The first, fully-blown performance hatchback from Hyundai is finally here: meet the hot new i30 N.
Hyundai’s answer to the VW Golf GTI will be available in two versions, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The base model will offer 250PS (246hp) whereas the Performance Package version is rated at 275PS (271hp). The former will hit 62mph from a standstill in 6.4 seconds while the more powerful version drops that time to 6.1 seconds.
In both cases, the chassis has been upgraded with a new adaptive suspension which offers the driver five different driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. These can be activated via a pair of dedicated buttons on the steering wheel and apart from adjusting the suspension, they also change the parameters of the engine, the electronic stability control (ESC), the engine sound, steering and rev-matching feature.
Performance Package models also come with a set of 19-inch alloys wrapped in stickier Pirelli P-Zero tires, bigger brake discs with red calipers, an electronic limited-slip differential and a variable exhaust valve system.
Both models also get an electronic sound generator mounted at the base of the windscreen which produces -according to Hyundai- some extra acoustic drama. The variable exhaust valve system of the Performance Package allows the driver to select more than two settings, therefore offering the amount of sound you always want.
Hyundai says that the new i30 N was developed with driving fun in mind and not just trying to be the fastest around a track. They describe it as an everyday sports car, capable of everyday commuting and visiting a track on the weekend, which sounds pretty bang on when you want to describe a genuine Golf GTI rival if you ask us.
The exterior body kit includes a set of aggressive bumpers and a rear spoiler, with the Korean company claiming that they managed to define the right ratio between downforce, drag and aerodynamics for the best possible driving experience. Compared to lesser-powered models, the new i30 N sits 4mm lower.
The interior also receives its own unique touches, including a model-specific steering wheel and gear knob, an electronic instrument cluster with a shift-timing indicator at the center of it, high-performance sports seats and of course lots and lots of N logos scattered all around.
Hyundai will offer the new i30 n in six exterior paint finishes, including the exclusive Performance Blue you see in the gallery. The rest of the palette features Clean Slate, Polar White, Micron Grey and Phantom Black or Engine Red. Hyundai will launch the new i30 N across Europe by the end of 2017.
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