Hyundai introduced the N Performance sub-brand back in 2013 that has been tasked with developing company’s performance-oriented models and managing the brand’s World Rally Championship efforts. The i30 N is the first production model that has been created by this sub-brand, and it is based on the recently launched third-generation i30 hatch. Even though the i30 N looks amazing, is it going to be able to compete against the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST?
Exterior
The new 2018 Hyundai i30 N looks handsome with the perfect mixture of aggression and refinement. At the front, we can clearly see the redesigned bumper with large air intakes and a lower red character line, whereas the cascading grille dominates the front fascia. The company installed the black headlight bezels which really give the car an authentic appearance whereas the horizontal DRLs are outfitted with LEDs.
The vehicle sits on 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, depending on which trim you choose. The N version is about 4mm lower than the regular model, and that has been emphasized by the black-painted side skirts. What complements the trim is the Glossy Black side view mirror housings while the red brake calipers add to the sporty aspect of the vehicle. The rear segment of the car features the modified bumper with dual oval exhaust tips lurking underneath.
The 2018 Hyundai i30 N model is offered in Clean Slate, Micron Grey, Engine Red, Phantom Black and Polar White, but the most interesting color is Performance Blue which is also unique for this version.
Hyundai i30 N Interior
The cabin is almost identical to the regular model, but there are some differences which point out that it is the performance car we are talking about. The seats have sporty side bolsters while you can find a unique three-spoke multifunction steering wheel that includes buttons for different driving modes. On the wheel, the N logo is visible, plus it comes with the blue contrast stitching which makes it look really nice. As for upholstery options, you can choose suede, leather, and cloth whereas dark metal trim complements the cabin.
A shift timer is located at the top of the instrument cluster whereas a LED tachometer is here to help out with perfecting those shifts. A lap timer is also integrated into the instrument cluster whereas the dash sports an optional 8-inch infotainment screen. Here, you can see G-Force, boost pressure, lap timers, torque levels and acceleration times. The standard screen is a smaller 5-incher.
If you are cruising down the streets in the 2018 Hyundai i30 N instead of burning tires at the track, you can enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that come as standard features. Also, there are plenty of safety options such as driver attention alert, speed limit information function, lane keeping assist and high beam assist. The company couldn’t resist, so they added an electronic sound generation for some reason.
Engine and Specs
Under the hood of the new i30 N, there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter T-GDI unit that produces 246 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque with the Standard Package. However, if you add the Performance Package, the output increases to 271 ponies, but the torque remains the same. With the base pack, the new Hyundai goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, while it is 0.3 seconds faster when you upgrade it to the Performance suite. The top speed of the car is limited to 155 mph.
According to the carmaker, “The i30 N loves corners,” which means that you can freely attack them at high speeds. Electronic Controlled Suspension system is featured to reduce roll dynamics while the driver can choose between five different driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom. Each of these modes controls engine settings, dampers, Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Limited Slip Differential as well as steering and the rev-matching feature. When the vehicle is equipped with the Performance Package, the brakes use 18-inch and 17-inch rotors in the front and rear respectively.
2018 Hyundai i30 N Release Date
The 2018 Hyundai i30N has been presented officially, but it will go on sale by the end of 2017 in Europe. It remains a mystery whether it will hit the dealerships in the US at all.
2018 Hyundai i30 N Price
The starting price of the new model has not been announced yet, but we expect details to be known soon. According to some speculations, it could cost around $20,000.
