2023 Hyundai i30 N Sedan Assessment: An In-depth Analysis

Hyundai i30 Sedan N: A Compelling Combination of Performance and Value

The Hyundai i30 Sedan N is making waves in the automotive world, offering a unique blend of performance, style, and affordability.

This hot sedan, priced at $50,200, boasts a spacious 474-liter boot, comfortably outperforming its hatchback counterpart. The interior is no less impressive, with an adventurous design that includes blue stitching on the seats, fake suede inserts, and N logos scattered around the cabin.

Standard features are plentiful, including a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, heated and ventilated passenger seat, 19-inch alloys, imitation leather and suede seats, an 8-speaker stereo, keyless entry and start, adaptive damping, launch control, auto LED headlights, auto wipers, cruise control, satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, dual-zone climate control, a space-saver spare, wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a pair of cup holders, a wireless phone charger, and a modestly-sized console bin for storage.

The i30 Sedan N's performance credentials are further bolstered by the inclusion of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which have been tested at Sydney Motorsport Park and The Bend, demonstrating good grip and durability.

However, the rear bench isn't the most spacious, seating three at a pinch, but two-up requires hanging on tight. Despite this, the i30 Sedan N is more fun than almost anything on the road at any price, remarkably cheap to own and run.

In terms of competition, the closest rival to the Hyundai i30 Sedan N is the Audi S3 sedan, which is more than $73,000. The i30 Sedan N is described as a characterful, hilarious-but-serious machine, earning comparisons to the old Civic Type R and even the Audi S3 (lack of all-wheel drive notwithstanding).

The i30 Sedan N comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty plus roadside assistance, and servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km. Before his role at Hyundai, Luc Donckerwolke represented automotive manufacturers such as SEAT and Audi.

Apart from paint, the only factory option is a $2000 sunroof, and the best colour for an i30 Sedan N is Performance Blue, which is free. Other colours, including Intense Blue, are $595. The i30 Sedan N's mechanical limited-slip differential significantly improves its handling, and it offers more headroom than the racy angles of roof and glass suggest and more room than the i30 Hatch and the Kona N.

The i30 Sedan N has a fuel economy of 8.2L/100km (claimed) and 9.9L/100km (trip computer). With its combination of performance, style, and affordability, the Hyundai i30 Sedan N is a compelling choice for those seeking a thrilling driving experience.