Hyundai i30 N DCT vs Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8 2021 comparison | which hot hatch wins? | Chasing Cars

We compare the VW Golf GTI Mk 8 and the new Hyundai i30 N DCT to find which hot hatch is best.

Four years in the making, the 2021 Hyundai i30 N DCT is here in facelifted form to take on the also-new 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8, which is available only as an automatic in Australia. You can still get a manual i30 N, but with many hot hatch buyers seeking a self-shifter these days, have Hyundai dethroned the Golf as the best automatic hot hatch? Let’s find out.

Tested here is the Hyundai i30 N Premium DCT with sunroof with 206kW of power (276hp) and an eight-speed wet clutch DCT auto. It’s up against a loaded-out Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8 with 180kW of power (241 hp) and the seven-speed wet clutch DSG automatic. Both have a mechanical LSD.

Rivals to the Golf GTI and i30 N include the Ford Focus ST and the RenaultSport Megane.

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Time codes:

0:00 - Premise of this comparison
2:01 - i30 N engine and specs
3:17 - Golf GTI engine and specs
4:33 - Golf GTI Mk 8 driving dynamics
12:14 - i30 N DCT driving dynamics
22:29 - i30 N Premium interior
25:07 - i30 N back seat
26:01 - Golf GTI Mk 8 interior
28:53 - Golf GTI back seat
29:37 - Golf GTI boot
30:35 - i30 N boot
31:40 - i30 N DCT running costs
32:49 - Golf GTI running costs
34:04 - Verdict

[RossReviewsau]

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

[dpratt]

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.

[bradl]

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.

[namzy]

I enjoy the Aussie reviews ! Only request, can we get a segment in the episode that includes exhaust sound

[damosil]

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.

[felixgustavoduarte]

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

[robbied]

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 !

[JacesOwnWorld]

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.

[sw]

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.

[jamesheggie]

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.

[HCD]

so after 2.5 years and 25'000 miles in my i30n I can say I still love it and have zero issues til today .... 😍👍

[jonathand]

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!

[kevinpower]

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.

[JonNewell]

FYI I30N has air ducting under the seats which directs air to the rear passengers.

[superking]

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.

[Damo]

Finally getting my i30 N dct on Monday.

[Jesssxox]

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 😊

[mikuelable]

Basically the golf screen freeze so you get no a/c in Australia hot summer 👍....I30n for me

[johnnyr]

The wheels on the Hyundai look 100x better

[MrRonan]

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,