Hyundai i30 N Hot Hatch To Debut This Week

Hyundai will reveal its first N-branded hot hatch this week, and is getting us ready for the launch of the Volkswagen Golf GTI-rivalling i30 N with a teaser that shows, albeit briefly, the car undisguised for the first time. It's only a 14-second video, but it still shows us a few nuggets from the new hot hatch: red pinstriping, big wheels and 'N' logo on the grille to depict the firm's new performance division. 

Gunning for the Golf GTI means Hyundai won't go light on the power. We're expecting at least 250-horsepower from even the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo model, and upwards of 275hp for the 'performance pack' variant. This model is also expected to feature a limited-slip differential and other higher-performance tweaks. All models will be front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual at launch and a dual-clutch automatic following later. 

250hp will put it level-pegging with the Ford Focus ST, something the all-new four-cylinder engine should easily be capable of. We'd love to think it could ultimately offer 300hp or more, allowing Hyundai to pitch a rival to the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS, but that's something for further down the line. It would ideally need four-wheel drive for this, too.

Hyundai will fully reveal the new i30 N on 13 July. Expect plentiful references to the Nürburgring, at which it seems to have been developing (and racing) the new model for eons. Former BMW dynamics guru Albert Biermann is now in charge of Hyundai N, and won't want the first hot Hyundai developed under his watch to disappoint: which makes it almost certain Hyundai will in time attempt to set a new Nürburgring lap record with it, right?

Source: Hyundai