Tom, brilliant review. I have owned the i30N DCT for a month now and find it very amusing. My previous car was a golf R and find this more entertaining indeed. The DCT is fantastic. The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R. Obviously up to the buyer wants but the N will make you giggle while GTI will make you smile.
@@Antphoneigh Yes it is - I own a Mark 7.5 Gol R which has 213 kw. However, the coming Mark 8 version of the Golf R - will I am informed be over $10k dearer than the Hyundai i30 N.
"The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R" VAG had DECADES to finally solve that problem and yet they didnt; moreover: they claimed to have solved it on the MK8, but it just turns out, that the test vehicles used worse tires on the rear end, to fake it... I see absolutely no reason to buy the MK8 GTI over the i30N, sure it may have some additional goodies, but the i30N handles better, has the FAR better DCT and sound incredibly nice.
Such a comprehensive review, Tom, Looks like you are first out of the blocks with this one as well. It's going to be the review that all the others will eventually have to match up to. Excellent work. Oh, though I own a Golf 7.5, I don't fancy hitting a tree whilst turning the heated seats off in the Mk 8. It's the i30N manual for me.
They both sound like great cars, but personally I've heard from friend's to many nightmares regarding VW so for me I'd always go the I30. Great review as always Tom.
I’m approaching 5 years with my mk 7.5 GTi and aside from a niggly fault with the in built nav that needed to be looked at twice, it hasn’t had to have anything other than servicing. I did pay for extended warranty to 5 years (was 3 back then), because the reliability of an older golf TSi really went to crap around then (cost me more in a year to fix it than I got for it), and I will trade it at 5 years. In that sense, VW do have a problem with their long term quality.
I have owned my i30N DCT Premium for almost 4 weeks, you can take my car when you pry the key fob from my cold, dead hands. If I was an owner of a GTI, I'd give you the key. Seriously, I didn't want to pay over $65K for what effectively is $10K cheaper with the i30N, no car is perfect.
It was really easy for me to pick the Golf R over the i30N 3 years ago. The interior of the Golf was way better than anything at that time. However, if I had to pick now, it would be a different situation. The interior of the new Golf and the overall design is a step back. I would shortlist an i30N and a Megane rs probably… Great review mate
I was in the same boat and went with a manual mk7.5 golf r over the first gen i30n 3 years ago. But i have just placed an order for the new i30n fastback in manual and honestly cant wait after driving the facelift i30n :)
@@Tomoyo0827 You have to know that buying az expensive sport car is quite risky thing. You might get an abused, overrevved, or damaged and fixed car for AUS$ 50,000. Not Nissan Micra used by gramma as Sunday shopping car. And there are other cons of used cars of course. I'd never buy a few yrs old performance car, because it's too expensive compared to the high risk.
Have had a Golf, albeit not a Gti for 4 months - The software and driver interface are a disaster with more bugs than a mangrove swamp …. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND unless / until VW get their act together and sort this !
I've got a Mk7.5 R-line I have had for 18 months with no infotainment issues other than gesture control being too sensitive so I turned that off. Not one other issue at all.
As a stock car, I would get the I30N purely because it’s a better performer in speed and handling. If I planned on modifying the car, I would choose the MK8 GTI because the EA888 engine has proven itself to break a lot of hearts when modified in terms of speed. Overall, both great cars. Ones more raw, ones more comfortable. Both can be modified to your liking.
i30 all day long. I owned a manual chosen over a golf. I have never been asked so many questions about that car and in some of the strangest places( dare I say even at a funeral). It's fun. It does what it says on the tin and when you're behind the wheel you smile all the time.
The MK8 is such a step back, the interior looks so cheap and feels cheap when you first sit in it. I wouldn’t upgrade from my MK7 to the 8, but I’d definitely consider the i30N.
A comprehensive comparison.When it comes to reviewing hot hatches or performance cars, it would great if you could( legally)test the actual real world results of the 0-100kph, 1/4 mile and in-gear acceleration runs.
