New Hyundai i20 N vs Ford Fiesta ST: practicality
Which pocket rocket’s got the right stuff? Join us on the launch pad as we fire up the new Hyundai i20 N and its Fiesta ST rival...
Space and practicality
Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot
Despite differences on paper in their interior dimensions, there’s not a lot to separate these two cars in real-world use, and they both have more than enough front leg and head room for six-footers. In terms of storage, each has trays and cupholders, a small glovebox and door bins, although if you tend to travel with lots of odds and ends, you might be left wanting more.
The rear seats show up more variance, starting – rather obviously – with the three-door Ford Fiesta ST’s lack of rear doors. You can buy a five-door version for a £400 premium, saving front seat occupants from having to get out of the car to let someone climb into the back and improving access for rear seat passengers. The Hyundai i20 N comes in five-door guise only.
The i20 N has more rear leg room, too. Even tall adults will have a gap between their knees and the back of the seat in front, whereas they’ll probably need to position their legs either side of the front seat to fit in the ST if someone tall is in the front. Both cars have enough rear head room for anyone around six feet tall.
Again, looking at the official figures, you’d think the i20 N had the more useful boot, but that’s not the case. It’s fine for a car of its size, but its shape meant we struggled to fi t four carry-on cases below the parcel shelf. They did eventually go in, but the ST accepted five cases with relative ease – even though there’s a higher lip to negotiate at the boot entrance. Both cars come with 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks for those occasions when you need extra storage space.
Boot space
Hyundai i20 N
Boot 352-1165 litres Suitcases 4
Ford Fiesta ST
