The Hyundai i30 N, the brand’s first outright performance model, will go on sale in January with prices starting from £24,995.
The petrol-engined hot hatch is the first car to be released under the N performance sub-brand that Hyundai intends to expand into other models. We are told the N stands for both Namyang – Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea where the car was created – and for the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, home to Hyundai Motor’s European Test Centre where the i30 N was developed.
Two versions of the car will be available, the i30 N and i30 N Performance, both using the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The stock model will produce 250hp, the i30 N Performance an extra 25hp. Torque figures are 353Nm across both cars, with an overboost feature that can add an extra 25Nm, resulting in a 6.4 second 0-62mph time for the i30 N, three tenths quicker for the Performance model.
Performance modifications
Added to the i30 standard equipment list are performance upgrades, including 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, electronically controlled Suspension, 17-inch ventilated front brake discs with 16in rear versions. A Torque Vectoring System and steering wheel mounted Drive Mode Buttons allow the driver to customise engine and suspension settings.
The Performance version carries a £3,000 higher price tag. The alloy wheels grow to 19 inches with bespoke compound Pirelli P-Zero tyres, an electronic Limited Slip Differential is added and the brakes increased by an inch in diameter all round. An Active Variable Exhaust system adds a bespoke sound while inside the front seats are electric and upholstered in leather and suede.
Further modifications over stock i30 models include body stiffening – the front suspension strut rings are reinforced, the front subframe reinforced, a central tunnel support bracket added along with a rear stiffness bar across the rear wheel arches. Both cars include Launch Control to make the most of acceleration from a standing start, a Rev Match Function for more effective gear changes, and ‘Brake Control knock back pre-fill’ – this helps keep the braking response at a peak after high-load cornering.
Keyword: Hyundai i30 N hot hatch to cost from £25K