Scoop: Hyundai i30N Fastback Might Lure You Away From The Civic Type-R

After the successful launch of the i30N, Hyundai is preparing to expand the N lineup with the addition of the i30N Fastback.

The combination of the Fastback (or, as Hyundai calls it, a five-door coupe) bodystyle with the i30N powertrain will result in a hot hatch that not only is longer and lower than the regular i30N but also portray itself as a direct rival to the similarly proportioned Honda Civic Type R. At least in Europe, that is.

As with the regular i30N, the go-faster version of the i30 Fastback will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offered in two power outputs: 246hp (250PS) in the base model and 271hp (275PS) in the Performance Package version.

Both versions will be fitted with an adaptive suspension featuring five different modes via a pair of dedicated buttons on the steering wheel while the more expensive Performance Package version is also getting bigger wheels with stickier tires, better brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential and a variable exhaust system.

The exterior revisions will follow the example of the regular i30N, meaning a more aggressive body kit with different bumpers, wider side sills and dual exhaust pipes. Overall the upcoming i30N Fastback is expected to look a lot less challenging than the wild-looking Civic Type R.

Straight-line performance is expected to be similar to that of the i30N hatchback, which can hit 62mph from a standstill (0-100km/h) in as fast as 6.1 seconds. The lower center of gravity provided by the Fastback bodystyle might also give the i30N Fastback the edge on driving dynamics over its hatchback sibling, but we’ll have to wait until the first reviews drop to see if that’s true.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops