Hyundai has given the i30 N more power and a dual-clutch transmission

Tuesday, 17 August 2021

Watch the Hyundai i30 N do fast things at a race track.

The Hyundai i30 N hatchback and fastback have been given an upgrade, consisting of the same aesthetics package as the vanilla i30, more power and a dual-clutch automatic option for the transmission.

Output of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has risen to 206kW/392Nm, while dual-clutch models get Hyundai’s ‘N Grin Shift’ system. This can add a power boost for a maximum of 20 seconds, though Hyundai doesn’t say exactly how much more power you get.

DCT buyers also get N Power Shift, which “mitigates any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels” (whatever that means) and N Track Sense Shift, which activates automatically when the road conditions are right and enables faster shifting.

The i30 N is more powerful this year, and shifts gears by itself.

All i30 Ns come with rev matching and launch control as well. Hyundai says a 0-100kmh sprint should be achieved in 5.4 seconds, presumably with the DCT transmission.

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Don’t worry, manual fans – you can still buy an i30 N with three pedals.

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Other updates to the hot hatch/hot fastback include 19-inch forged alloy wheels, which shed 14.4kg compared to the outgoing cast alloy wheels, fitted with specially-developed Pirelli P Zero tyres. Inside is a wireless charging pad, smart key/push-button start and an Alcantara option for the interior trim.

The safety kit has been updated as well, with blind-spot collision warning (on the hatch only, for unknown reasons), lane following assist and rear cross-traffic collision warning. The blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are both only available with the DCT transmission.

Carrying over from the older model are electronic suspension, five ride modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom), an electronic limited-slip differential and large performance front brakes.

Price has changed for 2021, with the manual hatchback now starting at $58,990. The DCT hatch is a fair jump at $65,990.

Fastback pricing starts at $62,990 for the manual and $69,990 for the DCT, but it should be mentioned that the Fastback models come with a sunroof, which the hatchback doesn’t get.