Hyundai i30 N - TopCarNews

Hyundai i30 N (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

Hyundai had no performance reputation to speak of before it launched the i30 N hot hatch, which landed in the UK at the start of 2018. With modest expectations, particularly as the N is based on the fairly uninspiring standard i30 hatchback range, reviewers were caught by surprise as to just how complete a package it was.

“This is a car that has been honed by bona-fide driving enthusiasts without yielding to marketing departments and the like,” enthused Top Gear.

The i30 N is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine driving through the front wheels, controlled as standard by a six-speed manual gearbox. Originally one could choose from two outputs but following an update in 2020 just the more powerful version was retained, now putting out 280hp and with the option of an eight-speed paddle shift transmission.

The i30 N is also now available with a Fastback body style alongside the five-door hatch – reviewers point out that the way the car is totally docile when needed makes it a hot hatch that can really can be an everyday family car.

One minor minus point of the first i30 N was its firm performance on UK road surfaces, but this has been addressed in the update, and according to Auto Express “it does feel a little bit more capable on UK tarmac.”

The interior comes in for mixed comments – reviewers are impressed by the user-friendly technology and such touches as the blue instrument illumination, less so by too much grey plastic. The Telegraph also highlights a steering wheel that is “a little bit labyrinthine,” thanks to its several large buttons.

Generally, however testers praise the i30 N’s recipe of potent performance in a practical package. “Hyundai’s first full-strength performance car and it’s nailed it,” concludes Top Gear, “few hot hatches are this fun to drive.”

As of October 2021, the Hyundai i30 N holds an Expert Rating of 78%, based on 24 reviews to date. That’s four points higher than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

i30 N highlights

Exciting to drive…
…but just as easy to live with
Improved ride quality from update
User-friendly interior tech

i30 N lowlights

Not as fast as some rivals
Interior plastics slightly dull
Big extra buttons on steering wheel

Key specifications

Body style: Medium five-door hatchback and liftbackEngines: petrol
Price: From £33,745 on-road

Launched: Winter 2017/18Last updated: Autumn 2020
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Hyundai i30 N (2020 facelift)

Hyundai i30 N Fastback (2018 onwards)

Hyundai i30 N (2018 – 2020)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: HatchbackScore: 8.6 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N proves that performance car fans do not need to compromise – this really is the best of both worlds.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic N Performance hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“Offering an automatic transmission on the Hyundai i30 N has undoubtedly broadened the car’s appeal. The DCT-equipped model is feisty and fun, with a strong engine, lots of chassis tech and grippy handling. But a manual gearbox unlocks more of what’s on offer.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic FastbackScore: 9 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N was already a good, going on great, hot hatch. But the addition of an excellent (though still optional) eight-speed dual clutch gearbox has made it better still. As has a range of other small but significant improvements to the i30 N in general, both inside and out.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 9 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N isn’t about to challenge a Honda Civic Type R for outright thrills, but it’s a fast, fun and practical option – made all the more appealing by a reasonably aggressive price, and suspension that’s now a little better suited to British roads.”
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Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8 / 10“On the road, it is essentially the same as the original i30 N hatchback, even if the Fastback’s ride is a touch smoother thanks to a range of small tweaks to the body stiffness and suspension.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: HatchbackScore: 8.2 / 10“The i30N is Hyundai’s first foray into the hot hatch world and it’s a very commendable effort. It’s not the most powerful, the most engaging, or the most thrilling car in the class, but dial in the right settings, and you know what, it’s not far off.”
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Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8.2 / 10“The Hyundai i30 Fastback N is a swoopier version of the i30 N hatch, with a slightly bigger boot and a bit less headroom for those in the back. It’s got the same engine and power as the hatch and it’s just as good to drive.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 7 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is a fast, involving and likeable driver’s car – and that it offers so much speed, focus and usability for so little outlay is sure to endear it to really keen drivers still further.”
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Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8 / 10“Hyundai’s coupe-styled second stab at a hot hatch is slightly more restrained but has become a better daily driver – while staying on the right side of entertaining.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual N Performance hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is admirable in bringing a sense of humour to a market increasingly obsessed with soulless lap times, often at the expense of emotional enjoyment. Hyundai says this car has been designed to make your heart beat faster – essentially the opposite of a regular i30, then…”
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Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8 / 10“If you want something more grown up than the boy racer hatch, the Fastback N is well worth considering.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 8.4 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is a truly special addition to the hot-hatchback class”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: HatchbackScore: 8 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is a great-to-drive, quick and practical family car, but you might hanker after alternatives’ more eye-catching looks and faster straight-line performance.”
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Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8 / 10“Agile around corners and easy to drive fast – the Hyundai i30 Fastback N has plenty going for it but it’s not the best for carrying passengers.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Fastback“I’d be more than happy with the Hyundai i30N hatchback, but if you want something a bit different and more distinctive, and the useful extra 55 litres of boot space, then this Fastback version will be a great choice.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is a superbly entertaining, charismatic and playful hot hatchback that shows its deep-rooted rivals a thing or two.’
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual N Performance hatchbackScore: 9 / 10“Hyundai’s hot hatch is sharp, involving and copes very well when taken onto a circuit.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 10 / 10“Hyundai may never have designed a hot hatch, but it’s got everything right with the i30 N. This thing is an absolute revelation. It’s hugely enjoyable to drive, has all the performance you need and handles superbly. It even rides well.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual FastbackScore: 8 / 10“Hyundai’s Golf GTI rival in a sleeker body”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual N Performance hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“On an ordinary day, on an ordinary road, it’s beautifully understated. It’s quiet and comfortable and there are many toys to keep you amused. My favourite was the button that makes the exhaust go all noisy.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: FastbackScore: 8 / 10“The i30 Fastback N is perhaps the most convincing of Hyundai’s hot hatch crop, with its larger boot and more refined ride making it a seriously tempting alternative to the wild Honda Civic Type R, even if it isn’t quite as visceral. The five-year warranty only adds to its appeal.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: HatchbackScore: 9 / 10“Hyundai’s first full-strength performance car, and it’s nailed it. Few hot hatches are this fun to drive.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is a well-equipped, great-value hot hatch that will really put a smile on your face. There are quicker alternatives, but the i30 N still makes loads of sense, particularly in entry-level 247bhp guise.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 7.2 / 10“The Hyundai i30 N is as capable and entertaining a hot hatchback as you can find on the market right now – a huge accomplishment given this is the first time the Korean marque has attempted a high-performance, driver-focused model.” Rated a BEST BUY.
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017

88%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

64%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

68%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

While the specific Hyundai i30 N model has not been tested by Euro NCAP, the current generation mainstream i30 was tested on its launch in 2017 and was awarded a five-star five-star rating. Testers highlighted the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking but noted that pedestrian detection was only available as an option.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Hyundai i30 N has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic. But a high-performance, petrol-powered hot hatch is unlikely to score highly on the eco scale.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai i30 N has received

2019

Business Car Awards – Driver’s Choice

2018

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Autocar Awards – Game Changer
GQ Car Awards – Life and Seoul of the Party Award

2017

Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatch + Best Cheap Sports Car

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The Hyundai i30 N holds its own in a small class of family hot hatches, competing against such signature models as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renaultsport Megane, and the Fastback version in particular seen as rivalling more extreme models such as the Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus ST. The Hyundai does not match some of these on pace, but on the fun-to-drive factor it beats some of the biggest names.

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Keyword: Hyundai i30 N