German media Sport Auto took the facelifted Hyundai i30 N Performance DCT for a hot lap at the Nürburgring with an onboard video showing the track capabilities of the Korean hot hatch. The time of 8:05.19 is quite impressive for the segment, even though it falls short of the 8:02.66 lap of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport 45.
The Hyundai was driven by Christian Gebhardt and came fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. The Volkswagen was tested two months ago by the same driver on the same track, but this one was shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
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The updated version of the Hyundai i30 N was introduced in September 2020. In its most powerful Performance guise, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft), sent to the front axle through the new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox with the help of a limited-slip differential.
On the other hand, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport 45 was introduced in February 2021 as the most powerful and most focused variant of the current GTI family. Thus, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential.
Read Also: Does The VW Golf GTi Clubsport 45 Do Justice To The Iconic Hot Hatch’s Anniversary?
Besides the difference in power and torque figures in favor of the VW, there is also a significant price gap between the two models. More specifically, in the UK, the Hyundai i30 N Performance DCT starts at £35,695 ($47,105), while the VW Golf GTI Clubsport 45 starts at £39,980 ($52,760) reaching the even more powerful and AWD-equipped Golf R territory. This places the Hyundai more in line with the similarly priced regular Golf GTI which is less powerful and, in all likelihood, slower around the Nordschleife.
The current record for the fastest front-wheel drive hot hatch at the Nürburgring belongs to the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R which back in May 2019 did an impressive 7:40.10 lap with Laurent Hurgon behind the wheel. The same car was tested by Sport Auto’s Christian Gebhardt managing a lap time of 7:55.12 which was a whole 15 seconds slower than the record-breaking run. There must be an reason behind the notable difference (maybe a different track layout or different conditions?), but no explanation was given. In any case, there is a new contestant for the FWD record just around the corner, and we’re talking about the upcoming Honda Civic Type R which will bow in early 2022 and will likely try to regain its title.
