The hot hatch market just got more exciting as Hyundai presents their newest addition. This would be launched in Australia sometime between September & December this year. The Korean carmaker aims to wow everyone with this fierce competitor as it comes in two variants, the “Standard Package” and the “Performance Package.”

A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is fitted in both variants. The drive is sent to its front wheels from its manual six-speed gearbox that has a rev-matching function. The Standard i30N has 184 kW at 6000 rpm and 353 Nm from 1450-4000 rpm and its launch feature allows it to have a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds.

Now the performance package, as its name implies, brings a few more things to the table. It has up to 202kW at 6000 rpm. Without the peak torque changing, it has ample distribution at 1450-4700 rpm.      

Some are not too thrilled by the fake engine noise produced by the electronic sound generator of the i30N, but a variable exhaust valve system present in the Performance package might just take care of that issue. Other perks include an electronically limited slip differential (E-LSD) goes very well with the McPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension and adaptive dampers. Those would come in really handy on slippery roads.  

What makes a car really desirable is not just how it looks but also the safety features you absolutely need on the road. The i30N has forward collision warning, driver fatigue alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition, high beam assist, and the AEB.

The i30N is not about to let down customers who value style a lot. It has a sports body kit with a  front splitter, side skirts, bold front and rear bumpers. It comes with roof-mounted rear spoiler with a gloss-black finish and dual exhaust tips. 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 Michelin tyres come with the Standard unit and the Performance variant rolls with 19-inch rims shod with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero rubber with larger disc brakes and red calipers.

The seats have a sporty look and come with lumbar support to ensure driving comfort. It is available in suede, leather or cloth giving it an edge over the more mainstream i30 hatch.

Smartphone users can rest easy and use the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging in the car along with the other equipment, like the 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation with live traffic.

Overall the i30N Standard package could have a kerb weight between 1400 – 1480 kg and the Performance package, would be a little heavier with 1429-1509 kg. These could change depending on local specification.

Now, the real question in everyone’s head is “How much do I need for this?” As this is a fairly new model, some details are still kept secret, but prices are estimated to be less than $41,490 for the standard model and less than $47,990 for the Performance unit.

If you are keen to get your hands on Hyundai’s new hot hatch but you don’t have the disposable income on hand, don’t stress. We can provide you with a fixed interest rate car loan so that you can pre-order and get on the road sooner.