Thinking of purchasing a Hyundai i30 N?

The i30 N has put Hyundai on the map as a maker of excellent hot hatchbacks. In only a few short years, the i30 N has established itself as a genuine alternative to the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf GTI. 

Hyundai has no shortage of challengers for the i30 N. The Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS and Cupra Leon all offer performance thrills in a similarly-sized hatchback package. There are also premium-badged rivals, including the BMW 128ti, Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Audi S3. Arranging a few test-drives should certainly be fun. 

If you are thinking of buying or leasing a Hyundai i30 N, keep reading for all the information you need to know. Why not check out the models available on heycar, too?

History of the Hyundai i30 N 

Hyundai’s entry into the world of performance cars has been a rapid one, with its N sub-brand only established in 2016. Since then, the company has gone on to launch a range of hotted-up cars and SUVs, challenging the usual suspects in the marketplace. 

Such has been Hyundai’s commitment to all things N, it opened a dedicated testing centre at the Nurburgring race track in Germany. The Nurburgring has become a second home for many car manufacturers, who use its twists and turns to refine their performance cars. Hyundai also poached a leading BMW executive, Albert Bierman, to develop its N range. 

The i30 N was the first hot Hyundai to wear the N badge, going on sale in 2017. Hyundai initially offered the car with either 250hp or 275hp engine outputs. Features such as an electronically controlled front differential, bespoke suspension and an aggressive body kit showed the world how serious the i30 N was. A separate five-door i30 N Fastback was launched later. 

A facelift saw exterior styling tweaks made in 2020, and Hyundai dropped the slow-selling 250hp version of the i30 N. As a bonus, power was increased to 280hp, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission added to the options list.  

Is the Hyundai i30 N a good car to buy? 

Buying a hot hatch is traditionally a decision made with your heart, but the Hyundai i30 N proves you can use your head as well. Along with being an enthusiast-pleasing performance car, it still has all the practicality and reliability of a regular i30 family hatchback. 

The i30 N’s handling will instantly remind you this isn’t a normal hatchback, though. It is razor-sharp and accurate, with plenty of grip to boost your confidence. Although the ride can feel a little firm, you will probably be smiling too much to really notice. 

The Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is relentless, and sounds great through the standard sports exhaust. If you buy the version with a manual gearbox, it will automatically match the revs when you change down, making you feel like an expert. 

Although Hyundai only offers the i30 N in two trim levels, this is not an issue, as the standard amount of equipment is very high. Features such as chunky sports seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen are all included. Unlike some rivals, Hyundai still uses real buttons and switches for the climate control, which is a bonus in itself. 

What makes all of the above more attractive is Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, with its new cars backed by a standard five-year warranty. This extends to performance models like the i30 N, meaning you can buy a new or used version with additional peace of mind. 

Hyundai i30 N Verdict 

The Hyundai i30 N is a credible alternative to the benchmark Volkswagen Golf GTI, with a dedicated focus on performance and driving enjoyment. But Hyundai has not forgotten its usual generous standard equipment, nor its five-year warranty.

It is hard to pick fault with the Hyundai i30 N, with a thirst for unleaded petrol and a firm ride being its only real weaknesses. However, these are par for the course with a hot hatch, and no different in rivals such as the Ford Focus ST or Cupra Leon. 

In a relatively short space of time, Hyundai has made a hot hatchback that can truly satisfy car enthusiasts. Whether new or used, the fast and fun i30 N really is a great car to buy. 

Hyundai i30 N models, trims levels & specs

The 2022 Hyundai i30 N hatchback is offered with just one engine, across two different trim levels. Beyond exterior paint colours, Hyundai does not offer optional extras, other than N Light sports seats for the N Performance model. 

• Hyundai i30 N N Performance: Featuring every bit of hardware a hot hatch enthusiast could want, the N Performance is comprehensively equipped. From LED headlights to electronically adjustable suspension and a sports exhaust, it has all the top toys. Comfort has not been forgotten, though, with heated seats, climate control air-con and a reversing camera.

• Hyundai i30 N Drive-N: Launched as a special edition model, Drive-N trim brings special matt bronze alloy wheels to the i30 N. These are matched with black exterior badges, bespoke decals and an interior clad in acres of Alcantara. The Drive-N gains extra safety equipment as well. 

Hyundai i30 N engine sizes & transmission availability

The Hyundai i30 N hatchback is offered with just one engine, which sends its power to the front wheels. Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Here is the engine option available to order on the 2022 Hyundai i30 N. 

• Hyundai i30 N 2.0 T-GDI: There may only be one choice, but the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine amply fulfils the brief. With 280hp, it delivers a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds for the manual version, or 5.4 seconds for the DCT automatic. Average fuel economy is up to 35.3mpg.

If you are considering buying or leasing a second-hand Hyundai i30 N hatchback, there should be a decent number available to pick from. The hot Hyundai has developed a cult following, with later N Performance versions in plentiful supply. Manual gearboxes tend to outnumber automatics in the used marketplace. 

Hyundai i30 N features as standard & optional extras

Standard equipment in the Hyundai i30 N N Performance includes:

• 19-inch forged alloy wheels
• Active performance exhaust
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Electronically controlled suspension
• N exclusive body kit with rear spoiler
• Shark fin antenna
• Black window surround trim
• Black side mirror caps
• Red brake callipers with N logo
• LED headlights with daytime running lights
• Smoked LED tail lights
• LED front fog lights
• Electric folding and heated side mirrors
• Privacy glass
• Climate control air-con
• Rev-matching system
• Stainless steel pedals
• Faux suede and leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable front sports seats
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera
• Keyless entry and start
• 4.25-inch LCD instrument cluster display
• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Satellite navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Forward collision avoidance
• Lane-keeping assist
• Intelligent speed limit warning

The special edition Hyundai i30 N Drive-N adds:

• 19-inch matte bronze alloy wheels
• Black exterior badges
• Special livery decals
• Alcantara upholstery
• N Light sports seats with red stitching
• Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel
• Alcantara-trimmed gear knob and handbrake lever
• Blind-spot collision avoidance
• Rear cross-collision assist
• Safe exit assist

Hyundai i30 N dimensions: exterior, interior, boot, fuel tank capacity

The Hyundai i30 N hatchback’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4,340mm
• Width: 1,795mm
• Height: 1,445mm
• Ground clearance: 132mm

The Hyundai i30 N hatchback’s boot space is:

• 381 litres
• 1,287 litres with rear seats folded

The Hyundai i30 N’s fuel tank capacity is 50 litres.

How much is it to insure a Hyundai i30 N? 

As a hot hatchback, the i30 N will always be more expensive to insure than a regular family car. However, the Hyundai is competitive with its rivals here, and comes with a standard-fit alarm and immobiliser. The N Performance model sits in group 26 (out of 50) for insurance, with the Drive-N version in group 27. Both are below the group 28 rating given to a Volkswagen Golf GTI.