We may be in the coldest season of the year, but things have never been hotter at Barry Maney Hyundai – with the manufacturer’s hot hatch in the i30N bringing the heat to the Limestone Coast.
From front to back and left to right, you can tell the Hyundai i30N means business with its aggressive N Sports body kit giving a menacing stance on the road.
The stylish front bumper sports large air intakes and functional brake ducts to help channel cool air to the high-performance 360mm brakes up front, while the sleek LED headlights look fantastic both during the day and at night.
Rounding out the rear of the vehicle is a classy rear hatch spoiler with distinct triangular N brake light, while the bold rear diffuser neatly frames the twin exhaust pipes that complete the race-inspired styling package and make a very tasty sound while doing it!
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, the i30N hatch pumps out 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual clutch sequential transmission, a new addition to allow drivers to experience the high-performance of a paddle shift sequential transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission for regular driving duties, taking the manufacturer’s first true high-performance car to the next level.
While all this power may seem daunting to some, you should not let it intimidate you.
Do not get me wrong, cycling through the Sport and Sport+ Performance modes and tweaking your own personal preferences is where this vehicle truly shines, with steering response tightened right up, suspension rebound stiffened to allow you to feel every inch of the road, gear shifts tuned to snappy precision and we cannot forget the exhaust being opened up to allow the engine to fully breath and emit an awesome rumble; but once you’re done having your spirited drive, switching back to Eco or Normal mode is relaxing and comfortable.
There are definitely still hints of what the car is capable of, but in Eco mode the i30N is far less intense.
The exhaust note is restrained, the steering is more casual and the suspension comfort is premium.
Hopping into the cabin will also get you excited, with the interior design just as luxurious as it is sporty.
The race-inspired ‘N Light’ bucket seats are graced with high-quality leather and Alcantara trim and feature an illuminated N logo which is a really nice touch.
The steering wheel also feels very ‘racey’, with buttons to quickly shift between performance modes and activate a ‘N Custom’ mode, which is symbolised by a chequered flag.
This particular i30N has also been specced up to include a large panoramic sunroof, which I am always a big fan of.
The infotainment system is also top-notch, with the 10.25-inch multimedia display making it easy to quickly change radio stations or audio tracks, access satellite navigation when hitting the road or adjust other settings as you need – such as launch control for those who want to live a little adventurous!
Writing this I almost forgot to touch on the sound quality of the audio system, which is always important when buying a new car! I briefly put the system through its paces when getting familiar with the vehicle driving it around the city streets, where it excelled.
However it did not take long for me to turn it down to listen to the Sports Mode engine note in all its glory.
There are also a host of charging options available within the cabin, with a USB-C port and dual 12V sockets available neatly in the centre dashboard along with a wireless charger that allows plenty of room for event the chunkiest of phones and protective cases.
As with all Hyundais, there is a suite of safety features packed into the i30N to alert you and help avoid any danger on the road so you can focus solely on the enjoyment of driving your hot hatch.
Owners can also rest assured as each i30N is sold with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with a lifetime service, premium roadside support and satellite navigation update plans available as optional extras.
The Hyundai i30N hatch is available in a five colour options, with Atlas White, Engine Red, Phantom Black and the flagship Performance Blue all fantastic options, but for me it’s hard to go past the Shadow Grey, which looks unbelievably good with the gunmetal wheels against the bright red brake calipers – and what’s even better is you can pick this one up without the wait time!
There is so much that can be said about the i30N package, but it is best to experience if for yourself.
So if you’re in the market for a high-performance hot hatch or even a great looking daily driver that packs a punch at an incredible price, pop down and see the team at Barry Maney Hyundai at 40 Percy Street or contact the dealership on 8721 3412 to learn more.
