We tested the Hyundai i30N this year and loved it. Not quite as raw as the Honda Civic Type R, but still a barrel of fun.
Now Hyundai New Zealand has extended its N range with the all-new Hyundai i30 Fastback N. This new design of the i30 Fastback combines the performance and fun-to-drive features of the i30 N five-door.
“The all-new i30 Fastback N is the stylish variant of the i30 N five-door, made to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in a sophisticated design,” says Hyundai New Zealand General Manager Andy Sinclair. “It’s the first five-door hot coupe in its segment and the newest performance-oriented model in our N range, looking to attract more new customers and let them feel the N feeling.”
Apparently Hyundai has developed the N range according to the same philosophy as for its racing cars. The name ‘N’ represents two important components. First, Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in South Korea’s Namyang district, where the idea was born. Second, the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging racetracks in the world and home of Hyundai’s Testing Centre, where the N models are honed.
The N logo itself symbolises a chicane, the ultimate corner where the high-performance N models have been further developed and tested. Since its inception in 2015, the N range has performed at the highest level, succeeding in the Nürburgring’s VLN series, the TCR International Series, the Pirelli World Challenge, and the gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.
As part of Hyundai’s i30 range, the latest model is the next fun-to-drive car for enthusiasts available to order now from the Hyundai dealer network.
It sports unique high-performance design features, such as the front bumper, well known from the i30 N five-door, a rear spoiler with glossy black colouring, a unique rear bumper including the triangular-shaped rear fog lamp, alloy wheels as well as the N side sill. Besides all these design elements which appeal to the driver’s eye, the engine accelerates in line with the driver’s heartbeat. The power output of 202kW will bring a smile, the N Grin, to the customer’s face when seated behind the i30 Fastback N’s steering wheel.
Sophisticated design with powerful intent
Hyundai says the new car is characterised by its performance-focused appearance. It incorporates the body type of the i30 Fastback with its strong stance, charismatic front and sleek, teardrop-shaped cabin. To create the first hot five-door coupe in its segment, the all-new i30 Fastback N comprises N model-specific performance design features – introduced with the i30 N five-door.
Distinguishing elements which underline the N look are the unique front bumper, coupled with the prominent Cascading Grille. The family’s identity shows clearly where the model originates. At the front, the new model expresses its hot and sporty appearance through the black bezel of the LED headlights as well as through the red-coloured character line which contrasts visually with the bodywork.
At the rear, it is again the dynamic-looking bumper that immediately catches the eye, supporting the car’s strong shoulders. On its lower part, the rear bumper is underlined by an elegantly shaped character line reflecting in red. Moreover, its generously arched rear spoiler integrated into the tailgate is accentuated with a glossy black line. To complete the car’s impression, the triangular rear fog lamp is integrated into the section between the dual twin mufflers, a dedicated design element of Hyundai’s high-performance range.
Finally, the All-new i30 Fastback N’s profile underlines the performance-oriented character of the car. An elegant sloping roofline, a long bonnet and a muscular body with wide wheel arches define the sports coupe’s dynamic proportions. At the car’s side, the N appearance is picked up again with the 19-inch wheels’ exceptional N design and the black side sill of the lowered body.
The latest model does not compromise on interior roominess for its sporty and elegant exterior design. With a generous luggage capacity of up to 450 litres and a maximum of 1,351 litres with the seats folded flat, the car offers a good day-to-day usability.
According to Hyundai. the vehicle’s interior is equally focused on true performance features. The centrepiece of the interior is the exclusive ‘N’ sports steering wheel, which ensures the driver is in 100 percent control of all driving performance features directly by hand. It is manufactured with a red-coloured stitching. Pushing the characteristic dark metal painted N button with a chequered flag icon on the right side allows direct access to the N mode. In addition, the N mode can be accessed via customised settings which become visible on the navigation screen. On the left, drivers can select three standard drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco. Above the N button, drivers can activate the rev button to use the Rev matching control system for better engine control. The N logo is positioned on the base of the steering wheel.
The gear shift also features red stitching in line with the coherent colour design and is finished with glossy red metal paint. The air vents continue the sporty look with red-coloured trims.
The interior is available with a colour combination of Black and Red Point. The Red Point trim sets red colour accents to create a sporty and subtle look inside the car, for example on the seats, which are available in cloth or optionally in a combination of suede and leather. Both combinations feature red stitching. The seat belts and headliner are designed in an elegant, sophisticated Black.
The All-new i30 Fastback N is available in a number of exterior colours, allowing customers to further express themselves by choosing colours such as the mature Shadow Grey, the new model’s exclusive colouring. In addition, the range includes Polar White, Phantom Black, Engine Red, Performance Blue and Micron Grey.
With a width of 1,795mm and a length of 4,455mm, the new car has the same dimensions as the i30 Fastback. The height is 1,417mm thus 8mm lower than the i30 Fastback (overall height 1,425mm), further supporting the car’s powerful stance and dynamic appearance.
Powerful performance to ‘feel the N feeling’
Performance and practicality for both urban commuting and track driving are well balanced in the All-new i30 Fastback N. Its high-performance technology delivers fun to drive every day, making the driver’s heart beat faster when seated behind the wheel. It leads to full precision, control, safety and durability. State-of-the-art high-performance features can be effectively combined to provide a smooth and controlled ride. The high-performance configuration can be set individually by the driver, depending on the driving mood.
This is why the Hyundai N models have been equipped with the N Grin Control system. It allows drivers to choose from five different drive modes by using the dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The different settings – Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom – change the character of the car, adjusting various driving parameters. N custom mode allows drivers to personalise their drive experience with up to 1944 combinations available.
The new vehicle is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which a maximum power output of 202kW (fuel consumption combined: 8.0 l/100 km; CO2 combined: 186 g/km*).
