Hyundai reveals 271bhp i30 N hot hatch

Hyundai has unveiled the i30 N, the first car to wear its performance N badge.

Inspired by Hyundai’s WRC efforts, the front-wheel-drive hot hatchback is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With the performance package option, this produces 271bhp and 260Ib-ft of torque, meaning a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 155mph.

The performance package also includes Pirelli P-Zero tyres, an electronic differential and a variable exhaust valve system. Improved stopping power comes from red N brake calipers and larger brake discs — 18 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear.

As for the exterior, the i30 N sports aggressive front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes and a red character line to highlight the car’s performance nature.

The standard car develops 246bhp and 260Ib-ft of torque, with a slightly longer 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds.

There are two alloy wheel options, either an 18-inch set or a 19-inch set — the latter of which features the N logo, designed to symbolise a chicane.

Inside the car, there are sports seats — featuring bolstering and strengthened lumbar support — that can be finished in a combination of suede and leather or cloth.

As for tech, there are four driving modes — normal, sport and eco, which can be selected on the left of the steering wheel, and N-mode, which is selected by a specially marked button.

Hyundai says the gauge cluster is designed for “more passionate drivers” and features a light that indicates peak shift times for track-focused driving — the optimal zone fluctuates based on the engine oil’s temperature for best performance.

Albert Biermann, executive vice President of performance development and high-performance vehicle division at Hyundai said: “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.

“With the high-performance N models, we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine. That’s why we measure high-performance in BPM, heart beats per minute instead of only RPM.”