Hyundai’s new performance hatch was developed on the track, but can it also deliver a fun – and refined – drive on British roads?
The Hyundai i30 N – which was declared a Game Changer in the 2018 Autocar Awards – was born and honed on the track, but this was just one part of Hyundai’s compelling drive to make an outstanding performance hatch for all-round everyday driving.
Hyundai also went to great lengths to test the i30 N on everyday British roads in order to make sure it worked in the real world. That’s why, as well as using science to explain how the i30 N thrilled a group of PistonHeads hot hatch enthusiasts on-track, we also gave the i30 N to a couple of PistonHeaders to get their impressions on the twisty B-roads of North Wales.
To learn more about the Hyundai i30 N, head to hyundai.co.uk/new-cars/i30n
Developed on-track
With up to 275PS and 353Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbo engine, an in-car adjustable Electronically Controlled Suspension, and an advanced Electronic Limited Slip Differential that was specially engineered by Hyundai for N Performance models, it has always been clear that the i30 N has the track-honed tech under its skin to deliver the performance credentials that matter.
On-track testing was key to the i30 N’s development. It was born at Namyang, Hyundai’s R&D facility in South Korea, and honed at the Nürburgring, with over 420 laps of the challenging 13-mile Nordschleife layout – the equivalent of 110,000 miles of severe driving – in just four weeks.
That produced a chassis and engine that are electrifying to drive on-track, as well as being fun and engaging to drive on twisty B-roads. But, to truly live up to the ‘performance hatch’ tag, the i30 N had to also be easy and refined to drive on long trips – comfortable, practical, and packed with all of the in-car tech that you’d expect in a modern hatchback.
Refined for the road
As you’d expect from a Hyundai, the i30 N is incredibly well equipped. Up front, there’s a large 8” touchscreen with sat-nav and smartphone connectivity for music and phone calls via USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a wireless charging pad for compatible devices.
Little touches such as cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and LED headlights with smart high beam make everyday driving easier and safer, while modern driving aids such as Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking add an extra layer of ease and confidence to road driving.
Finally, at the start and end of every journey, parking sensors with a reversing camera, and smart keyless entry make even the slow-speed stuff simple. All combined with a practical rear load space that offers 381-litres with the rear seats up, it makes the i30 N the perfect car for both track days and road trips.
via Autobuzz Today
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