@@chasingcars please do a drag race between the 2... VW tend to downball power figures. That 180 kW is not what it seems so pretty interesting to see a race (and i don't mind if you do it illegally...lol!)
Great review Tom. The i30 dct really does look like a great option Side note, I've always wondered why some manufacturers like Hyundai have LED tail brake lights on their cars but stick with halogens for indicators/reverse. Surely it can't be that much more expensive just to have the whole lot as LED.
Great video and I’m definitely going to buy a i30n after seeing this video and I’m just where is the location you filmed it because I would love to go there with my one and take some pictures 😊
You say VW knows its customers. It does not. I have been a customer of VW since 1990. Drive a GTI TCR 7.5. Have had 6 GTI’s and 2 Golf R’s. I would buy the Hyundai,
i think once you've owned a hyundai for a while you will miss the quality of vw imo, at the moment people are just excited how hyundai have come from no where. we will see
They really dropped the ball with this golf generation imo. Extreme cost cutting wherever you look, a well known tester accidentally ripped the shiftknob and surrounding leather off while driving, on TV. I feel like the i30N and 2022 Focus ST facelift offer better performance, better looks and similar or in case of the focus better interior quality. VW no longer is semi-premium in my opinion.
Wish Hyundai/Kia would do an R, S3, A35, M135i competitor. I would take a hard look at one if they did. Just add in some rear aircon vents and a HUD please :)
I30N is the way here. If i want comfort i’d buy a lexus not a golf, also golf touch screens are not that good. When it comes to spare parts, you’ll be happy you selected the Hyundai over the golf.
Great review, Tom. I haven't driven either car or even seen either up close. I lean toward the Hyundai but I'm in my late 60s and the youthfulness/brashness of the i30 might make me look even more like an old dodderer trying too hard. It might have to be the GTI for me. I wonder if the Mk 8 Golf R is worth the extra over the GTI, or whether some of the other 'hot hatches' are better than these cars?
I've decided to wait for the i30 Sedan N over the Hatch/Fastback, the newer lighter platform, the digital dash, a better sound system(Bose), wider PS4S tyres and possibly suspension with more compliance in normal mode? It might solve a few of your i30 N Hatch negatives vs. the GTI. But then, can it be compared when it's not a hot "hatch" ? lol
Sure, I think the sedan deserves to be in the mix. It’ll could be a touch lighter, too. Equivalently specified N Line sedans are about 20kg less than their hatch siblings. Not huge, but it’s there.
I guess I would never understand the appeal of a digital dash, though I do wish the Hatch could be optioned with the improved audio system, wider rubber, and more compliant suspension.
Currently driving and loving a Octavia RS wagon based on the 7.5 golf club sport and loving it. Buuuut I think my next new car next year will be an i30N. Brilliant cars.
Another great review from Chasing Cars and Tom👏. I30n all the way, but it’s gotta be manual. Real shame they didn’t go with the digital dash like on the Kona N or i20n though. Forged alloys look a treat too on the Hyundai 👍
Nice review. I will give my bias that I own two VWs. I tried the i30N and it is a terrific car but I did get it to understeer and the quality of the interior was not up to Mk 7.5 Golf ... Mk8 interior however is a whole different equation.
I'll take the i30N for just for the conventional interior. The dashboard in the GTI looks too sparse. Plus the UI on that touchscreen is pretty mediocre.
The dual cluch do not make the farting noise when shifting gears, it´s the engine management. The el seat do now mean higher seat position, it´s the design of the seat frame and the seat. Mk5 Golf GTi did not have EA888 engine. Not even MK6 GTI, MK6 R nor MK2 Audi TTS. It was EA113 with timing belt systen not a chain drive like on EA888...
I've never seen lesser tyres as an issue on a sports car. Stickier tyres won't solve a balance issue, they'll just mask it for a little bit. If you don't like the stock ones you can always change them after a year.
