)

Focus RS, Leon Cupra, i30 N and Civic Type R

They say that everyone, no matter how calm we are, has a rebel side that from time to time we must take out. In recent years we have tested countless SUV-type vehicles, because the market and many of you demand them from us. Already it was time to vent and leave aside the SUVs, the diesel engines with a “tractor” sound and the small three-cylinder ones. Thus was born this adventure with four sports compact among those who add up, nothing more and nothing less, than 1.220 CV.

Our plan was clear: for several days to face four of our favorite cars that we dream of having in our garage one day, enjoying all kinds of roads where we can reach that “climax" of the real driving pleasure and discovering the sensations they are capable of transmitting. Ordered from highest to lowest power, I present to you the Ford Focus RS, the Honda Civic Type R, the Seat León Cupra and the Hyundai i30 N. Do not hesitate, get on with us to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. Then choose your favourite.

The letters of each sports compact

Ford Focus RS

Comparative Dynamic Ford Focus RS Sports Compacts

El Ford Focus RS It has been on the market for several years and, with the imminent generational change of the current Ford Focus, this RS also has its days on the market numbered. Despite this, we wanted to bring it to this comparison because it is the most powerful high-feel sport compact of the market, being the bully of the group due to its maximum power and its all-wheel drive. The only one in the comparison that distributes all its energy between all four wheels.

Under its hood we find an engine 2.3 EcoBoost four-cylinder, which delivers 350 CV at 6.000 rpm and 470 Nm of torque between 2.000 and 4.500 laps. Its all-wheel drive, with a central differential and torque distribution control through clutches between the rear wheels, make it very effective both when exiting corners and when accelerating from a standstill. In fact, it covers 0 to 100 km / h in just 4,7 seconds, homologating a maximum speed of 266 km/h.

Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R dynamic front test

the most badass and the second in the power scale of this sports compact poker is the Honda Civic Type R. It arrived on the market in 2017, increasing a few centimeters in length and battle compared to its predecessor, and with a width and aerodynamics superior to those of the "normal" Civic of the current generation. As in the latest versions, the Honda Civic Type R is very striking for its aesthetics, perhaps too much for those who do not want to be the center of attention.

with your engine 2-liter VTEC Turbo, the Type R establishes itself as the most powerful front-wheel drive sports compact in the world today; in addition to being the fastest in its category on the always extreme and beloved old Nürburgring track. develop 320 CV and a torque of 400 Nm between 2.500 and 4.500 rpm, with the ignition cut at no less than 7.000 laps, a fact that is less surprising for a turbo engine. Complete the 0 to 100 in 5,8 seconds and reaches a top of 272 km/h.

Seat Leon Cupra

Comparative Compact Sports Seat León Cupra dynamic

For years, the Seat Leon Cupra it is the ideal car for many European drivers. Mix all the polyvalence Of any compact model, it does not attract attention at all for its aesthetics and in normal use its fuel consumption is more than acceptable. But if we require him, he responds. In fact, it has long been the fastest front-wheel drive compact at the Nürburgring; And that is a lot to say. What's more, many "burnt-outs" in the German ring opt for the León Cupra as their battle partner.

On the other hand, it is available in SC (3-door), 5-door and ST (family) bodies, manual or automatic gearbox, and even all-wheel drive (only for family bodywork). Our unit is a Seat León Cupra SC with manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, to which the Performance Pack has been added, which includes an exterior aerodynamic kit, specific wheels and oversized brakes. Under the hood is the well-known engine 2.0 TSI that delivers 300 hp. It has the advantage of being the most elastic engine in the comparison, with 380 Nm from 1.800 to 5.500 rpm. Its maximum speed is 250 km/h and it takes 5,8 seconds to go from 0 to 100.

Hyundai i30 N

Comparative Compact Sports Hyundai i30 N dynamic

The main novelty of the comparison is this model, the Hyundai i30 N. The South Korean brand has bet very heavily on it, and although it is the least powerful of the comparison, its high doses of sportiness and driving fun they put their rivals in check, their main enemy being the Seat León Cupra for sharing the philosophy of a daily car with an “adjusted” price and economical use, but it offers high efficiency when pushed to the limit.