The car has an overboost function which is activated as soon as maximum torque (353Nm) is achieved, enabling the torque to be further increased up to 378Nm. The hot five-door coupe accelerates to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 250km/h.
Shifting is achieved by the six-speed manual transmission, that has a reduced stroke over the previous model.
True driving enthusiasts will enjoy the N Corner Carving Differential, which stands for the Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) device, which guarantees exceptional traction. By increasing the cornering speed, it provides a unique carving feeling when the driver accelerates the car through a curve. In addition, it reduces wheel slip and understeering in specific conditions.
The Variable Exhaust Valve System enables the driver to select different exhaust sounds depending on the drive mode. A more powerful sound makes the driving experience even more emotional. By using this system, drivers are able to actively control the exhaust valve as the sound differs with the size of the valve opening.
Drivers can easily activate the rev-matching function with a single touch of a button mounted on the steering wheel. The system enhances driving pleasure by supporting downshifts. It synchronises the engine’s speed to the input shaft speed for the next gear during the shift process, thus enabling smoother and sportier downshifts.
The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) further adjusts the performance according to the requirements during cornering, accelerating and braking. Four variable dampers, mounted on the independent four wheels and operated by the use of a solenoid valve, guarantee a precise and immediate damping force control. As a result, the ride and handling are improved as well as the vehicle’s overall stability on the track.
Good control of the brakes is crucial for a high-performance car. The i30 Fastback N is equipped with floating brake callipers, designed in the distinctive red N look, allowing the driver to lock the brake before cornering as late as possible. It is less sensitive than a fixed calliper system and prevents early brake fade. Air curtains located at the front cool the brakes.
Smart connectivity features and top standard active safety
A standard factory 8” satellite navigation system comes with an integrated dynamic rear-view camera, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
For drivers who wish to connect their smartphones with the infotainment systems, Hyundai provides both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems enable users to connect their devices to deliver and control music, telephone or navigation functions on-screen. Seamless connectivity allows drivers and passengers to stay connected while remaining focused on the road.
To ensure that occupants’ phones are always charged, the new model also provides a wireless inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones and a USB port located in the centre console. The specific N mode screen menu also offers customisable settings for the engine, Rev matching, exhaust sound and Performance Package settings.
To comply with the highest safety standards the i30 Fastback N features Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance technologies: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.
With a high percentage of Advanced High Strength Steel, the new car benefits from high rigidity, high impact energy absorption and minimised distortion in order to protect passengers in the event of a collision.
A total of up to seven airbags are installed around the interior. Besides the six standard airbags (two front airbags, two side airbags and two curtain airbags from first to second row protecting both driver and passengers), the knee airbag is an additional safety feature for the driver in the event of a frontal collision.
Technical Data and Dimensions
| Engine** | |
| Type | THETA 2.0 T-GDI, 16-valve MLA, DOHC E-CVVT |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 86.0 x 86.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 |
| Power | 202 kW) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque |
353 Nm @ 1,450 –
4,700 rpm (378 Nm with Overboost Function) |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 250 |
| 0-100 km/h (seconds) | 6.1 |
| CO2 combined (g/km)* | 178 |
| Fuel consumption combined* | 8.0 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption urban* | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption extra-urban* | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Suspension | |
| Front | McPherson Strut |
| Rear | Multi-Link |
| Steering** | |
| Type | R-MDPS (rack type motor driven power steering) |
| General | Rack & pinion |
| Overall steering gear ratio | 12.31 (@360°) |
| Steering wheel turns (lock to lock) | 2.14 |
| Min. turning radius (m) | 5.8 |
| Brakes** | |
| Front | Disc Type, 18″ |
| Rear | Disc Type, 17″ |
| Master cylinder | Φ23.81 |
| Booster size | 10″ |
| Wheels | |
| Size | 8.0Jx19 |
| Tyres | 235/35R19 |
| Exterior Dimensions (mm)** | |
| Overall length | 4,455 |
| Overall width | 1,795 |
| Overall height | 1,417 (Standard)/ 1,419 (Performance Package) |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 |
| Front overhang | 905 |
| Rear overhang | 900 |
| Ground clearance | 132 |
| Capacities** | |
| Fuel tank (litres) | 50 |
| Luggage space (litres) | Minimum 450 (436 with rear stiffness bar) Maximum 1,351 (1,337 with rear stiffness bar) |
* CO2 emissions and fuel consumption under current WLTP testing converted to NEDC.
** Technical data are tentative, hence subject to changes
PRICING
| Engine | Transmission | Fastback N |
| 2.0 T-GDI petrol | 6-speed manual | $59,990 |
| Fastback N | 2.0L Petrol | |
| Key specifications: | ||
| 7 airbags | Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with City / Urban (camera) | Pirelli P Zero HN tyres |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Rain sensing wipers | |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | 4.2” TFT-LCD cluster |
| Auto dusk sensing headlights | Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | Climate control w/auto defog function |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Cruise control w/ manual speed limiter | Heated exterior mirrors |
| Rear view camera w/dynamic guidelines | Parking Distance Warning-Forward (PDW-F) | Sports bucket seats |
| Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R) | 18” alloy wheels | Leather appointed s/wheel & gear knob |
| 8” multimedia system w/ 6 speakers | Passenger seat back pocket | |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatibility | 8” Navigation w/ digital radio (DAB+) |
| Wireless charging pad (Qi standard) | Heated front seats | Heated steering wheel |
| Power driver’s seat – 8 way | Power passenger seat – 8 way | Driver memory seat system |
| LED headlights | LED taillights – stop/tail | Sport grille / side skirts / spoiler /diffuser |
| Leather/suede seats | Sunroof with power operated blind | Rear strut bar |
