The performance-focused i30 N marks a new year for Hyundai, a brand that has been synonymous with value and practical motoring. The car, after all, is the first proper hot hatchback from Hyundai’s N sub-brand that will eventually roll out a number of high power models.
Hyundai has now officially announced the pricing of the i30 N, which will go on sale in the UK starting January 2018. The i30 N is priced from £24,995 (Rs 21.95 lakhs) on-road and comes with a 2-litre turbocharged engine and various drive modes.
Design wise, the i30 N features an increased wheel arch with 18-inch wheels or 19-inch wheels, carrying the N logo. Compared to the five-door version, the i30 N is 4 mm lower with 18-inch wheels and 8 mm lower with 19-inch wheels. At the front, the i30 N gets black bezel for the headlamps. At the rear, the triangular third brake light in the new glossy black spoiler and the double muffler exhaust underline the sporty stance of this hatchback.
The i30 N is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine available with the two power outputs: the Standard Package engine delivers 250bhp whereas the Performance Package engine's maximum power is boosted to 275bhp. Both outputs deliver a maximum torque of 353Nm and allow the car to hit a top speed of 250 kmph. The 250bhp version accelerates to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds while the 275bhp lessens the time taken to just 6.1 seconds. The car is available with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.
The i30 N even has launch control function which controls engine torque when starting from standstill to avoid excessive wheel spin and slingshot acceleration. Launch control can be effectively used in N drive mode with ESP switched off.
The i30 N will be produced at Hyundai’s Czech Republic facility in Nosovic with deliveries expected to begin early next year. It will compete against cars like the Honda Civic Type-R and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