I prefer the VW I can cruise around places, not interest in noise or speed, anyway VW can go faster than I30N if you do a dino tune I just compared both cars on Exceltune. They have also other cars and models you can check out. VW Golf 2.0 TSI GTI (2020-Present) 327 BHP, 470 NM Vs Hyundai i30 2.0T N Performance (2020-Present) 300 BHP, 440 NM. My car is new and I can't do any Dune tune has they say the ECU is locked.
I would get the i30N over the GTI, in the manual. I don't know why but the older Golfs are just more timeless in their 'looks', which the i30N delievers in that department. Personally all I need is bluetooth audio in a hot hatch, I really don't use anything else in my daily commute.
Got a Golf 7.5 performance manual ,had it 4 years now from new , love golfs no rattles solid build ,handles well ,quiet on motorways ,like the look of the i30 N , will not hold it's value as good as a standard golf gti
Great review. I'm personally willing to wait a few years for (hopefully) an AWD i30N. I will jump on one if it comes to fruition. I know they made one in R&D but haven't committed to bringing one to market yet for some reason?
Mk7.5 GTI looks so much more aggressive and better. The mk 8 just looks like a goofy Bert stare. This is before we talk about the infotainment, interior quality and lack of engine upgrades.
The i30N is better value for money, but if the GTI didn’t have that infotainment system and was more competitive in price I would say it it be a close call. I am guessing the fuel usage of the i30N due to it being more powerful.
Got me with the skiing analogy ;-) Agree on the GTi definition, it's a great all-round car. I had a 7.5 R and for the Auckland to Queenstown drive I did 4 times, it was a fantastic, quick, comfortable, all conditions long-distance hauler.
I30N because if you love driving, than thank the engineering at Hyundai for releasing the kraken...if you like turbo lag, restricted power for fuel economy than that VW engineering for not listening to car enthusiasts.
Rapidly disappearing, is the time, when you had to know how to drive to peddle a FWD Hot Hatch effectively. Now, with auto gearboxes in FWD Hot Hatch's, you don't need to know how to drive... :(
I love both cars however, to be true hot hatch it needs a manual gearbox so I would go for the i30 in Manual. An automatic just doesn't cut it, No matter which way you try and spin it. It is such a shame we are losing that key interaction of driving a manual car. Nothing beats being able to heal & toe in a proper manual
Great review, it may have been asked previously but why is it that Golf Australia do not give the option of a manual. ? Understandably many like autos but we still like our manuals. Be nice to know why the the manual option has been dropped.
I have to be honest and say the audio when you were in the car was not up to your usual high standard. The droning of the engines over your voice was a bit distracting. Maybe it's a synthesised engine noise near your microphone. A good review, otherwise.
Just open and close the door on the GTI, or use the VW emblem on the back to release the hatch … more solid, more refined, just better engineered. And ultimately that quality “heft” defines all elements of the car (save and except the lack of normal switch gear). Hyundai has improved exponentially, but not to this level…. At least not yet. In the mean time, it’s the GTI.
Vw owners have posted that you need to deal with the bugs and quirks of its build quality yet badge snobs still love the car.130n all the way save yourself significant money.dont be a badge snob it's just a car.
i think the in30 is more competition for ford st rather than golf gti, comfort when you want and fun when you want then the golf is king, if you want shake rattle and roll then in30 or a ford
I30N is the better car period. The only people who would say GTI is better are VW fan boys who cry all the time. Pound for pound, GTI loses every fight.
Your best review yet, Tom. Some really in-depth, interesting insights on how each car feels to drive and compares against the other. Keep up the good work and you'll soon be competing with young John! Oh, and 11 clowns downvoted this review?!
I had a look at a Mk8 GTi and didn't like the interior. Poor functionality and a lot of cheap hard plastics. At that price I would go 128Ti. I appreciate the i30N delivers a lot, but I think I would tire of it sooner.
Agree. Sat in a mk8 - it felt like a $12,990 drive-away from 20 years ago - so cheap and nasty. Got back into my 7.5 GTI and drove home, mentally crossing the mk8 off my list.
