2024 Hyundai i30 N: The Hatchback That Captures the Spirit of Performance
Hyundai has firmly established itself in the automotive landscape with the i30 hatch, capturing the hearts of Millennials who adore its blend of style and practicality. This model has become a staple among popular vehicles, ranking alongside the likes of Toyotas, Mazdas, and Teslas for over three years. But Hyundai didn't stop there; to gain serious street cred, the i30 had to evolve—and boy, did it.
The Game Changer: i30 N
The arrival of the i30 N in 2017 marked a turning point. While Volkswagen had been perfecting the Golf GTI into the ultimate hot hatch since the 1970s, Hyundai managed to leapfrog the competition in just one generation. The i30 N quickly garnered a fanbase, especially among younger drivers with a penchant for performance—those who revel in the thrill of driving.
Fast forward to 2024, and Hyundai has refined the i30 N further, amplifying its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Performance Aesthetics
The i30 N's aesthetic is a blend of sporty elegance and bold design. Unlike the Golf GTI, known for its tartan-patterned seats and golf-ball gear knob, the i30 N introduces unique design cues under its N performance division. Expect vibrant Performance Blue highlights and striking red accents, ensuring the car stands out on the road.
Recently, I had the opportunity to drive a range of high-performance vehicles, including the Land Rover Defender, Lotus Emira, and Audi RS6 Avant. Yet, in ‘N’ mode with the exhaust flaps fully open, the i30 N roared louder than all of them—echoing through the tunnels of Parkes Way, much to the chagrin of local students.
A Fun, Yet Practical Design
The 2024 i30 N Sedan takes cues from its hatchback counterpart, dropping the Elantra name in favor of a model that aims to capitalize on the hatch's success. While the sedan's design resembles a "shrink-wrapped cheese slicer" compared to the rounder hatch, it is undeniably striking—think of it as a supercar with an extra pair of doors. However, at $52,000 before on-road costs, some interior elements could benefit from softer materials like suede instead of hard plastic.
One noticeable downside is the unchanged infotainment system. Unfortunately, drivers still have to plug their phones in for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. Moreover, the much-maligned safety alerts are still present, interrupting the driving experience. Still, none of this overshadows the i30 N's core strengths.
Under the Hood
The heart of the i30 N is a potent two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a formidable 206 kW of power through the front wheels. Drivers can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, which boasts a thrilling 0-100 km/h time of just 5.3 seconds.
Beneath the surface, Hyundai has made significant improvements. A red metal bar spanning the boot area is just a glimpse into the performance engineering at play—stiffer and lighter driveshafts, wheel bearings, and suspension bushes contribute to a driving experience that's fast and exhilarating.
For those looking for an extra thrill, the red ‘NGS’ (N Grin Shift) button on the steering wheel ramps up engine power and gear shift speed for a quick burst of excitement—perfect for when you want to impress your friends or simply enjoy the ride.
Everyday Usability
While the i30 N is undeniably sporty, it's also designed to be practical. Its suspension is tuned specifically for Australian roads, making it more forgiving on less-than-ideal surfaces. It may not match the refinement of a Golf GTI, but the i30 N remains sharp, eager, and—most importantly—fun to drive.
In summary, the 2024 Hyundai i30 N Sedan is a thrilling addition to Hyundai's lineup, blending performance, design, and everyday usability. For anyone seeking a high-performance vehicle that doesn’t compromise on practicality, the i30 N is hard to beat.
Specifications:
- Price: $52,000 (plus on-road costs)
- Engine: 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Power: 206 kW / 392 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Fuel Efficiency: 8.3 litres per 100 km (95 RON)
- 0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds
- Weight: 1539 kg
- Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
The Hyundai i30 N isn’t just a car; it’s a statement—a perfect blend of thrill and everyday usability that speaks to the hearts of driving enthusiasts everywhere.