When Hyundai revealed it would be entering the competitive hot hatch market, there was an air of scepticism. A firm so associated with sensible cars coming up with such an emotional machine seemed mad.
However, it nailed it on its first go — with the Hyundai i30 N gaining praise from enthusiasts and motoring critics around the globe. It packs a punchy turbocharged engine into a chassis that’s full of character and drama while looking the part too.
Looking to make a Hyundai i30 N your next purchase? Here’s what you need to know…
What engines are available?
Powering the Hyundai i30 N is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol ‘T-GDi’ four-cylinder engine. In its standard form, it sends a healthy 247bhp and 353Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. As a result, 0-60mph is sorted in 6.2 seconds with a 155mph top speed possible.
Upgrade to the ‘N Performance’ variant of the i30 N, and power is upped to 271bhp with an overboost function temporarily upping torque to 378Nm when the car sees fit. That increased output drops its 0-60mph time to 5.9 seconds, though the top speed remains the same.
What trims are available?
The line-up for the Hyundai i30 N is a fairly simple one — with a base grade ‘N’ offered as well as ‘N Performance’. Equipment is as follows:
N — from £25,995:
Eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, electronically-controlled suspension, LED headlights, launch control, N Exclusive sports seats, N Mode function, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rear stiffness bar, rev-matching system, torque vectoring and keyless entry
N Performance — from £29,495:
N grade + increased performance, 19-inch alloy wheels, active variable exhaust system, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, electronic limited-slip differential, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Pirelli P Zero tyres
What about personalisation?
Personalisation from factory is somewhat limited on the Hyundai i30 N, with the only option available cloth seats on N Performance models.
There are five exterior colours to choose from — namely Performance Blue, Engine Red, Polar White, Micron Grey and Phantom Black.
Hyundai has however revealed plans for an ‘N Option’ range of parts. A confirmed date for these has not been revealed, but this catalogue of parts will see a number of enhancements be able to be made to the i30 N hatch — both visual and functional.
It’s probable this will be a service available to existing owners of the car, as well as those making a new order.