- Subtle Refresh: The compact-sized i30 gets a mild facelift with new grille, lights, and optional tech upgrades.
- N Line Still Available: Sporty trim offers visual upgrades but no performance boost (N variant discontinued).
- Tech Catches Up: Standard LED lights, digital cluster (optional larger size), and USB-C ports now offered
Hyundai’s i30 N hot hatch was a key element of the brand’s push to gain respect from Europe’s enthusiast drivers, but the Golf GTI rival was killed off a few weeks ago, along with its i20 N sister so that Hyundai could focus its performance efforts on EVs. That doesn’t mean the end of the road for the regular i30, though, which has been given a light freshen up.
Related: Hyundai Kills ICE-Powered N Models In Europe, Shifts To Hot EVs
Every car in the i30 lineup – hatch, fastback and wagon – benefits from the minor makeover, and we are talking minor. The model’s second facelift since being launched in 2016 brings a new radiator grille pattern in a reshaped front bumper featuring new foglamp housings.
There are also new 16-inch wheels, standard LED lights, seven of the 12 available colors are new and hatchbacks and wagons get a chrome insert in a more angular rear bumper.
The interior upgrades are equally low-key, but current i30 owners might spot the three new upholstery designs and standard 4.2-inch color digital LCD instrument cluster. Wait, 4.2 inches? What is this, 2009? When you hear that Hyundai has coated the console in nasty scratch- and fingerprint-attracting piano black just as most other automakers are rejecting it, you might conclude it is.
That tiny digital display can at least be upgraded to a 10.25-inch unit (the old car’s available upgrade was to a 7-inch cluster), and other modern touches include USB-C ports in the front and rear, over-air map updates and more driver assistance tech. Forward collision avoidance is standard and buyers can improve safety further by opting for a Junction Turning intersection traffic monitor and a Highway Driving Assistant that maintains a comfortable distance from the car in front.
Although the i30 N hot hatch was axed before the i30 facelift was announced, you can still buy something that looks vaguely similar if you spec N Line trim, which brings a sporty bodykit, dark metal bumper accents, new side skirts, a choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels, and leather and suede upholstery with red stitching.
Sadly, it’s all show and not much go. Now that the true 276 hp (280 PS) N has gone, engine options are limited to 1.0-liter three- and 1.5-liter four-cylinder powertrains, both fitted with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and making 118 hp (120 PS) and 157 hp (159 PS).
But at least Euro buyers will still get a choice of manual and dual-clutch transmissions when the facelifted cars begin rolling out of Hyundai’s Czech Republic plant next month.