The i30 N is available with a 275PS Performance Package that includes a limited-slip differential, powerful braking equipment, a specific chassis set-up and plenty of vitamins to make it noticeably more effective when 100% is required. Unfortunately, Hyundai Spain has not been able to lend us any Performance unit and we have therefore had to settle for the i30 N 250 hp. Both versions share the same 2.0 T-GDI that delivers 250 or 275 hp and, in both cases, a torque of 353 Nm between 1.450 and 4.000 laps. The i30 N covers the 0 to 100 in 6,4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

Four cars, two concepts

Comparative Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

We can differentiate two types of concepts or philosophies, whatever we want to call it, in these four cars. While the Ford Focus RS and the Honda Civic Type R opt for the maximum performance based on sacrificing price and daily practicality; the Seat León Cupra and the Hyundai i30 N are, on paper, somewhat less passionate but much more practical and usable In day to day.

To give a few simple examples, the Focus loses 103 liters of trunk to adapt its chassis to the integral traction system, to finally keep 260 liters of trunk. In addition, its suspension settings make it much more rigid, being hard even in the smoothest driving mode. If we opt for the bucket seats of our unit, which by the way lack height adjustment, we will be very subject in the curves, but we will also notice the slightest irregularity of the asphalt on our back.

Comparative Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

With the Civic a long trip becomes more bearable than with the Ford, but even in Comfort mode it is still a bit uncomfortable. We do not understand what the reason was, but the truth is that the Japanese model in its most extreme version is only approved for four people. Of course, a very favorable point for him is that his trunk is the largest and most practical by far, cubing 420 liters. A section of the Civic Type R that you can like a lot or you can like very little is its aesthetics, because it is undoubtedly the most striking of the group. I must admit that seeing it coming through the rearview mirror is quite imposing.

El León Cupra and the i30 N are more rational. Its configuration is not so extreme, with a set-up that will not be as effective on the circuit but, in its favor, it is infinitely more practical and comfortable to use on a daily basis. In this way, both are totally valid as the only car with which being able to face a day of Track Day with a lot of fun and, at the same time, solve the happy routine task to go from point A to point B practically as if we were driving any of its “normal” versions. Aesthetically, the Cupra goes quite unnoticed, while the Hyundai shows a small part of its character. What comes to be "two wolves in sheep's clothing".

This is how they are inside and out

Ford Focus RS

Comparative Compact Sports Ford Focus RS rear

The Ford Focus RS not much different than a normal Focus, presenting specific details such as the front with more generous air intakes to cool well all the mechanical components and give enough oxygen to its 2.3 EcoBoost, larger wheels, an upper spoiler at the rear and two generous exhaust outlets in the diffuser . The fact is that this unit comes with its corresponding Performance Pack which, among other things, adds elements decorated in black such as the roof, the wheels or the rear spoiler, making a great contrast with the famous and beautiful Nitro Blue.

In the cabin, the most remarkable point comes from the blue sports seats that, although they hold a lot in sports driving, sin in the comfort section. Continuing with the interior, the differences continue with some blue stitching, the aluminum bottom bracket and the top three clocks on the dashboard that indicate the engine temperature, the turbo boost pressure and the engine oil pressure. The instrument panel does not vary too much from that of any conventional Focus either.

Honda Civic Type R

Comparative Sport Compact Honda Civic Type R front profile

The most "singing" of the bunch is the Honda Civic Type R, hands down. The multiple aerodynamic profiles and appendages, the 20-inch black wheels and the side gills make it very striking, with a very racing aesthetic. Also its air intake on the hood. Maybe too loaded, don't you think? By the way, their basses that imitate a carbon fiber material are just that, an imitation. But if the front of him draws attention, keep an eye on his rear, with a huge spoiler Subaru WRX STi style, large, and a curious triple exhaust outlet that has more than an aesthetic function, as this article we tell you

Already in the cabin, we meet again with very sporty bucket seats, although in this case they are softer than in the Ford and, of course, red. The quality of finishes leaves a bit to be desired, as well as the organization and operation of some controls and the main touch screen. But this car is made to be enjoyed behind the wheel, with a very low and sporty driving position. To be appreciated, the appearance of some elements lined in sheepskin, which are very sporty.

Seat Leon Cupra

Seat Leon Cupra rear side

In the case of the Cupra, if it weren't for the performance package from Seat, which includes the outer sills and the 19-inch wheels that house a brake system with perforated discs and red calipers, it would be very difficult to differentiate it from a Leon FR. In its rear, a double and generous, although not particularly striking, exhaust outlet is responsible for expelling the gases from the 2.0 TSI.

