The refreshed Hyundai i30 N arrives wearing a sharper look and receiving some technical updates. The improved model arrives in Europe in early 2021, but Hyundai isn't discussing American pricing or availability yet.

Power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine remains at 247 bhp (184 kilowatts or 250 PS) and 260 pound-feet (353 Newton-metres) of torque for the standard model. The Performance Package takes the output to 276 bhp (206 kW or 280 PS) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm), which is 5 bhp (3.67 kW or 5 PS) and 29 lb-ft (39 Nm) more than before. This boost lets the model with the Performance Package hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometres per hour) in 5.9 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the original.

Gallery: Hyundai i30 N (2020)

The i30 N gains Hyundai's eight-speed, wet-type dual-clutch gearbox that also available in the 2021 Veloster N in the US. Buyers can still get a six-speed manual, too.

In terms of the design tweaks, the updated i30 N wears the outward flared, trapezoidal grille that's reminiscent of the one on the latest Sonata. There's also more angular styling for the inlets in the lower fascia and side fins with air curtains that reduce turbulence into the wheel wells. V-shaped LED runnings lights are part of the headlamps.

At the other end, the i30 N hatchback (but not the fastback bodystyle) gets a larger spoiler on the roof and revised taillights with a more angular shape. The circular exhaust pipes have a bigger diameter, too.

Inside, the updated i30 N is available with lightweight seats that save 2.2 kilograms (4.85 pounds) over the standard chairs. They also have larger bolsters. The rest of the cabin gets metal pedals and Performance Blue stitching that even appears on the seatbelts. The interior upholstery is black and comes in either cloth or a mix of artificial suede and leather.

To tweak the vehicle's look, there's the optional Performance Package. It includes 19-inch forged wheels that are 14.4 kilograms (31.75 pounds) lighter than the current 19-inch cast pieces. Pirelli P-Zero tyres wrap around them, which replace the standard Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. The pack increases the size of the front brake discs to 360 millimetres (14.17 inches), rather than 13.58 inches (345 millimetres) previously.

Hyundai also improves the i30 N's suite of safety tech. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist now includes pedestrian detection, and there's lane-following assist. With the dual-clutch gearbox, the hatchback has the option of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist that applies the brakes to prevent a collision during lane changes or when parallel parking. There's also Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist that serves a similar function but when the vehicle is in reverse.

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Shift the moment: new Hyundai i30 N enhanced for maximum driving fun

The Hyundai i30 N has been enhanced with a new design focused on performance, emotion and statement

For the first time, the new i30 N will be available with N DCT, a wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission, which offers paddle shifters and enables three new N performance functions for a sportier experience

New 19-inch forged alloy wheels and N Light Seats allow for additional weight reduction, resulting in more agile handling

Additional high-performance driving features combined with updated safety and connectivity technology make the new i30 N a truly racetrack-capable everyday sports car

24 September 2020 - Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new i30 N, which comes with an enhanced design, a new wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT), and new advanced driver assistance and safety features.

With a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations, the new i30 is truly a racetrack-capable everyday sports car.

The i30 N became Hyundai’s first high-performance production car when it launched in 2017. So far, over 25,000 i30 N units have been sold in Europe, and the previous sporty hot hatch has won a number of awards, including the Auto Bild Sports Car of the Year in 2018. Hyundai N models have inspired a community of fans known as “N-thusiasts”.

The new i30 N builds on the success of its predecessor. As well as offering a range of design and driving enhancements, it is also equipped with more lightweight materials, resulting in more agility and better handling.

Like the previous version, the new i30 N is available in both hatchback and fastback body types.

"Since its market debut in 2017, the Hyundai N original high-performance car has received multiple outstanding reviews and awards. Drivers seeking maximum fun-to-drive on the road as well as on the track, now receive an even wider range of performance and design features, with the new Hyundai i30 N. Especially the new design, new wheels, N Light Seats and the new wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission, make the Hyundai N experience sportier and more convenient than ever before." said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

An enhanced exterior design focused on dynamic performance

The new i30 N's design can be described in three words: performance, emotion, statement. Beyond a styling exercise, performance defines the changes made exclusively for the i30 N. Every design feature around the car has been developed with focus on dynamic performance: the new i30 N’s appearance shows that it was naturally born for the racetrack.

At the front, the N signature can be found on the wide centre grille. Its specific, sharp mesh design reminds the viewer of airplane wings and has been optimised to allow efficient engine cooling. The N logo has also been integrated onto the wheel caps.

Other design enhancements include new LED headlamps with V-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Meanwhile, the outer bumper corners, dominated by the typical aerodynamic side fins, incorporate the air curtains to significantly improve the airflow and reduce turbulence into the wheel housing.

The new i30 hatchback N features an updated rear end design, while the rear of the new i30 Fastback N remains unchanged. On the hatchback, the large wing spoiler with the distinctive N triangular brake light creates downforce and excellent balance, while the rear lamps have also been updated and feature a new LED signature. Two large exhaust pipes integrated into the lower bumper diffuser complete the image of the pure high-performance i30 N.

The form following function design of the new i30 N makes the car look fast even in standstill. Purposeful and energetic, it is ready to tackle the road and track.

The new i30 N comes in seven exterior colours, including Performance Blue, which is exclusive to Hyundai N models.

