2018 Hyundai i30N

So who does currently take out top Hot Hatch honours?  Those that are at the top might need to look over their shoulder at just how good the new 2018 Hyundai i30N is.  In what is a highly competitive niche in the performance car market, the new i30N takes on Peugeot’s 308 GTI 270, Renault’s Megane RS, Ford’s Focus ST, Honda’s Civic Type R and VW’s brilliant Golf GTi.

Hyundai’s aim to bring a whole lot of fun into the i30 models has become a reality with the exciting new i30N.  Housing a deep front spoiler, large air vents and scoops, the i30N hatchback looks aggressive and mean.  Open the door and climb aboard, and figure-hugging performance seats, a sports steering wheel, and N-brand trimmings throughout the cabin point to what performance lies under the bonnet.  As a hot hatch, the new Hyundai i30N looks the part and makes a performance statement right from the outset – without even climbing aboard.  Racy alloys and flared wheel arches complete the overall alluring package.

Some of you may remember Albert Biermann who was behind the premium line of BMW M cars for two decades prior to 2014.  It was in 2014 that Hyundai nabbed Albert for their own N-division car development, and his skills have been the underpinnings of Hyundai’s very impressive i30N.  What is very evident from the first few kilometres in the new i30N is the very accurate steering and chassis control.  Drivers have five driving modes to choose from, and the adaptive suspension and rev-matching technology is class-leading.  Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom are the adaptive modes of selection which will adjust suspension, engine characteristics, sound and steering accordingly.  This is definitely right up there for best-handling FWD hot hatchbacks, and with its handling capabilities being so good the car proves fast on the road and around the race track.

Power figures come in two levels.  The standard Hyundai i30N gets the 2.0-litre, 183 kW power plant capable of accelerating the i30N from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.  An up-rated version of the same engine boasts 202 kW and sees a quicker time of 6.1 seconds for the same dash.  These are quick figures, and though they fall short of Honda’s Type R and VW’s Golf R, they directly take on the Golf GTi and Ford Focus ST.  It is definitely more powerful than these alternatives – not to mention cheaper.  Peugeot’s latest 308 GTi offers comparable power output and speed.  Opting for the 202 kW i30N variants means you get more power, larger 19-inch wheels with i30N specific Pirelli P-Zero tyres, an electronic limited-slip diff and a stronger performance braking package.  The engine and exhaust note is totally natural and hugely entertaining.

2018 Hyundai i30N Interior

Hyundai’s new i30N has a nice modern interior with high quality switchgear and controls.  Electric sport seats are available, and all the modern technology is present to keep you connected via a touch screen, smartphone connectivity and voice activated control.  A really practical rear seat offers good comfort and space for passengers, while the split-folding nature of the rear seats creates a wide range of luggage carrying options.  As with any of the i30 range, the i30N comes with 5-star safety and an array of active and passive safety features.

Offering great handling and steering, a great price and specification, and a drive that really can match it with the best, the new Hyundai i30N is a set winner!

2018 Hyundai i30N

The 2018 Hyundai i30N models include the:

• I30N
• I30N Premium (202 kW)

For any more information on the latest Hyundai i30N models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!