In the interior of the Seat León Cupra neither there are hardly any differences with respect to a Seat León more. It is true that the sports leather seats provide a point of distinction, but they are optional. Apart from the "Cupra" button to manage the driving modes, the specific instrument panel and a few more details where the Cupra logo appears -on the gear knob, for example-, it is really difficult to distinguish it from an FR.

Hyundai i30 N

The Hyundai i30N brings distinction compared to an i30 of the conventional range, although it does not reach the level of the Type R. The front receives a new grille with a honeycomb design, a bumper with more sporty shapes and a red line on its lower lip The somewhat bland look on the regular i30 gets angrier. Specific wheels and red brake calipers appear on the side, while at the rear we are greeted by a black spoiler that includes the triangular third brake light, a very robust bumper and a marked diffuser with two exhaust outlets and a new red strip.

If we go to your cabin, as in the Cupra, it is difficult to differentiate it from the conventional range. We are greeted by specific seats, but not at all radical, with electrical regulation, a slightly different steering wheel with two additional buttons to manage the driving modes, an instrument panel with sportier dials, a different gear knob and the trio aluminum pedal bracket . to my liking, somewhat bland compared to the outside.

Let's go curves, which is what we came for!

Thanks to the Matilla Aerodrome, in Valladolid, which allowed us to use its facilities to make part of the photographic and video content there.

Having already reviewed your letters of introduction and your aesthetics, I think it is time to galloping the 1.220 hp that we have in our hands. We are only four horsemen for many horses, will we be able to tame them?

We left Madrid heading north with a few minutes on the highway to accommodate ourselves and adapt to our fellow travelers. We soon left the fast track to enter the habitat where these beasts feel most comfortable, on highways mountain. We would rotate our cars to draw conclusions from each of them. Luis I would start with the Ford Focus RS, Alex with the Seat León Cupra, Diego Lopez with the Hyundai i30 N and a server with the Civic Type R.

Sensations with the Honda Civic Type R

Test Honda Civic Type R rear cornering

The Honda Civic Type R is the longest car and with the most wheelbase of the comparison, which gives it a great poise and sense of security at high speed; but, nevertheless, it reduces his agility in the slow curves with respect to his rivals, where he suffers a little more than them at the turn entry.

Its 2.0 VTEC Turbo engine delivers 320 hp and 400 Nm exclusively to the front end; data that, a priori, should be very difficult to transmit to the asphalt when exiting the slow corners. But the Type R It has a more than interesting ace up its sleeve: a Torsen limited-slip differential.. This element allows you to drive with incredible effectiveness, leaving little room for loss of motor skills and, on the other hand, without transmitting parasitic movements to the steering. So much so, that it's almost able to keep up with the Focus, which has all-wheel drive, out of slow corners.

And speaking of his steer axle truck, we must emphasize that it has a millimeter precision and the ideal weight when we select the Sport or R + driving modes, with variable gear ratio. It transmits enough information to our hands and is also very direct, its only drawback being a turning radius that is too open to maneuver. Regarding your suspension, as mentioned above, it is somewhat dry due to its hardness for normal driving, but it is appreciated when increasing the pace because there are no rolls or pitches, turning very flat.

Test Honda Civic Type R front cornering

Now it's time to focus on its aforementioned 2.0 VTEC Turbo engine. Although many faithful of the model did not like the change to the turbo of the previous generation, I recommend that you try it and then judge. In low it has a forceful thrust, more than good, but all his claw comes out after 4.500 laps, reaching the cutoff at a more than surprising -for a turbo engine- 7.000 rpm.

In this sense, it brings together the best of the turbo engine, with the sensations of taking it to such regimes more typical of atmospheric propellants. The sound is clearly from a turbo engine, but given its exterior aesthetics, we really miss a few pops and gurgles in retentions. A pity this detail.

Finally, your 6-speed manual transmission has short gears, very short, so much so that due to its power we must be agile in order not to reach the cutoff and lose time in short gears. Notice that, practically at 120 km/h, we will already circulate at 3.000 rpm with the sixth gear. I really liked your touch, which is hard and short strokes; very accurate too. To this we must add the system that automatically performs a heel toe for you in the reductions, matching the engine revolutions with those of the box. For me, the best change of the four cars.

