Performance hatchbacks manage the difficult balancing act of being both usable while offering fun driving dynamics, however, running costs are important for these products, so how does the Hyundai i30 N compare with two key rivals?

hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?

The humble performance hatchback has evolved from a basic performance machine into a value-packed allrounder that can be used for a variety of driving tasks. There is a new i30 N available locally, now with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but how does its running costs compare with two well-established rivals?

Today we will compare the i30 N with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the BMW 128ti. All three models feature petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

The figures

Hyundai i30 N

Volkswagen Golf GTI

BMW 128ti

Engine size

4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol

4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol

4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol

Power/Torque

206 kW/392 Nm

180 kW/370 Nm

180 kW/380 Nm

Gearbox

8-speed dual-clutch automatic

7-speed dual-clutch automatic

8-speed automatic

Seats

5

5

5

Airbags

7

6

6

Kerb weight

1 455kg

1 463kg

1 505kg

Boot capacity

381-litres

374-litres

380-litres

0-100 km/h

5.4 seconds

6. 4 seconds

6.3 seconds

Claimed consumption

8.9 L/100 km

7.0 L/100 km

6.8 L/100 km

Service plan

5-yr/75 000km

5-yr /90 000km

5-yr/100 000km (maintenance)

Price

R749 900

R696 700

R744 260

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 10%.

Hyundai i30 N

With the instalment parameters in place, the Tucson will work out at R12 503 per month over 72 months.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

With the instalment parameters in place, the GTI will work out at R11 616 per month over 72 months.

BMW 128ti

With the instalment parameters in place, the 128ti will work out at R12 409 per month over 72 months.

hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?

Fuel consumption

Our contenders all feature 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines with automatic gearboxes. From a power and torque perspective, there is very little to choose between the Volkswagen and BMW while the Hyundai is noticeably more powerful. The BMW is the lightest on fuel on paper, however, in the real world, our trio will very quite similar in terms of fuel economy.

hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?

Service plans

There is a clear winner in the service plan department and that is the BMW, which is the only model to feature a maintenance plan, taking care of expensive items such as brakes for five years or 100 000km. Both the Volkswagen and Hyundai trade blows with the GTI having a superior service plan, but the i30 N featuring a more comprehensive warranty.

hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?

Verdict

Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we are confident that the BMW 128ti will be more affordable to run than both the Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf GTI in terms of running costs.

Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews

hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?
hyundai i30 n vs volkswagen golf gti vs bmw 128ti: which one has the lowest running costs?

Keyword: Hyundai i30 N vs Volkswagen Golf GTI vs BMW 128ti: Which one has the lowest running costs?

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