Hyundai unveils new hot hatch

Hyundai has unveiled the i30 N overnight, which will compete against the Golf GTI and Civic Type R in the growing hot hatch market. The new hatchback is the first car to be manufactured under the N line-up, and while it is based on the recent i30 model, the N model also contains a slew of new high-performance driving features, including electronic slip differential, electronic controlled suspension, rev matching, launch control, high-performance tyres and a lap timer. Two engine options will be available in the i30 N – a four-cylinder 2.0-litre T-GDI turbo engine generating 184kW of power and 353Nm, and a performance option generating 202kW, with the same 353Nm of torque. Both versions have a top speed of 250kph. Drivers can adjust the engine, rev-matching, exhaust, suspension and slip differential and stability with five driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, N Mode and N Custom. “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,” says Albert Biermann, executive vice-president of Hyundai’s performance development and high performance vehicle division. The new i30 N is set to launch in New Zealand at the end of the year, with pricing to be announced.