Hyundai Motor has announced the pricing and specification of the New i30 N, which includes a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations.

First released in 2018, i30 N blindsided the industry with its dynamic abilities and back to basics hot hatch approach. Developed by Hyundai’s then new High Performance Vehicle Division headed by long term performance vehicle guru Albert Biermann, i30 N was developed at the state of the art Namyang R&D facilities and further honed at both the Nürburgring racetrack and renowned driving roads across Europe. The result was a first effort from Hyundai that quickly took its place alongside the best of its hot hatch brethren.

The New i30 N has undergone a series of exterior design updates, developed with a focus on dynamic performance as well as an aesthetic refresh. At the front, a new wide centre grille has been optimised to allow efficient engine cooling and a redesigned front that significantly improves airflow and reduces turbulence into the wheel housing. New i30 N hatchback versions feature an updated rear end design, while the rear of the New i30 N Fastback remains unchanged. New LED headlamps with V-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) complete the front end while the rear lamps have also been updated and feature a new LED signature.

With form following function, New i30 N features newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, designed for minimum unsprang mass and are 14.4 kg lighter than the current 19-inch cast alloy wheels. The lightweight, optimised, five-double-spoke wheels are finished with a dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake callipers with N logo. Tyres continue to be high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres, with a specific HN compound developed especially for the i30 N.

Interior changes include the latest 10.25” navigation system, with multi speaker sound, voice control and the latest version of Bluelink®, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car service. This offers a range of new benefits and services for Hyundai customers including Connected Routing, last mile navigation, live parking information, and user profile feature to customise audio settings to individual drivers. The 10.25” screen is also used to display the Performance Driving Data System, which monitors and helps to improve the driver’s track skills, with updated graphics for even more ease of use. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost and also includes a lap and acceleration timer.

New i30 N also introduces the option of N Light Sport Seats, a uniquely-designed pair of monoform high-performance sport seats that are 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats, with pronounced bolsters designed to provide optimal lateral support. N Light Sport Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara materials and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest. The New i30N interior remains focused on connecting the driver with the car, with features such as the signature analogue instrument cluster with its active variable LED red zone and the shift timing indicator. Metal pedals and Performance Blue stitching are joined by new seatbelts with Performance Blue accents.

As well as design and interior updates, New i30 N has also received a number of mechanical changes. Power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged GDi engine is now increased to 280PS and 392 Nm of torque, an additional 5PS and 39Nm respectively. The engine has been developed to provide maximum performance in real life driving conditions, with maximum torque available between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM, with a 0-62 time reduced by 0.2 seconds to 5.9 and a top speed of 155mph.

The six-speed manual transmission is carried over from the previous model, including the praised e-LSD however New i30 N also introduces an eight-speed dual clutch transmission – the N DCT. N DCT is a wet type transmission, with oil used to cool the clutch components, creating less friction and allowing a higher amount of torque to be transferred through the gearbox.

The new N DCT eight-speed dual clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features designed to enhance the driving experience – N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift:

• N Grin Shift (NGS) gives the driver the ability to manually select maximum power from the engine and transmission for 20 seconds. When activated, the N DCT will select the optimum gear for performance whilst increasing exhaust manifold pressure and turbo output. A countdown on the instrument cluster displays the remaining seconds for this function’s duration.
• N Power Shift (NPS) automatically engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle and works to mitigate any reduction in torque by using the wet DCT clutch plates to maintain engine revolutions during upshifts and deliver maximum power and acceleration to the wheels.
• N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognises driving style by monitoring sensors covering steering, braking and throttle systems. If NTS detects a sporty driving style, gear shift logic is adjusted to maximise N DCT performance, with upshifts held for longer and downshifts timed to maintain maximum power when the throttle is re-applied.

Following on from the popularity of the Performance specification of the former model, New i30 N will offer this one high equipment level trim line in both the Hatchback and Fastback body styles. Priced from £33,745, specification includes the 19” forged alloys, gloss black door mirrors, rear spoiler and privacy glass. Interior highlights include black headlining, N branded door sills, and a leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, gear lever and manual handbrake lever. Specification also includes keyless entry with an engine start stop button and heated drivers and passenger seats include full electric adjustment, driver’s side memory function and extendable seat cushions.

The 10.25” media system includes subscription free Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay® (via USB) and also serves as the guidance screen for the parking system that includes rear camera and front and rear sensors. A wireless charging pad for compatible devices can be found in the front centre console.