Hyundai has revealed its first high-performance model, the i30 N, which the manufacturer says combines high performance and driving enjoyment to create an accessible high-performance package.
Hyundai says the i30 N is its answer to emerging customer preferences for uncompromising innovation and technology-driven performance. Due to be launched across Europe by the end of 2017, the i30 N is the third member of the i30 family following the launch of the five-door version in January and the i30 Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
By offering a great variety of customisation options, the i30 N is a well-balanced hatchback, offering performance and practicality to create the best feeling for the driver. There are five drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom, which can be selected by using two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel.
The different modes change the character of the car, adjusting the high-performance parameters of the engine, the dampers, electronic stability control (ESC), electronic limited slip differential (E-LSD), sound, steering and rev matching. Additionally, the driver can select the rev matching button on the steering wheel to increase the revs on the engine when shifting from a higher to a lower gear, while the car’s launch control helps to launch the car as easy as possible by controlling engine torque.
The i30 N is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available with two power outputs: the standard package engine delivers 250hp, whereas the performance package engine’s maximum power is boosted to 275hp. The electronic controlled suspension (ECS) allows the driver to adjust the i30 N to best suit a race track’s requirements. The body’s high rigidity is increased by the rear stiffness bar behind the rear seats and the precise six-speed manual transmission has short travel to enhance fast shifting.
“The Hyundai i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible high-performance package,” says Albert Biermann, executive vice-president performance development and high performance vehicle division. “With the N, we decided to create an affordable race car for private customers, which fits perfectly with the Hyundai approach.”
At the reveal of the i30N, Vaxhall also released the i30 Fastback which the manufacturer says is the first elegant 5-door coupe to go on sale in the compact segment.
Biermann added: “To design the car we played with the proportions of the i30 range by reducing the height of the Cascading Grille and lowering the roof line to create an elegant silhouette. The design combines the sports car spirit with the comfort of a luxurious sedan enabling our customers to get the best of both worlds.”
