Hyundai Delivers a Hotter Hatchback With the I30 N

After four years of development, Hyundai is ushering a new entry into the hot hatchback category with its i30 N. Based on the newest incarnation of the family friendly i30, known throughout North America as the Elantra GT, the N badge separates it as a serious performance model. Hyundai appears to be taking direct aim at the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen GTI, both through the N’s performance and styling — which seems to be a handsome amalgamation of the pair.

Available in two trims, the base model i30 N provides 246 horsepower while the performance package quipped version bumps that number up to 271 hp. Both use a turbocharged 2.0-liter and six-speed manual transmission and, according to Hyundai, can manage 0-60 times in the low six-second range. Power is sent to the front tires and only to the front tires, with an electronic limited slip differential to keep things manageable in the corners.

It’s a legitimate hot hatch and Hyundai’s first if you discount the Veloster — which you definitely may.

Hyundai seems proud of the technical aspects of the i30 N but claims it wants to focus on a fun car more than anything else. It’s a recipe it hopes to replicate on more models in the future. “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,” explained Albert Biermann, executive vice president of the brand’s performance group. “With the high-performance N models we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine.”

The automaker exerted some extra effort on the i30’s variable exhaust valve system’s sound and filled the interior with things like track timers and g-force meters — wholly unnecessary but welcome in something that is supposed to evoke a sensation of sportiness.

There are five selectable driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. The settings adjust the ferocity of the engine, stability control, electronic differential, steering input, enhanced exhaust sounds, the rev matching. Hyundai also wanted to be clear that stability control could be shut off completely for those interested in “maximum freedom.”

It also comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad for phones. Hyundai also saw fit to toss in a seven-year subscription to Hyundai LIVE — making weather and navigation easily accessible through the car’s 8-inch touchscreen. Safety assists like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping, and traffic sign recognition are also standard on the i30 N.

The interior receives elements not found on any other Hyundai. There is a model-specific steering wheel, gearshift knob, high-bolstered sport seats and loads of N logos.

Why exactly Hyundai chose to use the N as a performance demarkation is a bit of a mystery. The automaker claims its shape resembles a chicane and the i30 was tested relentlessly at the Nürburgring circuit, but were (wisely) unwilling to call it a “Nürburgring Edition.” In truth, the brand probably just needed something to that would easily differentiate its performance models and couldn’t call them Type Rs for obvious legal reasons.

Slated to arrive in Europe by the end of 2017, the i30 N’s future in North America is unknown. Hyundai doesn’t appear to have any plans for this continent, where the model would undoubtedly carry an Elantra GT moniker, but hinted that another N car would eventually make an appearance. Based upon some earlier hinting, our best guess is that it’ll be the Veloster — which would only benefit from some beefed-up internals.

[Images: Hyundai]