Sensations with the Seat León Cupra

Test Seat León Cupra step by rear curve

Above I said that the Seat Leon Cupra has been rated for years as the more balanced sports compact From the market. I don't doubt it, but compared to his rivals, I think he has some shadows. If we focus on the versatility and practicality of everyday life with sportiness, I consider that the León Cupra is the most balanced, but It is somewhat behind its three rivals when it comes to transmitting sensations.

Wow, it's really effective and very easy to carry fast, but I think the Cupra driving mode should have been something more extreme. It doesn't make you work as hard as the other three and therefore the sensation level is somewhat lower. The direction has too much assistance and does not transmit as much as in the rest what happens under the front wheels. For its part, the suspension contains inertia relatively well but with a slightly softer configuration than in the Hyundai.

It also hasn't helped much that the clutch feel, in this unit, left too much to be desired, because its hardness when stepping on or releasing the pedal was not linear. I'm pretty sure this is due to a problem with the tested unit, which may not have been given the treatment it deserves in previous tests. The feel of the change is not very different from that of any other Seat León on the market.

Test Seat León Cupra dynamic lateral

At this point, I must admit that the 2.0 TSI 300 hp engine is, from my point of view, the best of the comparative. Go to the revolutions that you go there is always torque, there is always thrust. Reviewing your data again, the 380 Nm of torque are available from 1.800 to 5.500 laps, although you start to notice enough energy from a little lower down, so it doesn't require you to work as much with the transmission as in the other three and you can make a mountain pass without hardly playing with the change.

In addition, it does not have the enormous traction of the Civic, but it defends itself quite well in that sense due to its multi-disc differential. On the other hand, its exhaust sound is not as delicious or as strong as in the case of the Hyundai or the Ford, but when cutting gas at high revolutions it usually leaves some gurgling of those that so many of us like when practicing sports driving.

Summarizing in very few words, compared to the others, and despite having the best engine in this compact poker, the Seat León Cupra it lacks a bit of grit, a bit of character. Although it is also true that, if granted, it would not be as smooth and practical when moving around the city and practicing more usual driving, because, remember, not every day we go out to enjoy curves and rathole roads.

Sensations with the Hyundai i30 N

Test Hyundai i30 N rear

Continuing our route through rattan roads practically deserted, after a well-deserved rest and the first comments of impressions, I went up to the Hyundai i30 N. I had heard very good references about it, but about the Performance version with 275 hp. When Hyundai informed us that we would try the less powerful variant, I expected that its behavior would leave a lot to be desired. I thought it was going to be very decaf and that it did not fit too well in this comparison.

The prejudices were never good and after driving for just 5 minutes in its N driving mode, a smile had spread across my face. The suspension is hard and contains the approximately 1.400 kilos of the car very well, something that, together with the direct and lively steering, makes it very agile in the consecutive and closed curves of our route; also giving it a sensational lateral grip.

In this N-modeIn addition to stiffening the suspension, giving more reactivity to our commands with the right pedal and reducing steering assistance, the electronics allow slight slippage of the tires on the asphalt, although if it thinks we are overdoing it, it comes to the rescue. In any case, we can always deactivate it completely, something that we do not recommend on the road.

Test Hyundai i30 N front cornering

But there are still two very interesting details of the Hyundai with this driving mode activated that I have not yet commented on. The first is that, as in the case of the Civic, the electronics is responsible for equalizing the revolutions of the engine with the box when we reduce, that is, making a perfect toe heel automatically. I take this opportunity to tell you that I also liked the sporty feel of its gear lever. The second detail is that the exhaust sound, making itself heard much more in accelerations, but, above all, giving rise to explosions when we let off the throttle at high revs, which do not have much to envy the Focus RS. Even going in another car several meters away, they can be heard.

Let's go now with your engine and is that, as you can expect, the 2.0 T-GDI 250 hp something is off the hook compared to his three rivals. It is logical, it has 100 CV less than the most powerful and 50 less than the Cupra, which is the third in terms of power within this comparison. On the straight, to try to keep up with the others, we have to speed up the gears of the i30 N practically to the cutoff and, even so, they will leave us far behind; well the power difference is insurmountable.

On curved roads, with constant braking and acceleration, something similar will happen. The Hyundai i30N goes very well in the curves, with great confidence, and I would dare to say that of the four he is the one that best performs this function. However, when we start to see the exit of the corner and it is time to put the gas on, we must do it very tactfully.

It is the only one of the comparative It doesn't have a locking differential. and, if the desire to gain speed too quickly can overcome us, we will lose grip. Consequently, electronics, acting as traction control to try to regain tire grip, it will cut off the fuel supply and act on the brakes, leaving us fully nailed. There yes, our companions will disappear as if by magic.

