Performance showdown: ford focus st vs hyundai i30n – the ultimate comparison
What To Know
- The Hyundai i30N, on the other hand, boasts a more muscular and purposeful design, featuring a wide stance, muscular fenders, and a prominent rear spoiler.
- The Focus ST offers a more visceral driving experience with its sharp handling and powerful engine, while the i30N provides a more balanced package with its spacious interior and slightly better fuel economy.
- The Hyundai i30N is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Ford Focus ST, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Focus ST’s 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of hot hatches, two formidable contenders stand out: the Ford Focus ST and the Hyundai i30N. Both vehicles offer exhilarating driving experiences, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Ford Focus ST against the Hyundai i30N to determine which hot hatch reigns supreme.
Design and Styling
The Ford Focus ST exudes a sleek and sporty aesthetic, with its aggressive front fascia, sharp creases, and honeycomb grille. The Hyundai i30N, on the other hand, boasts a more muscular and purposeful design, featuring a wide stance, muscular fenders, and a prominent rear spoiler. Both cars offer bold color options to match their dynamic personalities.
Interior and Features
Inside the Ford Focus ST, drivers are greeted by a driver-centric cockpit with supportive Recaro seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The cabin is well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium sound system.
The Hyundai i30N’s interior is equally impressive, with a spacious and well-crafted cabin. The N-specific seats provide excellent support, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers a wide range of connectivity and entertainment features.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Ford Focus ST packs a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the ST accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Its handling is sharp and responsive, with a well-balanced chassis and a quick-witted steering system.
The Hyundai i30N features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 275 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Available with a six-speed manual or a wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, the i30N accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Its handling is equally impressive, with a tight and communicative chassis, and a limited-slip differential for enhanced cornering ability.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Ford Focus ST returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai i30N is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles use premium gasoline.
Safety and Technology
The Ford Focus ST comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Hyundai i30N offers similar safety features, along with additional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Price and Value
The Ford Focus ST starts at $28,245 for the base model. The Hyundai i30N has a slightly higher starting price of $29,750. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and optional packages to suit different budgets and preferences.
Which Hot Hatch is Right for You?
The Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30N are both exceptional hot hatches that offer exhilarating driving experiences. The Focus ST excels with its sharp handling and potent engine, while the i30N impresses with its spacious interior and slightly better fuel economy.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you value sharp handling and a powerful engine, the Ford Focus ST is an excellent option. If you prefer a more spacious interior and a slightly more fuel-efficient vehicle, the Hyundai i30N is a compelling choice.
The Verdict: A Thrilling Hot Hatch Battle
In the battle of the hot hatches, both the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30N emerge as formidable contenders. The Focus ST offers a more visceral driving experience with its sharp handling and powerful engine, while the i30N provides a more balanced package with its spacious interior and slightly better fuel economy. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which hot hatch has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Focus ST has a more powerful engine, with 280 horsepower compared to the Hyundai i30N’s 275 horsepower.
Q: Which hot hatch is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai i30N is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Ford Focus ST, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Focus ST’s 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which hot hatch has a better interior?
A: The Hyundai i30N has a more spacious and well-crafted interior than the Ford Focus ST, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system and more comfortable seats.
Q: Which hot hatch is more affordable?
A: The Ford Focus ST has a slightly lower starting price than the Hyundai i30N, with a base price of $28,245 compared to the i30N’s $29,750.
Q: Which hot hatch is better for everyday driving?
A: The Hyundai i30N is slightly more practical for everyday driving, with a more spacious interior and slightly better fuel economy. However, both hot hatches offer a thrilling driving experience and can be used for daily commutes or weekend getaways.