Hyundai has unveiled a revised version of its i30 N hot hatch, bringing with it a facelifted look and an automatic gearbox option for the first time.
The i30 N arrived in 2017 as the firm’s first proper hot hatch, with the firm enlisting the help of former BMW M boss Albert Biermann to head up its new ‘N’ performance division. The model has proved hugely successful – both to drive and in terms of sales, with 25,000 models being produced already.
Now this revised hatchback benefits from numerous design tweaks seen recently on the standard i30 – including new V-shaped daytime running lights, a wider grille and new bumpers. Hot N models now come with LED headlights as standard, along with larger exhaust tips at the rear. New 19-inch alloy wheels are also fitted to top-spec N Performance models.
In the cabin, Alcantara and leather lightweight sports seats are available for the first time, and are said to offer greater support. Via the options list, you can have the i30 N with the firm’s latest 10.25-inch touchscreen, which also comes with Bluelink connected functions such as route planning and live parking information.
Hyundai has largely kept the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine the same – still producing 247bhp in standard form, although the N Performance model has received a light boost of five bhp and 39Nm of torque, now producing 276bhp and 392Nm. That’s helped to drop 0-60mph times by 0.2 seconds to 5.7 seconds.
While a six-speed manual gearbox remains the standard transmission, an automatic i30 N is now available for the first time, thanks to a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The latter also offers performance settings such as ‘Grin’, ‘Power’ and ‘Track Sense’ to adjust the behaviour of the power delivery.
A host of new driver-assistance tech has also been introduced – including forward-collision avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert that helps when reversing out of obstructed areas.
While only shown in conventional five-door hatchback guise so far, a sleeker coupe-like five-door Fastback variant will also join the range.
Full pricing and specs are yet to be announced, but expect a slight increase on the outgoing model’s £29,810 starting price. Order books for the updated i30 N are set to open at the start of 2021.
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