Sensations with the Ford Focus RS

Test Ford Focus RS passing by rear curve

Unaware of myself, after several hundred kilometers at the wheel on demanding roads, I left the Ford Focus RS for last. I get on, I adjust the seat (first downside: no height adjustment) and mirrors, I fasten my seatbelt and start. I look for the sport mode among its driving modes and I can not suppress my desire to hear, from the inside, that backfire when playing with throttle that I had heard so much before from the other cars. With a huge smile present, handbrake off, clutch, first gear and gas.

I said that you are ignorant of me because I am already a bit tired and the Ford Focus RS, with these radical seats practically taken from a racing car, It is not exactly a very comfortable tourism to face the last part of this journey. Their suspensions are very stiff and the seat too, so my lower back doesn't stop complaining. The only medicine to solve it is none other than to give gas and focus on driving. I did so.

The driving position is not the most sporty because, as I mentioned before, it does not allow us to regulate the height. In addition, its steering wheel is adjustable in height and depth, but it is a bit far from my chest. It doesn't matter too much, I'm driving the roughest car in the comparison and we still have a few tens of kilometers between corners before we get back on the highway. You have to take advantage of it.

Comparative Compact Sports Ford Focus RS front

Little by little I go increasing the pace, albeit spinning fine. The effectiveness is maximum. The suspension is as stiff as the Civic, so there's hardly any slop. But wait, what's that button on the turn signal satellite control for? I press it and, surprise, even more hardness for shock absorbers! Now it turns completely flat. It looks like we're driving a go-kart! every wrinkle, every little undulation of the asphalt is noticeable, and the car is not that it takes very little time to support changes of direction, it is that we could practically say that it is already supported. If a drift appears, it's not that we're going too fast, it's that we're going too far.

Opening gas fully is a delight, because the 2.3 EcoBoost 350 CV leaves you stuck to the seat, its throaty sound increasing as the rev counter approaches the red zone. Just before the cut, I change gear and at that moment, a metallic “firecracker” in the exhaust delights us Blessed sound that I couldn't stop causing as soon as I had the chance, and the best thing about it is that you don't have to raise the engine very high for it to happen.

If I had loved the Civic's motor skills, the Ford Focus RS is on another level. The four-wheel drive allows us to open the gas very quickly and without concessions, without fear that the orange warning light of the stability control will pronounce itself; although it is also fair to say that the 1.600 kilos of weight and a greater total height of the car penalize it when it comes to braking and throwing us towards the apex. One detail is that, unlike the Seat and the Honda, the Ford has oversized brakes on the front end, but not perforated.

Maybe a slightly more weight in the headset and a harder feel of the shifter, similar to these two sensations obtained in the Type R, would have come better to complete a perfect set. The stability control warning light did not appear at any time, but the fuel reserve. After more than 200 kilometers at a happy pace on mountain roads -plus the gasoline that we had consumed before starting the route-, and even with the needle marking a quarter of a tank, the computer warned us that the autonomy was 80 kilometers. That awful!

Pricing

Comparative Prices for Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

Even if it's about passion cars, we can't turn a blind eye and we must take into account the price to evaluate them. They are not cars that range between 220.000 and 250.000 euros, ranges in which a difference of 20% does not matter, but they are compact that can also be used on a daily basis and as a single car.

Interestingly, or not, the order of the models from highest to lowest power is just identical to that of the prices. Thus, the Ford Focus RS starts at 41.785 euros, the Honda Civic Type R starts at 38.400 euros, for the Seat León Cupra SC you have to pay a minimum of 31.610 euros and to buy the Hyundai i30 N we must collect 27.900 euros.

The thing is, it turns out, our Focus carries the Performance Package, which raises its price to 45.885 Euros. The Civic It has the GT finish, which adds equipment but at the same time increases the price to 41.600 Euros. Something similar happens with the Leon Cupra, which has the Performance Pack and goes up to the 35.250 Euros. All this, in all three cases, counting only the most notable package, not adding other options. The i30 It is the only one that does not have any package or option, costing 27.900 Euros with discounts already applied.

As we see, the difference between the Hyundai i30 N and the Focus is no less than 18.000 euros. Does that difference justify the 100 hp more, the four-wheel drive and that brutal character of the American? Everything will depend on the opinion of each one, but many of you will agree with me that it is worth buying the Hyundai and investing the remaining money in another conventional car or, simply, in gasoline and maintenance for many years.

