Ford Focus ST vs Hyundai i30 n: How do they compare?


When it comes to performance or faster cars, well-priced family hatchbacks are not usually the first car that comes to mind but they are a more sensible choice for many buyers.

The Ford Focus ST and the Hyundai i30 n are both hot hatch cars that balance value for money, low running costs and a decent amount of space for both passengers and luggage. So, if you’re a driver that enjoys a car with slightly more power but still want something practical, one of these cars will be the perfect choice.

Both are popular hatchbacks, and knowing the differences between them is essential if you want to know which vehicle is best for your needs as a driver. Go for either hot hatch, and you’ll get a sensibly packaged and value-focused small family hatch, available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, some with clever mild-hybrid technology included for added performance and efficiency.

In this guide:

Find out more about how the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 n compare with each other.

Learn more about the interior features you can expect to find in each model.

Find out more about how the cars look from the outside and the sporty features you can expect to find.

Compare the performance of each car to find out more about the best car for your needs or preferences.

Learn more about how the cars compare in terms of cost to find a car that fits your budget.

Ford Focus ST vs Hyundai i30 n: How do they compare?

The Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 n are both top in the ranges for both manufacturers but they do offer something slightly different. Both cars are a hot hatch which means they combine the practicality of a family hatch with the sporty driving experience of a full-on performance car, all at a relatively affordable price. For many keen drivers with families to transport, they are the perfect car.

Of the two, the Hyundai i30 n is the newest in terms of production. It’s only been around since 2017, while the Ford Focus ST has been available in some form since 2003. The latest version of the Ford Focus ST has only been around since 2019 and the Hyundai i30 n range was facelifted in 2020.

The Ford Focus ST can also be compared to the Golf GTI if you’re looking for a hot hatch performance car. Read more about the similarities and differences in our guide. The Golf GTI should be looked at when comparing the Ford Focus ST with other similar cars to make sure you find the car with the best features for your needs.


Interior features

Focus interior

Based on sensible family hatchbacks, both the Hyundai i30 n and the Ford Focus ST offer plenty of space for drivers, passengers and luggage in terms of legroom and space.

At 395 litres, the i30 n’s boot outpaces the Ford Focus ST’s but, if you opt for the faster, feistier Hyundai i30 n (as many buyer’s do), that boot space drops to 381-litres. Whilst this is still a little more than the 375-litres of boot space you’ll find in the Hyundai i30 n, but, if you opt for the estate body style of the Ford Focus ST, you will be provided with 600-litre of boot space.

Upfront, the Ford Focus ST has a chunky steering wheel and signature Recaro seats, though the Hyundai i30 n offers almost equally tactile and comfortable equivalents. Both cars feature a clear and easy-to-use infotainment touchscreen perched on top of the dashboard.

In the Ford Focus ST, you can expect to find:

  • Clever storage
  • FordPass Connect
  • Wireless charging pad
  • B&O sound system
  • SYNC 3
  • Electronic automatic temperature control
  • Panoramic roof
  • Ford KeyFree
  • Quickclear windscreen
  • Power-foldable mirrors
  • Flat bottomed, sports steering wheel with ST logo
  • Cruise control

Inside the Hyundai i30 n, you can expect to find:

  • Part-leather electronically adjustable sports seats
  • 8” touchscreen infotainment system
  • Voice recognition
  • DAB and smartphone mirroring
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Factory fit navigation system
  • Full cloth seats
  • Metal pedals
  • Performance Blue stitching
  • Cruise control

Exterior features

If you’re looking for a sportier looking car than a regular family hatchback, the Focus ST is available in striking shades of blue or orange but it’s also available in a range of more conservative colours too.

On the outside of the Focus ST, you can expect to find:

  • Red brake callipers
  • Chunky twin exhaust
  • Sporty-looking rear spoiler
  • Sporty silhouette

On the other hand, when you buy a Hyundai i30 n, you can expect to find:

  • Sport red trims on the front and rear bumpers
  • Shark-like front grille
  • Huge exhaust pipes

Performance

As standard, the Hyundai i30 n gets 248bhp (though this was discontinued from May 2020 as so many buyers opted for the faster car), which seems to put it on the back foot compared with the 276bhp Focus ST. Opt for the Hyundai i30 n Performance trim of the i30 n, however, and that’s upped to 271bhp.

It’s still down on torque, though with just 260lb-ft compared to the Focus 310lb-ft. That makes its presence felt in both the test-track 0-60mph time of the cars (5.7 secs for the Focus versus 6.1 secs for the Hyundai) and the on-road responsiveness of the two the Focus is just that bit more willing to leap forward to overtake slower cars.

Model

Engine size/type

MPG (fuel consumption)

Torque

0-60 MPH

BHP

Ford Focus ST

Petrol engine or turbodiesel engine

35.3-53.3

400-420Nm

6.3-8 seconds

182-246

Hyundai i30N

2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder engine

34-34.9

353Nm

6.4 seconds

248 or 271 options

Selectable driving modes

Driving modes

The Ford Focus ST is available with four selectable driving modes;

  • Slippery
  • Normal
  • Sport mode
  • Track

Each setting modifies the driving and steering of the hot hatch by modifying engine mapping, throttle position, brake pedal and steering response to offer a different driving experience. Enhanced Torque Vectoring and Electronic Stability Control are also included for optimal driving, wherever you are.

The Hyundai i30 n is equipped with three driving modes:

  • Slippery
  • Normal
  • Sport mode
  • Track

This offers similar changes in driving and steering as the Ford Focus ST.

Costs

The Hyundai i30 n comes in at £27,995, which sets it a not-insignificant £1500 below the petrol-powered Ford Focus ST, which starts from £29,945.

Both models represent excellent value for money in terms of their performance per pound, however, and either one should make the family car buyer looking for a bit of sporting spice very pleased indeed with their purchase.

At TC Harrison, we offer a range of finance options for our Ford Focus ST range for both our new and used cars. Please contact your local dealership to find out more about offers and availability.

Alternatively, if you’d like to book a 24-hour test drive, please click here.