Hyundai’s third generation , and it will finally bring the first ever N-branded model with it.
This is going to be Hyundai’s first true hot hatch, set to compete with the likes of the VW Golf GTI and it will offered in two variants – standard and with a performance package.
Each one will be powered by the company’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol with around 260hp. It might not boast the most intimidating figures in the class, but Albert Biermann, head of the new Hyundai N sub-brand and former BMW M Chief Engineer, said that it’s going to be really fun to drive.
With Hyundai claiming that around 40% of the i30 2.0 Turbo is new, including the engine, the enhanced transmission, suspension and damping, the car seems ready to take on the competition, especially as Hyundai has its own testing facility at the Nurburgring that enabled the hatchback to perform 480 laps of the Nordschleife (that’s approximately 10,000km or 6,213 miles)
Needless to say, the sound alone it makes announces something serious. The Korean car manufacturer released a “teaser” video showcasing the i30 N’s guttural exhaust note, and it does sound remarkably close to Mini’s Cooper JCW or even Merc’s AMG A45.
Hyundai is planning to debut the new i30 at the Paris Motor Show with sales estimated to start in early 2017.