The i30 N is Hyundai’s First Model developed by its new N performance arm. The hot hatch’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor puts out either 250hp or 275hp, depending on the trim you choose.
The i30 underwent a lengthy testing period, including more than 9,600km of running on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Hyundai’s high-performance division boss and former BMW M division executive Albert Biermann, said, “The i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible, high-performance package. With the high-performance N models, we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car.”
The i30 N features a cascading grille and new aerodynamic features at its front and rear. The car sits 4mm lower than the regular i30 features twin-exit exhausts at the back, along with 18-inch or optional 19-inch alloys, and N-labelled brake calipers to deal with the car’s high-performance nature.
The base i30 N’s engine puts out 250hp at 6,000rpm and 353Nm of torque between 1,450 and 4,500rpm and is channelled via a six-speed manual gearbox. The car can hit 100kph in 6.4 seconds. There’s an optional performance pack with a rise in power to 275hp, and this version hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds.
There are five drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport N and N Custom. The car also features bolstered sports seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satnav and access to Hyundai’s live online services. You can pair your smartphone using Google Carplay and Android Auto, and a wireless inductive charging pad is available as an option.
The car also comes with autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, lane keep assist and high beam assist technology. The i30 N will go on sale in the UK before the end of 2017 and will be pit against Ford’s Focus ST and Volkswagen’s Golf GTI. However, it is very unlikely that Hyundai will offer this hot hatch in India.