Used Hyundai i30 N for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,300
Average Price: Around £10,500

Hyundai i30 N (2018-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Very rapid, both in a straight line and around bends	Not the best hot hatch in any one area
Keenly priced for a performance hatch	High-performance Michelin tyres will be expensive to replace
Lots of standard kit	Can't quite match the super-talented Honda Civic Type-R

Quick Summary

The Hyundai i30 N (2018-2024) is Hyundai's first proper hot hatch, engineered to deliver genuine performance whilst remaining affordable compared to established rivals. The original 2018 model produced 271bhp, with a 2021 facelift introducing a sharper design, cabin refinements, and increased power to 276bhp. A sleek Fastback bodystyle was also added, offering a coupe-inspired alternative to the traditional hatchback. The i30N combines meaty steering, limpet-like grip, and impressive agility with everyday practicality, making it a genuinely well-rounded performance car. A dual-clutch transmission option joined the standard six-speed manual gearbox from 2021 onwards.

With a roomy interior accommodating two six-foot adults comfortably and boots offering 381 litres (hatchback) or 436 litres (Fastback), the i30N proves hot hatches needn't sacrifice practicality. Standard equipment is generous, including keyless go, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, satnav, and smartphone integration. Running costs are reasonable for a performance car, with real-world fuel economy around 30mpg and insurance group 28. However, the high-performance Michelin tyres are expensive to replace, and the firm ride over broken urban roads can be draining. Hyundai discontinued the petrol i30N in early 2024 to focus on electric performance models.

Best for: Buyers seeking affordable hot hatch performance, those wanting a well-rounded car combining speed with practicality, and drivers who value generous standard equipment and keenly competitive pricing.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the ultimate handling (Ford Focus ST), maximum power (Honda Civic Type R), or prestige badge appeal (Volkswagen Golf GTI), or drivers uncomfortable with firm suspension over poor road surfaces.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the i30 N if: You're seeking affordable hot hatch performance, want a well-rounded car combining speed with practicality, or value generous standard equipment and competitive pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise ultimate handling, maximum power, prestige badge appeal, or prefer a softer suspension setup over poor road surfaces.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai i30 N is a strong all-rounder in the hot hatch category, performing very strongly across the board with no glaring weaknesses. Whilst it may not lead in any single area—lacking the raw power of the Honda Civic Type R, the engaging handling of the Ford Focus ST, or the prestige of the Volkswagen Golf GTI—it offers exceptional value and comprehensive standard equipment. The i30N feels engineered by a company with decades of performance experience, not merely a handful of years. For buyers seeking a front-wheel-drive hot hatch with around 300bhp, the Hyundai is an essential consideration and represents one of the market's finest value propositions.

Read our full Hyundai i30 N Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.