Thorough Analysis: New 2018 Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai i30 N: A Thrilling Drive Through Australia

The Hyundai i30 N, a hot hatchback that delivers an exhilarating driving experience, has recently been tested on unique Australian roads as part of its launch drive program.

Powered by a redesigned engine that produces 202kW and 378Nm, the i30 N offers a thrilling performance. Its six-speed manual transmission, locking front-differential, adaptive three-mode suspension, and 19-inch Pirellis ensure a smooth and responsive ride.

On tight roads, managing the i30 N's weight and thrust is necessary to avoid pushing wide, as its stable grip prefers to use the car's outside front tyre to turn. The rev-matching system in the i30 N proves brilliant on track, blipping on cue on every downshift.

The i30 N's chassis was developed by Albert Biermann on the Nurburgring, and the car's interior includes alloy pedals, decent cloth seats, an eight-inch sat-nav with Apple CarPlay, and a leather steering wheel. However, the standard equipment list does not include front parking sensors, power front-seats in leather, and a push-button start, which can be added with a $3K Luxury Pack.

The development of the new i30 N model series was undertaken by Hyundai's development team based in Namyang, South Korea, with additional optimization at their Nürburgring technical center. Australia is the only country to go against Albert Biermann's order for one suspension tune for the i30 N, with local work unlocking a more usable ride.

The drive program for the i30 N's local launch covered a 500km route through Granya Rd, Omeo highway, Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, Tawonga Gap Rd, and Winton Raceway. Rally ace Brendan Reeves suggests a softer damper setting is faster on the track's slippy surface, but it does not unlock Megane RS levels of rotation.

Despite the i30 N's firmer ride, its brakes, which slightly soften at the top of their travel after all this abuse, still offer loads of precision for a single caliper system. The i30 N performs well on tight left- and right-handers, providing immediate response and detailed information on steering direction, available purchase, and front-axle load.

The Hyundai i30 N is available in a single full-fat specification variant and is priced at $39,990 before on-roads. Hyundai claims the i30 N will hit 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, making it a formidable contender in the hot hatchback market. With its impressive performance and competitive pricing, the Hyundai i30 N is certainly worth a test drive.