THE NEW HYUNDAI i30 N is the Korean manufacturer’s first attempt at a fully fledged hot hatch and it the first in the line of new N-badged high-performance models from Hyundai. It is set to rival the Honda Civic Type R, SEAT Leon Cupra and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Built on the new generation i30, the i30 N has been developed from the ground up to deliver “maximum driving pleasure in everyday life on the road, as well as on the track”. Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre T-GDI turbo engine delivering peak power of 250hp at 6000rpm. That means it outguns the most powerful Golf GTI (currently 245hp) and matches the Ford Focus ST (250hp).
However, should that be not enough for you, you can opt for a Performance Package which turns the wick up to 275hp. Whooper.
Both engines deliver a maximum torque of 353Nm at 4,000rpm and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The 250hp version accelerates to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, the 275hp version in 6.1 seconds.
To stand out from the regular five-door i30 hatchback, the i30 N wears chunkier front and rear bumpers. The front bumper features the prominent Cascading Grille with N signature behind which lie additional air curtains to enhance air flow, reduce turbulence in the wheel housing and cool the engine more effectively. There are large air intakes on the front and the headlights have a black-bezel motif and the sides get gloss-black skirts along the sills. There are gloss-black door mirrors too.
Around the back, the triangular third brake light in the new glossy black spoiler and the double muffler exhaust enhance the sporty credentials.
The 250hp model gets 18-inch alloys but N-branded 19-inch wheels can be had as an option. The 19-inch wheels come as standard on the 275hp model. Stick with the 18-inch alloys and the car is 4mm lower than the regular hatch; the larger wheels see the drop increased to 7mm.
Inside, the hot hatch gets uniquely designed sports seats and an exclusive “N” steering wheel with blue stitching and garnished with an N logo at the bottom.
There are also plenty of hot hatch toys to play with like a mode button so drivers can select three standard drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco and a chequered flag N button for the N-mode and N-Custom mode. There is also a rev-matching control button for better engine control during gear shifting. There is also a Launch Control option that controls engine torque when starting from a standstill, helping to launch the car like a rocket.
No word on Irish prices yet but it is due to go on sale towards the end of this year.
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