- The 26 fastest cars in the world participated in Speed Week 2021
- i20 N’s sharp handling and everyday usability stood out to the Top Gear team
The Hyundai i20 N was named the 2021 champion of Top Gear’s Speed Week after demonstrating the best performance from a group of 26 high-performance models. Speed Week took place over several days at Top Gear’s Dunsfold test track, where the hot hatch outperformed its competitors in a series of exhaustive tests.
The contenders of Speed Week 2021 were sporty models from some of the world’s most performance-oriented brands. The competition included lightweight two-seat sports cars, hybrid models boasting 1,000 PS, and fully-electric sports coupés.

Following the preliminary evaluations, the five models that were deemed the most fun to drive competed in a shootout on the roads of Exmoor National Park in the UK. Ultimately, the judges, including Top Gear’s expert editorial team, British automotive journalist Chris Harris, and the Top Gear character The Stig, crowned the i20 N champion. Although the hot hatch was the most affordable contender at Speed Week 2021, the i20 N still stood out thanks to its thrilling handling coupled with its rounding abilities.

Fuel consumption combined for the Hyundai i20 N 1.6 TGDI (204 PS) with 6MT in l/100 km: 6.9; CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 158 (WLTP)
Editor of Top Gear Magazine
i20 N: the smallest but a powerful N model
The all-new i20 N combines the success of the i20 with the sporty and fun-to-drive spirit of Hyundai N. With its beginnings tracing back to motorsport, Hyundai N’s latest hot hatch takes inspiration and borrows engineering values from the multi-rally-winning i20 WRC rally car. The i20 N’s high-performance character delivers an exceptional driving experience on both the racetrack and motorways.

Fuel consumption combined for the Hyundai i20 N 1.6 TGDI (204 PS) with 6MT in l/100 km: 6.9; CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 158 (WLTP)

Fuel consumption combined for the Hyundai i20 N 1.6 TGDI (204 PS) with 6MT in l/100 km: 6.9; CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 158 (WLTP)
Despite it being the smallest N model, the i20 N’s motorsport-inspired styling alludes to its powerful potential. Hyundai’s second hot hatch delivers a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 171 PS per tonne for more agile handling and an immersive driving experience. The five-door hatchback is also equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment technology and advanced safety features.

Vice President of Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor Europe
Disclaimer: CO2 and emissions data
- Fuel consumption combined for the Hyundai i20 N 1.6 T-GDI (204 PS) with 6MT in l/100 km: 6.9; CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 158 (WLTP)