The hot hatch sector may be fierce, but Hyundai means business with the i30N. This is the Korean car maker’s first dedicated model to represent Hyundai’s emerging high-performance vehicle division, otherwise known as ‘N’.

The N brand may still be in its infancy -  the moniker was first introduced on the Hyundai i20 WRC rally car in 2014 – yet the team behind this race-inspired road car are proven, with some big hires coming from BMW’s M Division.

Two versions are set to go on UK sale in January 2018: the 247bhp i30 N and the range-topping 271bhp i30 N Performance on test here. Both versions use a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, but the Performance is fitted with bigger wheels, bigger brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential. It's expected to account for more than 90 percent of UK sales. 

First impressions

Rest assured this isn’t just a regular Hyundai i30 with exclusive Performance Blue paint. The i30 N Performance has been two and half years in the making and features hefty mechanical and aero upgrades.

Compared to the regular five-door hatchback, the i30N Performance sits 8mm lower with extended arches to accommodate 19-inch wheels, bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tyres and distinctive red N branded brake callipers with larger brake discs (18-inch at the front, 17-inch at the rear). The black side sills help to make the car look lower, while the third triangular brake light and rear diffuser, bookended by a pair of exhausts, offer a motorsport vibe.

Under the skin,...