VW across the range are more refined than Hyundai/ Kia with some VW head and shoulders above. How will the hot Hyundai feel like with a few Ks on the clock? If like most, go VW otherwise Hyundai if that doesn’t worry you, it does for me.
Hyundai for me, Golf’s are just so ordinary and boring. of course the noise the N makes is mad and I love it! But the hot hatch I’d really want is a Type R
I enjoy the Aussie reviews ! Only request, can we get a segment in the episode that includes exhaust sound
I've just reviewed the New I30N.. easily pick the Hyundai for a true Performance Hot Hatch.. if you want a better daily (less exciting) get the GTI
i30 N is winner for me I think..👍
Tom, brilliant review. I have owned the i30N DCT for a month now and find it very amusing. My previous car was a golf R and find this more entertaining indeed. The DCT is fantastic. The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R. Obviously up to the buyer wants but the N will make you giggle while GTI will make you smile.
Your car doesn't even come close to a Yaris GR you should have bought instead for Value for Money
You’re probably correct, let me have a look. Whoops no auto or 4 doors- which I knew anyway.
Isn’t the Golf R much more powerful?
@@Antphoneigh Yes it is - I own a Mark 7.5 Gol R which has 213 kw.
However, the coming Mark 8 version of the Golf R - will I am informed be over $10k dearer than the Hyundai i30 N.
"The most notable difference is there is no understeer at all in the N where there was some lean in the R" VAG had DECADES to finally solve that problem and yet they didnt; moreover: they claimed to have solved it on the MK8, but it just turns out, that the test vehicles used worse tires on the rear end, to fake it...
I see absolutely no reason to buy the MK8 GTI over the i30N, sure it may have some additional goodies, but the i30N handles better, has the FAR better DCT and sound incredibly nice.
Love the wheels of the i30N.
Such a comprehensive review, Tom, Looks like you are first out of the blocks with this one as well. It's going to be the review that all the others will eventually have to match up to. Excellent work. Oh, though I own a Golf 7.5, I don't fancy hitting a tree whilst turning the heated seats off in the Mk 8. It's the i30N manual for me.
They both sound like great cars, but personally I've heard from friend's to many nightmares regarding VW so for me I'd always go the I30. Great review as always Tom.
Me too. Would be to scared to buy vw
I would buy a GTI or R tube them and sell them in a few years.
I’m approaching 5 years with my mk 7.5 GTi and aside from a niggly fault with the in built nav that needed to be looked at twice, it hasn’t had to have anything other than servicing. I did pay for extended warranty to 5 years (was 3 back then), because the reliability of an older golf TSi really went to crap around then (cost me more in a year to fix it than I got for it), and I will trade it at 5 years.
In that sense, VW do have a problem with their long term quality.
@@colino72 What is your mileage on golf? (Km/miles?)
@@VytautasJ it’s low - about 42,000km
I30n everyday. Sounds incredible
I have owned my i30N DCT Premium for almost 4 weeks, you can take my car when you pry the key fob from my cold, dead hands. If I was an owner of a GTI, I'd give you the key. Seriously, I didn't want to pay over $65K for what effectively is $10K cheaper with the i30N, no car is perfect.
Congrats man, the i30N is so nice! I’d much rather that than the GTI
@@declankelly1066 Thanks mate, just loving this car, it's the best ride I have owned to date.
Should have bought a Yaris GR for bang for Buck.
@@denero4735 1.6L engine? No thanks
@@denero4735 Compare apples with apples, Daydog. Yaris not classed the same. less practical. Not for families. Great giant killer though
It was really easy for me to pick the Golf R over the i30N 3 years ago. The interior of the Golf was way better than anything at that time. However, if I had to pick now, it would be a different situation. The interior of the new Golf and the overall design is a step back. I would shortlist an i30N and a Megane rs probably… Great review mate
I was in the same boat and went with a manual mk7.5 golf r over the first gen i30n 3 years ago. But i have just placed an order for the new i30n fastback in manual and honestly cant wait after driving the facelift i30n :)
I agree with you 100%. I guess most buyers would think the same.