Exterior colours:

Performance Blue
Polar White
Engine Red
Sunset Red
Shadow Gray
Dark Knight
Phantom Black

The new i30 N with standard trim is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. When outfitted with the Performance Package (see below), it comes with a series of design upgrades, including the newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The lightweight, optimised, five-double-spoke wheels were designed for minimum unsprang mass and high strength. Together, the 19-inch forged alloy wheels are 14.4 kg lighter than the current 19-inch casted alloy wheels. Their dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake callipers with N logo, underlines the racing spirit of the car. The new i30 N with Performance Package has also been outfitted with high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres, developed especially for the i30 N, while the standard trim offers Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

Interior design connects car with driver

The interior of the new i30 N is focused on connecting the driver with the car at all touch points. The analogue cluster includes features such as the active variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears. The new i30 N is also available with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

The new i30 N features sporty, metal pedals and Performance Blue stitching on both body types. New to this model are seatbelts with Performance Blue accents. The interior comes in one-tone Black with full cloth or artificial suede and leather seats.

N Light Seats

For the first time, the new i30 N comes with the option of N Light Seats, a set of lightweight, high-performance front seats. These uniquely-designed monoform high-performance sport seats are 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats. The pronounced bolsters offer excellent lateral support. N Light Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara materials and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest for a high-quality feeling.

Improved engine delivers an even more intense motorsport feeling

The new i30 N comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with either a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or – for the first time – a wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT).

With the standard trim, the new i30 N with 6MT delivers a maximum power output of 250 PS and a maximum torque of 353 Nm. New i30 N customers can also select the Performance Package option. With the Performance Package, the engine delivers 280 PS. This is an increase of 5 PS from the original i30 N, and is available with both 6MT and N DCT. The maximum torque for the Performance Package variation has been increased by 39 Nm to 392 Nm.

The 280 PS engine offers flat power, which ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the track. Flat power provides more torque and power at lower RPMs, thus utilising more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations. The new i30 N keeps maximum torque between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM, and achieves maximum power at 5,200 RPM. This improves acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range and delivers a consistently high performance even in a variety of ambient conditions.

Both trim levels have a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and the new i30 N with the Performance Package can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds or 3 per cent as compared to the previous model.

As with its predecessor, the new i30 N is equipped with a range of high-performance driving features including Rev Matching, Launch Control, Rear stiffness bar, and more.

N DCT makes the new i30 N even more fun to drive

The new N DCT eight-speed dual clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features, making the new i30 N even more fun to drive. N DCT is a wet type transmission, meaning that oil is used to cool the clutch components, which creates less friction and allows a higher amount of torque to be transferred through the gearbox. The new transmission option was designed to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Drivers can choose to enter manual mode and shift gears either by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the gear stick. The paddle shifters allow the driver to shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel for an even sportier experience. If the driver decides to use the gear lever instead, the gear lever comes with sporty shifting logic: to downshift, push forward, and to upshift, pull back.

The N DCT enables three new N performance functions for even more driving fun: N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift.
N Grin Shift (NGS) releases maximum power of the engine and transmission for 20 seconds – performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function.

N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances fun to drive by giving a “push feel” when upshifting.

Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognises when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving, for example on a racetrack, and activates automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it provides optimal performance, just like a professional race car driver.

N Grin Control System

As with the previous generation i30 N, the N Grin Control System gives customers the choice between five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. The driving modes adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), N Corner Carving Differential (Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential), exhaust sound, steering, and transmission to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for each of these components to match driving preferences and road conditions.

Ride and handling

As with its predecessor, the new i30 N features an Electronic Controlled Suspension. The suspension and steering systems have been retuned, resulting in improved ride and handling performance for both transmission types.

Customers who select the Performance Package can also benefit from the N Corner Carving Differential, an Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Additionally for the Performance Package, the front brake disc size has been increased from 345mm to 360mm for a better braking performance.

The weight saved through the high-performance N Light Seats and 19-inch forged alloy wheels results in better performance and handling for a more agile driving experience.

Safety

The new i30 N has been upgraded to include more Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driver assistance features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist has been upgraded to include pedestrian detection (FCA-P). Lane Following Assist (LFA) works to keep the vehicle centred in its lane even before the vehicle begins to drift to one side. The hatchback version of the new i30 N with N DCT comes with the option of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R). This function can activate the brakes to prevent a collision when switching lanes on the highway or when exiting a parallel parking spot. Similarly, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also available on the hatchback with N DCT, can activate the brakes when an obstruction is detected directly behind the vehicle and the car is in reverse, such as when exiting a normal parking spot.

Hyundai SmartSense safety features:

[NEW] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle and now also with pedestrian detection (FCA-P)
[NEW] Lane Following Assist (LFA)
[NEW] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) (hatchback only)
[NEW] Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R) (only DCT, hatchback only)
[NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning (RCCW) (hatchback only)
[NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) (only DCT, hatchback only)

Another safety feature, e-call, can contact emergency services at the push of a button, and automatically contacts first responders if the vehicle’s airbags have been deployed.

Tech & Connectivity
The new i30 N features a Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s track skills, with updated graphics for even more ease of use. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also includes a lap and acceleration timer, which comes in handy on the track.

The new i30 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a range of new benefits and services for Hyundai customers including Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation and live parking information, and a new user profile feature.

Technical Specifications

The new i30 N will be available in Europe starting in early 2021. Exact timing and pricing will vary by market.