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The i30 N has put Hyundai on the map as a maker of excellent hot hatchbacks. In only a few short years, the i30 N has established itself as a genuine alternative to the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Hyundai has no shortage of challengers for the i30 N. The Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS and Cupra Leon all offer performance thrills in a similarly-sized hatchback package. There are also premium-badged rivals, including the BMW 128ti, Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Audi S3. Arranging a few test-drives should certainly be fun.
If you are thinking of buying or leasing a Hyundai i30 N, keep reading for all the information you need to know. Why not check out the models available on heycar, too?
Hyundai’s entry into the world of performance cars has been a rapid one, with its N sub-brand only established in 2016. Since then, the company has gone on to launch a range of hotted-up cars and SUVs, challenging the usual suspects in the marketplace.
Such has been Hyundai’s commitment to all things N, it opened a dedicated testing centre at the Nurburgring race track in Germany. The Nurburgring has become a second home for many car manufacturers, who use its twists and turns to refine their performance cars. Hyundai also poached a leading BMW executive, Albert Bierman, to develop its N range.
The i30 N was the first hot Hyundai to wear the N badge, going on sale in 2017. Hyundai initially offered the car with either 250hp or 275hp engine outputs. Features such as an electronically controlled front differential, bespoke suspension and an aggressive body kit showed the world how serious the i30 N was. A separate five-door i30 N Fastback was launched later.
A facelift saw exterior styling tweaks made in 2020, and Hyundai dropped the slow-selling 250hp version of the i30 N. As a bonus, power was increased to 280hp, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission added to the options list.
Buying a hot hatch is traditionally a decision made with your heart, but the Hyundai i30 N proves you can use your head as well. Along with being an enthusiast-pleasing performance car, it still has all the practicality and reliability of a regular i30 family hatchback.
The i30 N’s handling will instantly remind you this isn’t a normal hatchback, though. It is razor-sharp and accurate, with plenty of grip to boost your confidence. Although the ride can feel a little firm, you will probably be smiling too much to really notice.
The Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is relentless, and sounds great through the standard sports exhaust. If you buy the version with a manual gearbox, it will automatically match the revs when you change down, making you feel like an expert.
Although Hyundai only offers the i30 N in two trim levels, this is not an issue, as the standard amount of equipment is very high. Features such as chunky sports seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen are all included. Unlike some rivals, Hyundai still uses real buttons and switches for the climate control, which is a bonus in itself.
What makes all of the above more attractive is Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, with its new cars backed by a standard five-year warranty. This extends to performance models like the i30 N, meaning you can buy a new or used version with additional peace of mind.
The Hyundai i30 N is a credible alternative to the benchmark Volkswagen Golf GTI, with a dedicated focus on performance and driving enjoyment. But Hyundai has not forgotten its usual generous standard equipment, nor its five-year warranty.
It is hard to pick fault with the Hyundai i30 N, with a thirst for unleaded petrol and a firm ride being its only real weaknesses. However, these are par for the course with a hot hatch, and no different in rivals such as the Ford Focus ST or Cupra Leon.
In a relatively short space of time, Hyundai has made a hot hatchback that can truly satisfy car enthusiasts. Whether new or used, the fast and fun i30 N really is a great car to buy.
The 2022 Hyundai i30 N hatchback is offered with just one engine, across two different trim levels. Beyond exterior paint colours, Hyundai does not offer optional extras, other than N Light sports seats for the N Performance model.
The Hyundai i30 N hatchback is offered with just one engine, which sends its power to the front wheels. Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Here is the engine option available to order on the 2022 Hyundai i30 N.
If you are considering buying or leasing a second-hand Hyundai i30 N hatchback, there should be a decent number available to pick from. The hot Hyundai has developed a cult following, with later N Performance versions in plentiful supply. Manual gearboxes tend to outnumber automatics in the used marketplace.
Standard equipment in the Hyundai i30 N N Performance includes:
The special edition Hyundai i30 N Drive-N adds:
The Hyundai i30 N hatchback’s exterior dimensions are:
The Hyundai i30 N hatchback’s boot space is:
The Hyundai i30 N’s fuel tank capacity is 50 litres.
As a hot hatchback, the i30 N will always be more expensive to insure than a regular family car. However, the Hyundai is competitive with its rivals here, and comes with a standard-fit alarm and immobiliser. The N Performance model sits in group 26 (out of 50) for insurance, with the Drive-N version in group 27. Both are below the group 28 rating given to a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
What is the most popular colour for Hyundai i30 N?
Others
What is the most popular gearbox for Hyundai i30 N?
Manual
What is the most popular fuel type for Hyundai i30 N?
Petrol
What is the most popular engine for Hyundai i30 N?
2.0
What is the average mileage for Hyundai i30 N?
11364
How many Hyundai i30 N cars are available for sale?
11