@@Tomoyo0827 This is about NEW cars, NOT about used cars that you can't afford new.
@@Tomoyo0827 Second-hand RSs, Ms and AMGs....for those on a 'halfway' budget
@@Tomoyo0827 You have to know that buying az expensive sport car is quite risky thing. You might get an abused, overrevved, or damaged and fixed car for AUS$ 50,000. Not Nissan Micra used by gramma as Sunday shopping car. And there are other cons of used cars of course. I'd never buy a few yrs old performance car, because it's too expensive compared to the high risk.
Have had a Golf, albeit not a Gti for 4 months - The software and driver interface are a disaster with more bugs than a mangrove swamp …. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND unless / until VW get their act together and sort this !
Sounds like Ford to me😬
I've got a Mk7.5 R-line I have had for 18 months with no infotainment issues other than gesture control being too sensitive so I turned that off. Not one other issue at all.
@@Mac-kd1qu MK8 software is hot garbage. I have a mk7 golf R and never had an issue as well.
As a stock car, I would get the I30N purely because it’s a better performer in speed and handling. If I planned on modifying the car, I would choose the MK8 GTI because the EA888 engine has proven itself to break a lot of hearts when modified in terms of speed.
Overall, both great cars. Ones more raw, ones more comfortable. Both can be modified to your liking.
You be surprised with the power particularly the torque you can make with the i30N with a simple tune.
i30 all day long. I owned a manual chosen over a golf. I have never been asked so many questions about that car and in some of the strangest places( dare I say even at a funeral). It's fun. It does what it says on the tin and when you're behind the wheel you smile all the time.
Finally getting my i30 N dct on Monday.
Got mine a couple of weeks ago and loving it, especially now that the 1000km run in period is over.
Considering the Golf will cost an extra 10k if you want similar options to the Hyundai (which are standard in the Hyundai) it's a no brainer!
Basically the golf screen freeze so you get no a/c in Australia hot summer 👍....I30n for me
We never got the i30n in Korea! Makes me sad! Such a wicked car for the money!
The Australian Henry Catchpole! Best reviews in Aus Tom 😁
The MK8 is such a step back, the interior looks so cheap and feels cheap when you first sit in it. I wouldn’t upgrade from my MK7 to the 8, but I’d definitely consider the i30N.
I wouldn't upgrade my Mk5 GTi to an mk8, maybe a 7.5
@@bilum lol
A comprehensive comparison.When it comes to reviewing hot hatches or performance cars, it would great if you could( legally)test the actual real world results of the 0-100kph, 1/4 mile and in-gear acceleration runs.
Yep. It’s in the works, promise.
@@chasingcars please do a drag race between the 2... VW tend to downball power figures. That 180 kW is not what it seems so pretty interesting to see a race (and i don't mind if you do it illegally...lol!)
FYI I30N has air ducting under the seats which directs air to the rear passengers.
im so excited for getting mine i30n DCT this year with all extras in Shadow Grey 🎉
Tom! This is by far your best review. Massive thanks.
Great review Tom. The i30 dct really does look like a great option
Side note, I've always wondered why some manufacturers like Hyundai have LED tail brake lights on their cars but stick with halogens for indicators/reverse. Surely it can't be that much more expensive just to have the whole lot as LED.
Cheaper cost of repair/production 🥴🥴 so i was told atleast.
Great video and I’m definitely going to buy a i30n after seeing this video and I’m just where is the location you filmed it because I would love to go there with my one and take some pictures 😊
GTI as my daily driver every day great review Tom.
Also, for those who like to take their cars to the track, the i30N has a track warranty included.
You say VW knows its customers.
It does not. I have been a customer of VW since 1990. Drive a GTI TCR 7.5.
Have had 6 GTI’s and 2 Golf R’s.
