Hyundai’s i30 N made a mark on the hot hatch market back in 2017, and to almost everyone’s surprise, it became a credible challenger to the segment’s regulars – such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic.
Now, the South Korean brand has decided to transfer the same dynamic capabilities and performance into the Fastback version of the i30, which comes with coupe-like styling and additional practicality.
Here are five things that help the i30 Fastback N stand out…
Turbo petrol engine
After the i30 N hatch was offered with two power outputs – standard and Performance – the Fastback N only comes with the top-end Performance unit. That, however, does mean the car comes with 272bhp and 353Nm of torque – meaning the Fastback N can get from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph, the same as the i30 N. Safe to say, it’s thrilling when you put your foot down and when paired to a slick six-speed manual, you can make excellent progress.
Chassis upgrades
Although the standard Fastback isn’t too bad to drive, the dynamic upgrades make the N version one of the best front-wheel drive cars on the road. To make the handling really sharp, Hyundai has fitted an electronically controlled slip differential, while the electronically controlled suspension and torque vectoring system add to the overall experience.
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Variable exhaust system
It’s always better when your sporty car sounds like one as well, so with the Fastback N, Hyundai has fitted the Active Variable Exhaust system. Coming into play when the N or Custom drive modes are activated, the angriest setting means that the exhaust noise is much more raucous and that flames actually come out of the back when you change gear.
The N drive mode
Available with five driving modes, the top ‘N’ mode turns everything up to the max – with the car turning the engine throttle response, rev matching, limited slip differential, exhaust, suspension, steering weight and stability control into their sportiest setting. All of that turns the i30 Fastback N into one of the most exciting cars to drive on the road, as everything is sharper and more responsive than ever.
Sleeker looks
If the squared-off design of the i30 N isn’t quite your thing, the smoother aesthetic of the Fastback N could be much more appealing. The coupe-like styling incorporates sporty touches, like the small ducktail spoiler and red diffuser trim, which can be paired with the exclusive Shadow Grey paint.
