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Hyundai i30 vs Ford Focus: Comparing two popular hatchbacks


There has never been more competition or choice in the hatchback market which can make it difficult to know which is the best car for you and your needs. In this guide, we will compare two of the most popular options, the Ford Focus and the Hyundai i30 to help you decide which is best for you.

In this guide:

Learn more about how the Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 compare to each other.

Find out more about the technology featured in both cars and the comparisons between them.

Learn more about the interior space you can expect to find when buying a Ford Focus or Hyundai i30.

Read this section for more information on the performance of both models and the choices available for engine sizes.

Learn more about the trim levels available when choosing between the two models.

Find out more about the cost differences between the Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 to find the best car for your budget.

Ford Focus vs Hyundai i30: How do the models compare?

The new Ford Focus and its different trims have been introduced gradually since 2018. It’s the fourth generation of the popular car in the Ford range and is in the top five when it comes to sales in the UK.

The newest version of this hatch car is all about combining SUV-inspired looks and features with technology and superior levels of usability. Combine these features with premium handling, class-beating aerodynamics and the most advanced driver assistance features ever offered by Ford and it is easy to see why the Ford Focus continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the hatchback market.

The new Hyundai i30 is no slacker in the race for the best hatch either. The revamped version was introduced in 2020 and, if you are looking for pure power and performance, then the Hyundai i30 is a great contender. Hyundai’s CRDi diesel engines are particularly renowned for their turbocharged performance.

How does the technology compare?

One of the most accurate competitors for the Hyundai i30 is the Ford Focus ST. Both choices of family car make the most of advanced technological features and this is one of the first ways to compare the two.

Infotainment systems

The new Hyundai i30 vehicle has had its infotainment systems overhauled and it has never been better. It has a seven-inch dial display in a convenient location ahead of the driver, something which is matched and exceed by the new Ford Focus infotainment system.

The Ford Focus also has a conveniently located Head-Up display, which comes with the most basic Zetec trim and measures a larger eight-inches for increased display clarity.

Both cars also offer a bounty of intelligent safety features, along with a range of driver comfort capabilities including the likes of adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.

Interior space and boot space

Both cars offer similarities in terms of boot space. The Ford Focus offers an average of 378 litres, whilst the Hyundai i30 offers an extra three litres.

The interior of the Ford Focus uses every millimetre of space well and there is no shortage of leg, elbow or headroom. The Hyundai doesn’t feel cramped either and there has definitely been thought given to space and storage creation however, it is not as spacious as the Ford Focus.

Seats

Enjoy 18 different seat settings with the Ford Focus and the Hyundai also places comfort as a top priority. Both have 60/40 folding seats and the i30 has a handy ski hatch between the rear seats and boot for longer items.

Engine options and fuel consumption

Another great way to compare the two cars is on performance so we’ll start with speed and efficiency.

The Ford Focus can offer:

  • 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds
  • Fuel efficiency of 30.2mpg
  • Average of 179g/km of CO2 emissions
  • Torque of between 200 to 400 Nm

In comparison, the Hyundai i30 with its performance package can deliver:

  • 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds
  • Fuel efficiency of 36.2mpg
  • Average of 178g/km of CO2 emissions
  • Torque of 134 Nm

You can learn more about the fuel consumption, emissions and other ongoing road costs by reading one of our guides.

The new Hyundai i30 also boasts mild-hybrid technological capacity and the Hyundai i30 1.0 T-GDI 48V Hybrid premium model offers:

  • 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds
  • Fuel efficiency of 46.7mpg
  • Average of 121g/km of CO2 emissions

The Ford Focus also has a mild hybrid option (EcoBoost Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid engines) which can offer:

  • 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds
  • Fuel efficiency of 51.4 mpg
  • Average of 118g/km of CO2 emissions

Available engine options

The Hyundai i30 offers:

  • 0-litre, three-cylinder engine
  • 5-litre, three-cylinder engine 

All of the choices come with the mild-hybrid engine as standard, whether you choose a petrol or a diesel option.

The Ford Focus offers:

  • 0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine
  • 5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine
  • 5-litre diesel engine
  • 0-litre diesel engine

There is also an EcoBoost Hybrid option too.

Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 trim levels

The Ford Focus offers the following trim options:

  • Ford Focus Zetec – offers leather trim including leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloys
  • Ford Focus Titanium – keyless start, front and rear parking sensors, sat-nav, automatic emergency braking, leather steering wheel
  • Ford Focus ST & ST-Line – Ford’s hot hatch series features rear diffuser and roof spoiler, automatic emergency braking, leather steering wheel
  • Vignale – the luxury option, delivering added touches in terms of style

If you choose a model from the latest version of the Hyundai i30, the following trims are available:

  • SE Connect – features alloy wheels, reversing camera, cruise control, smart phone connectivity
  • N Line – sportier bumpers, twin exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes and suspension. This is a hot hatch model which compares with the Ford Focus ST and is the first in a new line to hit the Hyundai i30 range.
  • Premium – this trim focuses on luxury rather than sportiness with part-synthetic leather/part-cloth seats, tinted windows, automatic windscreen wipers, electronic parking brake

The Hyundai i30 N series has recently been introduced the range. The Hyundai i30 N is a hot hatch series that will compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST and offer a sportier, higher performance family car for those who are looking for something extra. These two models can also compare with the Golf GTI. Learn more about the differences between the Ford Focus and the Golf GTI by reading our guide.

Exterior features

The Hyundai i30 has recently been given a facelift and has new headlights and a wider grille.

The Ford Focus, meanwhile, has also been upgraded and now offers a more sculpted and refined appearance.

Cost comparisons

Prices for the Hyundai i30 start at £20,900 and go up to a little over £25,000.

The Ford Focus starts at around £17,930 with the top model coming in at £31,585. At TC Harrison, our Ford Focus models are available with finance deals, please click here to find out more about our latest offers.

If you’d like to find out more about buying a new or used Ford Focus, please contact your local dealership today.