The upcoming Hyundai i30 N hot hatch has been snapped testing in the snow prior to its launch towards the second half of this year.
Due to be the first car built by Hyundai’s new N performance division, the i30 N will serve as a halo performance model to rival the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTi.
Using experience gained from its World Rally Championship efforts, Hyundai says that the i30 N is aiming to be as capable on a racetrack as it is on a winding road.
Pictures released by Hyundai show the car dressed up in camouflage body panels and thrashed through the snowy wastes of Sweden by WRC driver Thierry Neuville.
The idea is that the extensive winter tests will assess not only the car’s performance in cold temperatures, but the abilities of its dynamic systems, steering, stability control and limited slip differential.
Neuville said: “So many people have been looking forward to this car, so it’s a pleasure for me to be testing it. The engineers have done a great job on the gearbox and the differential.
“There is good traction and good stability in the slippery testing conditions. And it’s very easy to handle. A normal driver should get a sensation similar to that of a racing car.”
Aside from that, little else is known about the i30 N other than its likely to be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and will feature larger wheels, a bigger exhaust and a more aggressive appearance than the regular i30 hatchback.
Hyundai says it’ll be available towards the second half of this year, and it’s expected a full range of new N cars will follow, with the i20 supermini also mooted for the hot hatch treatment.