I would buy the Hyundai,
i think once you've owned a hyundai for a while you will miss the quality of vw imo, at the moment people are just excited how
hyundai have come from no where. we will see
really enjoyed your detailed review again. This channel definitely deserves more subs.
If the smile on your face is anything to go by, when you give the N some beans, its a hands down win to the Koreans!
that "mitsibushi evo style" sold me... I am getting my I30N tomorrow
They really dropped the ball with this golf generation imo. Extreme cost cutting wherever you look, a well known tester accidentally ripped the shiftknob and surrounding leather off while driving, on TV. I feel like the i30N and 2022 Focus ST facelift offer better performance, better looks and similar or in case of the focus better interior quality. VW no longer is semi-premium in my opinion.
I'll keep my 2 door manual mk7.5 GTI with Revo stage 1 tune thanks. More power and torque than an R. A future classic?
Not with a stage 1 🤥
@@davidsimao3329 Yeah, Crap
The wheels on the Hyundai look 100x better
Wish Hyundai/Kia would do an R, S3, A35, M135i competitor. I would take a hard look at one if they did. Just add in some rear aircon vents and a HUD please :)
And 4 of more N models are coming. More variety of choices
Personally id so i30 N but id go manual because its just more fun
I chose the GTI 7.5 over the i30N two years ago. I'd choose differently today (Mk8 vs DCT i30N).
Don't mind the cars, the white pants are what caught my eyes first haha. Always a pleasure watching your reviews Tom :)
Great video Mate greetings from London.However it would have been a better comparison between the Gti Clubsport and I30n
I wouldn't want a Volkswagen out of warranty that's for sure, I30n dct with track backed warranty is definitely a winner for me
Hi ChasingCars- Thanks for another great comparison! Please do another comparison with the Kona N and the mk8 GTI! Thanks!
Yes sir, Yes sir. Let’s see if that i30 banger delivers the goods.
I30N is the way here. If i want comfort i’d buy a lexus not a golf, also golf touch screens are not that good. When it comes to spare parts, you’ll be happy you selected the Hyundai over the golf.
Great review, Tom. I haven't driven either car or even seen either up close. I lean toward the Hyundai but I'm in my late 60s and the youthfulness/brashness of the i30 might make me look even more like an old dodderer trying too hard. It might have to be the GTI for me. I wonder if the Mk 8 Golf R is worth the extra over the GTI, or whether some of the other 'hot hatches' are better than these cars?
Did u decide for one or the other car, if so are u happy with ur choice?
I've decided to wait for the i30 Sedan N over the Hatch/Fastback, the newer lighter platform, the digital dash, a better sound system(Bose), wider PS4S tyres and possibly suspension with more compliance in normal mode? It might solve a few of your i30 N Hatch negatives vs. the GTI. But then, can it be compared when it's not a hot "hatch" ? lol
Sure, I think the sedan deserves to be in the mix. It’ll could be a touch lighter, too. Equivalently specified N Line sedans are about 20kg less than their hatch siblings. Not huge, but it’s there.
I guess I would never understand the appeal of a digital dash, though I do wish the Hatch could be optioned with the improved audio system, wider rubber, and more compliant suspension.
Long awaited review… Let the best Hot hatch win this one! Performance comes 1st
I dunno, they really missed the mark with the new GTI. I think I'm going to stick with my Mk7 for a while longer. i30N is definitely tempting.
The Mk 7.5 really is the best generation Golf. Having no physical buttons for basic controls really really sucks.
Currently driving and loving a Octavia RS wagon based on the 7.5 golf club sport and loving it. Buuuut I think my next new car next year will be an i30N. Brilliant cars.
Another great review from Chasing Cars and Tom👏. I30n all the way, but it’s gotta be manual. Real shame they didn’t go with the digital dash like on the Kona N or i20n though. Forged alloys look a treat too on the Hyundai 👍
Liking the power translation to HP for viewers outside of Australia, thanks.
