Hyundai i30 N Getting Optional Dual-Clutch Gearbox In 2019

The Hyundai i30 N is currently offered with a single transmission, a six-speed manual, in both standard and Performance Package versions.

However, from late 2019, customers will be able to order it with a dual-clutch gearbox as an optional extra, CarAdvice reveals after speaking to the company’s communications chief for Australia, Bill Thomas.

The decision was taken as a result of the current models being considered limited in terms of sales, and while petrol heads will likely stick to the manual gearbox, the DCT will appeal to a wider range of consumers. After all, despite the fact that stick shifts continue to be appreciated in performance models, the majority of buyers are moving towards automated transmissions.

The new DCT will likely be a seven-speeder, as the Korean automaker offers it on other models like the Veloster, i40 and Tucson, and should shave something off the Hyundai i30 N’s 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration, as is usually the case with dual-clutch transmissions. The base model, with its 250PS (246hp), takes 6.4 seconds for the sprint, while the 275PS (271hp) Performance Package is 0.3 seconds quicker.

Drivers will still be able to choose between the five different driving modes, Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom, which are operated via steering wheel controls. Depending on the selected mode, the hot hatch’s suspension, ESC, steering, sound and some engine parameters are adjusted accordingly.

Adding the DCT option will also make the Hyundai i30 N a bit more expensive, though pricing will be announced closer to its launch date. For what it’s worth, the manual gearbox i30N currently starts from €25,990 ($31,967) in Germany and £24,995 ($35,037) in the United Kingdom.