Driven | Hyundai i30 N DCT
Quick Facts
- Price: R811 000
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
- Power/Torque: 206kW/392nm
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 8.9L/100kms (claimed)
- 0-100: 5.4s
So we’ve been spending time sampling the Hyundai i30 N DCT. With the model having caused quite a stir when it arrived, we had to put the model through its paces. The i30 N was the first offering from Hyundai's N (performance) division, and the vision was clear from the onset; take on the beloved Golf GTI, and surpass it! Did they do enough to surpass it? well, find out below.
Exterior
There is no denying its brilliance in terms of appearance. From the front to the back, the hot hatch has a sporty appearance. Everyone stares at the intimidating front with its pointed snout that is enhanced by red accents and N emblems. The rear is very attractive with its dual circular pipes on either end, which look and sound really menacing, especially in its N mode. Everyone stares at the model's pops and bangs. We refer to it as "Forex boy spec" and it's rather lovely.
Interior
Inside, the User Interface is rather unexciting. The cabin feels a little disappointing in comparison to the vehicle's eye-catching outward design. It's like the designers just ran out of steam when they had to work on the cabin. Simple to use and very ergonomic yes, featuring one USB connector, a 12V plug, and phone mirroring as a standard. While it is rather an uninspiring interior, the materials are comfortable to the touch, and the arrangement is functional. You still get knobs for important things like volume as well as aircon controls something that is now long gone from their German rival, the GTI. The multi-functional steering wheel is attractive to look at and comfortable to hold.
It was quite nice to see the analogue dials on the speedometer in a world where digital displays have mostly replaced them
Another impressive feat in the Hyundai i30 N has to be the supportive electrically adjustable sports seats, which are upholstered in suede and leather and feel excellent. They offer excellent bolstering and both front seats are heated and have several adjustment options.
The model is also equipped with ample cup holders and storage space. In order to haul around your buddies and convince them that your pipers are loud, a hot hatch needs to be practical as well. In any case, the i30 N can comfortably fit three persons in the back. Legroom is a little bit acceptable. You can easily transport your guests and their belongings thanks to the 381-litre boot capacity, which is also fairly roomy. Right, that's nice practicality.
Drive
This is where you might have immediately scrolled down to. Drive impressions, you obviously want to know how it fares.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 206kW (yes more than the other German hot hatch) and 392nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed Dual clutch. You have the option to select from Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and Custom configurations that suit your mood, and there's even more fun to be relished with three new N performance characteristics, N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, and N Track Sense Shift.
Well, the i30 N's throttle response is a little sluggish at first, but energy soon develops as revs rise over 1500rpm. Above that, in normal mode, the engine reacts promptly and generously to increased throttle pressure. When you switch to sport mode, the engine responds noticeably faster, as it should.
N Grin Shift (NGS); The name seems laughable, but the function is not. It activates maximum powertrain intensity for 20 seconds by pressing a button on the steering wheel. We might argue that this is to help drivers get out of tricky situations or to do a fast overtake, but in truth, it is a frivolous function that will make you feel good and allow you to brag to your friends. It features rally-car backfires on trailing throttle and downshifts, as well as a countdown meter on the instrument cluster that indicates when NGS will return you to 'normal' mode.
In its extreme sports N Mode, the vehicle is too harsh, but you are able to play around with the settings a little to soften it up. We tried as many settings as we could to achieve the ideal balance, but the ride only stayed somewhat stiff, and here is where we believe Hyundai somewhat fell short. It could not go between being a submissive machine to a hooligan at the push of a button, like the other German hatch. Yes, the quality of our roads has a significant impact on how we experience these vehicles, but the i30 N for us just seemed quite firm.
A wonderful track weapon that handles well was certainly constructed, however, it's possible that they overlooked the fact that not everyone would use that weapon on the track often. While maintaining the electronically adjustable suspension in its most relaxed setting and using the softest driving mode is the secret around town, you still feel the bumps far more than you should. Simply said, it isn't as slick as the other German hot hatch or the nearby Honda Civic Type R. With the exception of the massive rear pillar's tendency to generate a blind spot, visibility is good. Even in Comfort mode, the steering is somewhat heavy but manageable for parking. The lesson in this is that it is a firm vehicle.
Last word
Please do not get us wrong, As far as fun goes, the Hyundai i30 N is up there with some of the best hot hatches and ultimately, the Hyundai i30 N will be somewhat appealing if you're willing to sacrifice some comfort for a lot of excitement. The Hyundai i30 N also comes well equipped and the only options are the 5 different paint choices to choose from. If you have to compare the Golf 8 GTI and the i30 N's base specifications, it is clear that additional costs are necessary to bring the Volkswagen up to the Hyundai's level of equipment. Fuel consumption also creeps up on you, but then hey it is a hot hatch.
So the question is; Did they do enough to surpass the other German hot hatch?
While they have developed a thoroughbred track weapon that drives and handles incredibly well, we think they may have missed the memo in terms of creating a car that is able to switch from being a hard hitter to a normal daily drive, and this is where that other German hot hatch has an upper hand, especially in our country.