Nice review. I will give my bias that I own two VWs. I tried the i30N and it is a terrific car but I did get it to understeer and the quality of the interior was not up to Mk 7.5 Golf ... Mk8 interior however is a whole different equation.
Thanks for the review, great comparison. Missing the weekend driving since we’re in lockdown. Can’t wait to see i20 N review soon!
Commending you on a brilliant and detailed review. Gold standard 👏🏼
I like this drive first talk later format 👍😊
i30 over the GTi for me. Or better yet. The Mk7.5 GTi.
Too true, the smart money is buying the mk7.5 gti.
the best reviewer ever!!! :)
i30n FOR the win! I just wish it had better interior
these new golfs have missed the mark :(
which breaks my heart because I own a gti 7.5
I will go for i30n dct. more fun and power also designed.
I am longing for this , thanks
I'll take the i30N for just for the conventional interior. The dashboard in the GTI looks too sparse. Plus the UI on that touchscreen is pretty mediocre.
The dual cluch do not make the farting noise when shifting gears, it´s the engine management. The el seat do now mean higher seat position, it´s the design of the seat frame and the seat. Mk5 Golf GTi did not have EA888 engine. Not even MK6 GTI, MK6 R nor MK2 Audi TTS. It was EA113 with timing belt systen not a chain drive like on EA888...
here the difference in price is huge... i30n 35~38k €, and the gti is 50~54k €... with some decent options
Interesting! Less than $10k (6k EUR) difference in similar spec here
I've never seen lesser tyres as an issue on a sports car. Stickier tyres won't solve a balance issue, they'll just mask it for a little bit. If you don't like the stock ones you can always change them after a year.
Showing the same clip of the Golf going 20mph didn't really do it for me. Supposed to be about hot hatches...
I cannot wait to see the comparison of i20 N and POLO GTI even they have different transmission. Also, KONA N and its compatriot like SQ2 please.
The I30 is such an awesome car, it's a shame I really don't like the way it looks.
For me I am more i30N vs the Focus ST. Would like to see that comparison of the 'auto's' now. Excellent review.
You are going to have to compare the Golf 8 Clubsport to the 130i N. That's more of a like for like with power output?
Volkswagen don’t sell the GTI Clubsport in Australia so that’s going to be difficult
@@chasingcars golf gti tcr
I prefer the VW I can cruise around places, not interest in noise or speed, anyway VW can go faster than I30N if you do a dino tune I just compared both cars on Exceltune. They have also other cars and models you can check out.
VW Golf 2.0 TSI GTI (2020-Present) 327 BHP, 470 NM Vs Hyundai i30 2.0T N Performance (2020-Present) 300 BHP, 440 NM.
My car is new and I can't do any Dune tune has they say the ECU is locked.
I would get the i30N over the GTI, in the manual. I don't know why but the older Golfs are just more timeless in their 'looks', which the i30N delievers in that department. Personally all I need is bluetooth audio in a hot hatch, I really don't use anything else in my daily commute.
Got a Golf 7.5 performance manual ,had it 4 years now from new , love golfs no rattles solid build ,handles well ,quiet on motorways ,like the look of the i30 N , will not hold it's value as good as a standard golf gti
Great review. I'm personally willing to wait a few years for (hopefully) an AWD i30N. I will jump on one if it comes to fruition. I know they made one in R&D but haven't committed to bringing one to market yet for some reason?
Ok probably irrelevant will choose either new clubsport or new Golf R with the new AWD system.
Mk7.5 GTI looks so much more aggressive and better. The mk 8 just looks like a goofy Bert stare. This is before we talk about the infotainment, interior quality and lack of engine upgrades.
ive got the dct N. so much fukn fun
@@DEVILTAZ35 ive had both mate, fake probably aint the word for it. its got more get up then NA 6 and 8's
The i30N is better value for money, but if the GTI didn’t have that infotainment system and was more competitive in price I would say it it be a close call. I am guessing the fuel usage of the i30N due to it being more powerful.
