2017 Hyundai i30 N test drive highlights

The Hyundai i30 N, a high-performance vehicle, has proven its mettle on one of Europe's most challenging and scenic roads - the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

In a test drive, the performance pack version of the i30 N, featuring 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tyres, delivered detailed feedback and confidence-inspiring performance. Albert Biermann, who leads the Hyundai N division for the i30 N, must be pleased with the results.

The road, which can feel like a racetrack to the clouds, is not built for efficient passage but for recreation and showcasing the Hohe Tauern National Park. Its corners are cambered with precision, reminding the driver of racetracks. However, caution is advised as potential dangers lurk around the bends.

The performance pack version of the i30 N comes with an electronically controlled limited slip differential, ensuring optimal traction and control. The base version, on the other hand, boasts torque vectoring by brake to control front-end traction under a heavy throttle.

The base version also features a 18-inch wheel and Michelin tyre package, providing a subtle but noticeable improvement in ride quality on rough and sharp-edged stuff compared to the performance pack car.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a toll road, which discourages lumbering campervans and backpackers in clapped-out Skodas. The road's toll gates will be boarded up for the winter season, not to reopen until May.

Other drivers on the road respect enthusiastic drivers and let them pass using turn-out bays. The 'Hochtor' tunnel, located between northern Italy and Austria, is approximately 300 metres long.

The Hyundai i30 N, with its 2.0-litre turbo engine delivering 202 kilowatts, is an unalloyed joy to drive on this iconic road. The road extends out to provide spectacular vantage points, offering both brutal and beautiful landscapes.

However, it's important to note that the i30 N's performance pack version is expected to cost around $4000-$5000 more than the standard i30 N. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a testament to engineering and nature's harmony, is a must-drive for any car enthusiast.