Points for and against each of them

Comparative Summary of Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

Ford Focus RS

  • Pros: Traction, exhaust sound and character.
  • Against: Price, comfort and daily practicality for small trunk and high consumption.

Honda Civic Type R

  • In favor: Precision in sporty driving, motor skills thanks to the Torsen and steering and gear change feel.
  • Against: Aesthetics too loaded, interior qualities that could be improved and little aggressive exhaust sound.

Seat Leon Cupra

  • In favor: Best engine of the four, daily usability for consumption and comfort, camouflaged aesthetics.
  • Against: Less sporty sensations, feeling of direction and change, very common interior.

Hyundai i30 N

  • Pros: Price, cornering agility and grip, driving fun, and exhaust sound.
  • Cons: Loss of traction when exiting slow corners due to not having a differential, interior not very prominent, short of power compared to the others.

Summary / Conclusion

Comparative Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

And the most complicated moment of the comparison arrives. During the test, we stopped to reflect and chat about each of the cars trying choose the final, the most interesting of our four adventure companions. Up front to say that, without a doubt, we would love to have any of the four in our garage for the rest of the days. They are all very fast and effective, but there are some that make you smile more than others.

El Ford Focus RS we liked it a lot, with a very direct behavior, plenty of power and incredible traction even when coming out of very slow turns. In addition, its provocative exhaust sound invited us to change gear again and again. But thinking about it coldly, the price difference with its rivals, especially with the Seat and the Hyundai, is insurmountable. If they gave me one of the four cars, I would ask for the Focus, but if I had to pay for it… I would not bet on it. In addition, it is very expensive, uncomfortable and has little trunk for day to day.

Maybe he Seat Leon Cupra has been somewhat behind in that important point of the sensations experienced by the driver. And it is that, as he commented a few paragraphs above while talking about his behavior, his three rivals are somewhat more rabid when looking for mountain passes. Quite possibly, our problem with it was testing it alongside the other three. In any case, due to its quality, price and performance ratio, adding comfort and daily versatility, it continues to be one of the best on the market.

Comparative Sports Compacts with Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Seat León Cupra, Hyundai i30 N

El Honda Civic Type R It is the most effective and accurate. Where you put the eye puts the nose and, despite being forward, has no problems at the exit of the curves. It turns very stable and conveys a great sense of security and control. It is true that we miss a few gurgles from its exhaust in retentions, but the sound of turbo blowing like a hurricane in acceleration also has its point. The negative side is that its price is quite high and that consumption in normal use is high, with a suspension that is also somewhat dry. On the other hand, the aesthetics will not please those who seek to go unnoticed.

Undoubtedly, the Hyundai i30 N It has been the surprise of the comparison. By engine it falls short compared to the others, yes, but for fun behind the wheel it is up to the Ford. His driving feel is very sporty in N mode, with a very sweet exhaust sound. The i30 is the best bet within the sports compact for price and sensations. Of course, it is worth investing the extra 4.000 euros of the Performance variant to receive 25 more CV in return, a limited-slip differential, more powerful brakes and 19-inch wheels. We have it clear, if we had to buy (out of pocket) one of the four, it would be the Hyundai i30 N Performance.


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      Jose said

    I was blown away by the comparison of the 4 cars. I was surprised that you chose the I30 but for 45000E cars like the focus, if you want it to race, there are plenty of others.
    A 10 to the comparison. Let's see if you do more than interests a lot!

         Diego Avila said

      Hello Jose.

      First of all, thank you very much for your comment. I understand what you are telling us about the i30 N, but it had to be there. It is the main novelty within the category (along with the Mégane RS, which we will soon bring). We did everything possible to bring you the i30 N Performance, with more horsepower and an even more dynamic configuration, but Hyundai could only leave us this 250 version for logistical reasons, leaving it behind the rest. A shame for everyone, both for you and for us.

      Thank you. All the best!

      Darius said

    I believe without a doubt that Hyundai has given a STRONG blow to the table with the I30N, I would say that without a doubt one of the best and most surprising "hot hatches" in recent years, a pity not to have the Performance because otherwise this comparison would have been different, if the vast majority would choose the I30N, with the performance it is more than clear... I do not doubt that they are bad cars, on the contrary they are incredible, but in this case, Hyundai has taken a step ahead of the rest.