Got me with the skiing analogy ;-)
Agree on the GTi definition, it's a great all-round car. I had a 7.5 R and for the Auckland to Queenstown drive I did 4 times, it was a fantastic, quick, comfortable, all conditions long-distance hauler.
Pls make a comparison between i30N hatchback and sedan. Really interested to see 3 year development gap
I prefer Hyundai, but I think both great cars !!
I30N because if you love driving, than thank the engineering at Hyundai for releasing the kraken...if you like turbo lag, restricted power for fuel economy than that VW engineering for not listening to car enthusiasts.
Loved the review Tom. Question for you - MK8 Golf GTI or Alfa Giulia Veloce?
Giulia hands down - though to be fair it’s like $10k more
Hot Hatch :: DCT/DSG Gearbox
I'm afraid the above objects are mutually exclusive Tom
Buyers don’t agree I’m afraid!
Rapidly disappearing, is the time, when you had to know how to drive to peddle a FWD Hot Hatch effectively. Now, with auto gearboxes in FWD Hot Hatch's, you don't need to know how to drive... :(
New I30N Premium with a manual transmission. That’s what I did, problem solved, and it’s more fun and involving.
I love both cars however, to be true hot hatch it needs a manual gearbox so I would go for the i30 in Manual.
An automatic just doesn't cut it, No matter which way you try and spin it. It is such a shame we are losing that key interaction of driving a manual car. Nothing beats being able to heal & toe in a proper manual
GTI is way overrated by VW fan girls
Great review, it may have been asked previously but why is it that Golf Australia do not give the option of a manual. ?
Understandably many like autos but we still like our manuals.
Be nice to know why the the manual option has been dropped.
Because buyers of Golf don't like their manuals as much as others.
A very small market share of manual is the reason why it's been axed.
I have to be honest and say the audio when you were in the car was not up to your usual high standard. The droning of the engines over your voice was a bit distracting. Maybe it's a synthesised engine noise near your microphone. A good review, otherwise.
Just open and close the door on the GTI, or use the VW emblem on the back to release the hatch … more solid, more refined, just better engineered. And ultimately that quality “heft” defines all elements of the car (save and except the lack of normal switch gear). Hyundai has improved exponentially, but not to this level…. At least not yet. In the mean time, it’s the GTI.
Vw owners have posted that you need to deal with the bugs and quirks of its build quality yet badge snobs still love the car.130n all the way save yourself significant money.dont be a badge snob it's just a car.
i think the in30 is more competition for ford st rather than golf gti, comfort when you want and fun when you want then the golf is king, if you want shake rattle and roll then in30 or a ford
Might be time to update the scirocco!
Loved this review!
I30N is the better car period. The only people who would say GTI is better are VW fan boys who cry all the time. Pound for pound, GTI loses every fight.
Your best review yet, Tom. Some really in-depth, interesting insights on how each car feels to drive and compares against the other. Keep up the good work and you'll soon be competing with young John! Oh, and 11 clowns downvoted this review?!
Gti looks so good
Are both cars equally noisy on the move or is it the microphone?
I had a look at a Mk8 GTi and didn't like the interior. Poor functionality and a lot of cheap hard plastics. At that price I would go 128Ti. I appreciate the i30N delivers a lot, but I think I would tire of it sooner.
Agree. Sat in a mk8 - it felt like a $12,990 drive-away from 20 years ago - so cheap and nasty. Got back into my 7.5 GTI and drove home, mentally crossing the mk8 off my list.
VW across the range are more refined than Hyundai/ Kia with some VW head and shoulders above. How will the hot Hyundai feel like with a few Ks on the clock? If like most, go VW otherwise Hyundai if that doesn’t worry you, it does for me.
Hyundai for me, Golf’s are just so ordinary and boring. of course the noise the N makes is mad and I love it! But the hot hatch I’d really want is a Type R
I would prefer your verdicts to actually choose 1 explicitly? But awesome reviewb
They’re just so different. I’d have an i30 N manual, I think.
@@chasingcars thank you good sir for responding to me!