Germany's finest affordable FWD hot hatch enters a new generation in early 2021, just in time to battle Hyundai's upgraded i30 N. Before we get some wheel-time, let's look at the specs.
Hyundai i30 vs Volkswagen Golf Comparison
Hyundai i30
Volkswagen Golf
Deal Available!
2024 Hyundai
i30
vs
2024 Volkswagen
Golf
Select Variants...
How they stack...
CarExpert Score
CarExpert has rated other vehicles in the small category, between scores of 7.4 and 8.7.
0.0
8.4
8.2
0.0
Based on the Hyundai i30 BASE MODEL
Based on the Volkswagen Golf 110TSI LIFE
Best suitable for...
City driving
Fun
Driving the family
Fuel Efficiency
42L - 50L
164 to 425 km
50L - 55L
290 to 429 km
ANCAP Safety Rating
Warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
MSRP
$23,720 - $55,500
$32,790 - $70,590
Save with CarExpert
CarExpert's Take
William Stopford
News Editor
William Stopford drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- More rear legroom than a Sonata
- CVT makes this engine more palatable
- Comfortable ride
Misses
- Some cheap interior touches
- Engine can get a bit noisy
- Speed limit assist system is infuriating
Matt Campbell
Senior Contributor
Matt Campbell drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Lovely drive experience
- Punchy powertrain for a base model
- No annoying active safety tech
Misses
- Media controls take some learning
- Loud on coarse road surfaces
- Conventional auto not as snappy as DSG
Standard Features
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ||
Wireless phone charger | ||
Powered tailgate | ||
Rear air vents | ||
Adaptive cruise control | ||
Climate control | ||
Reversing sensors | ||
Reversing camera | ||
Autonomous emergency braking | ||
Colours Available
Regular i30s:
- Polar White
- Fluidic Metal ($595 extra)
- Amazon Grey ($595 extra)
- Phantom Black ($595 extra)
- Fiery Red ($595 extra)
- Intense Blue ($595 extra)
i30 N models:
- Polar White (both)
- Performance Blue (both)
- Shadow Grey (hatch)
- Engine Red (hatch)
- Phantom Black ($595 extra, both)
- Dark Knight ($595, hatch only)
- Intense Blue $595, sedan only)
- Fiery Red ($595, sedan only)
- Fluid Metal ($595, sedan only)
- Cyber Grey ($595, sedan only)
On the core range, metallic paint is a $600 option while premium metallic paint is a $900 option.
The following shades are available on the core range:
- Candy White
- Deep Black
- Dolphin Grey
- Reflex Silver (excludes R-Line)
- Moonstone Grey (R-Line only)
- Atlantic Blue
- Pomello Yellow
All shades are a no-cost option in the GTI, but for Kings Red which costs $300. The following shades are available:
- Pure White
- Dolphin Grey
- Deep Black
- Moonstone Grey
- Atlantic Blue
- Kings Red
The Golf R is available in three exterior paint colours:
- Pure White
- Lapiz Blue metallic
- Deep Black pearl
Comparison
2021 Hyundai i30 N and Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Specs compared
Reviews
8.4
2025 Hyundai i30 Sedan review
This is a 'small' car? Small wonder, then, why mid-sized cars are disappearing, as the Hyundai i30 Sedan is both spacious and affordable.
William Stopford
8.2
2024 Volkswagen Golf Life review
The most basic Volkswagen Golf in Australia is a terrific prospect for those after a classy conveyance with some great standard features.
Matt Campbell
Ready To Buy
Specs
Type | ||
GASOLINE DIRECT INJ, TUR GASOLINE DIR INJ, MULTI POINT F/INJ | TURBO DIRECT F/INJ | |
Size (cc) | ||
1483 - 1999 | 1395 - 1984 | |
Size (L) | ||
2.0L, 1.6L, 1.5L | 2.0L, 1.4L | |
Induction | ||
INLINE 4, TURBO 4 | TURBO 4 | |
Camshaft | ||
VARIABLE DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM, DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | VARIABLE DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM, DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | |
Valves/Ports per Cylinder | ||
16 | 16 | |
Power | ||
104kW - 206kW | 110kW - 235kW | |
Power RPM | ||
5500 - 6200 | 5000 - 5600 | |
Torque | ||
180Nm - 392Nm | 250Nm - 420Nm | |
Torque RPM | ||
1450 - 4700 | 1500 - 2000 | |
Bore Stroke | ||
- | - | |
Compression Ratio | ||
9.5 - 13 | 9.3 - 10.5 |