Models · Hyundai
Hyundai i20 N buying guide
Hyundai's compact hot hatch, sold from 2021 to 2024 with a 1.6 turbo, a six-speed manual and a mechanical limited-slip differential. It has no recalls, and its known points are minor, several of them cured by software.
The versions
- 1.6 turbo four-cylinder, 204hp and 203lb ft
- Six-speed manual only, front-wheel drive
- Mechanical limited-slip differential
- Five-year Hyundai warranty from new, so early cars are now coming out of it
What to check on a i20 N
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rev hang between gears
What to look for: On the drive, press the clutch to change gear and watch the rev counter. The revs should drop promptly. Revs that hang high for a moment before falling are the thing to note. Ask whether the engine software update has been done.
Why it matters: Rev hang, where the revs stay high when the clutch is pressed, mostly affects cars registered before November 2022. A Hyundai dealer software update for the engine management fixes it.
Gear selection and grinding
What to look for: With the car stationary and the engine running, select first and reverse several times. On the drive, change through all six gears and note any grinding or difficulty finding a gear.
Why it matters: Some owners have had difficulty getting into reverse or first, or grinding between other gears, even on cars bought new. Checking and changing the gearbox oil is the first step, and a main dealer is the place to have it looked at if it persists, so any warranty work should be in the history.
Exhaust valve rattle
What to look for: With the engine idling and again on the drive, listen at the back of the car for a rattle from the exhaust, particularly as the revs rise and fall.
Why it matters: The spring in the exhaust opening valve is weak and can rattle. A warranty replacement can see the problem come back, so a better aftermarket spring is considered the proper cure.
Also in the full guide
- Misted or clouded lights
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the i20 N
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Hyundai.