Local specifications and pricing have been confirmed for the 2018 Hyundai i30 N, the brand’s first hot hatch will open with a sharp price of $39,990 which undercuts the segments established players.
All Australian delivered i30 N models will be the ‘Performance’ variant powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 202kW of power and 353Nm of torque (378Nm on overboost). In overseas markets, there is a detuned version that develops 184kW/353Nm.
The i30 N was designed to master three driving elements: Corner Rascal, Everyday Sports Car and Race Track Capability.
Firstly the ‘Corner Rascal’ element reflects the car’s ability to maintain traction, precision and feeling through tough cornering manoeuvres. This is assisted by 19-inch Pirelli high-performance tyres. The car also utilises rack-mounted motor-driven power steering for a precise drive.
Also assisting the cornering ability is the lowered body making it more rigid which is combined with Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) to reduce roll and therefore enhance cornering speed.
An aerodynamic design is meant to reduce lift force and keep the car firmly on the road and is supported by the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) which enhances grip as well.
The element of ‘Everyday Sports Car’ sees the car designed for the everyday commute as well as being race track ready. To achieve this the i30 N comes with five driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom – which are selected via two buttons on the steering wheel. Each mode changes the engine, dampers, Electronic Stability Control, E-LSD, sound, steering and rev matching to suit the driver’s desires.
The final element, ‘Race Track Capability’, as the title suggests, sees the car designed to withstand a race around the track.
Extensive track testing resulted in the development of brakes with an extra cooling function through the air intakes on the front bumper to ensure they last.
As the i30 N is based on the new generation Hyundai i30 it is similar in appearance, however, it features the N signature on the red brake calliper as well as on the grille. At the back, a triangular third brake light has been added to the new black spoiler and there is also a double muffler exhaust to complete the sporty look.
On the inside, an exclusive ‘N’ steering wheel with blue stitching and the N logo is found which is complemented by the blue stripes and N-badge on the gear shift. There is also cloth upholstered seats which sport the N logo on the backrest.
The i30 N will still come with all the bells and whistles such an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of safety, the i30 N will feature Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist system, Speed Limit Information Function and High Beam Assist.
Six colours are available on the i30 N with the standard being the exclusive Performance Blue. Also available is Clean Slate, Polar White, Micron Grey, Phantom Black and Engine Red.
Buyers wanting additional premium appointments can option a Luxury Pack that brings sport front seats with suede inserts and leather bolsters, 12-way powered front seats with driver’s memory, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and start, front park assist system, LED courtesy & puddle lights, power folding exterior mirrors, electro-chromatic interior mirror, rain sensing wipers, solar control windscreen glass, rear privacy glass, wireless charging pad (Qi) and a luggage net. It’s plenty of gear for $3,000.
There’s also a cleverly named Luxury Pack with Panoramic Sunroof for $5,000. You might have guessed from the name, it offers all the fruit from the Luxury pack and adds a panoramic roof.
The Hyundai i30 N is due to reach Australian showrooms sometime in April.
2018 Hyundai i30 N pricing (excludes on-road costs):
Hyundai i30 N - $39,990
Option pricing:
Metallic / Mica Paint - $495
Luxury Pack - $3,000
Luxury Pack with Panoramic Sunroof - $5,000
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