As the battle for the streets between electric power and the internal combustion engine the latter, in one case, is putting up a stiff rearguard action with Hyundai upgrading its i30 N performance car.
The new hot hatch has been given a fresh appearance, advanced technology and enhanced safety equipment’ capped off by swifter access to the fast-and-furious N Grin Shift function. All join a powertrain and driving dynamics that already have put Hyundai’s first ‘N’ at the head of the ‘grid’.
With the MY25 upgrade Australia is the only global market to offer the full Hyundai N range of i20, i30, i30 Sedan and Ioniq 5. As Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer says: “These key updates are about improving the Hyundai i30 N formula without changing the fundamentals … adding to the well-rounded nature of this accessible and exciting performance vehicle.”
The i30 N is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty through Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, which includes Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav Update Plan.
STYLING
The 2025 Hyundai i30 N sports a refreshed face, incorporating a redesigned front radiator grille with red-accented inserts in the intakes. Red detailing extends to the side skirts, adding a further touch of colour. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels have also received a minor facelift showcased in a matte grey colour scheme.
Hyundai badging has also changed, with matte black on the rear and stylised ‘H’ centred on the meshed radiator grille.
INTERIOR
Updated design of the suede-leather-and-Alcantara N bucket seats, with contrast blue stitching, hold occupants comfortably, especially during spirited driving, while the ambience is well supported by new gloss black finish around the gearshift lever.
Boot capacity is 381 litres with the rear seat backs up and 1287 litres with them folded.
Connectivity is better supported by the addition of three USB-C charge points, one in the front and two for back seat passengers, while rain-sensing wipers and an electronic mirror are both now standard, although the latter does have display problems with reflected light.
INFOTAINMENT
Hyundai’s 10.25-inch instrument cluster, offering the driver access to a list of performance metrics such as turbo boost gauges, G-force meter, lap timer and digital speedo, has joined the existing 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and six-speaker DAB+ radio.
Adding advanced technology comes courtesy of Hyundai Bluelink, which includes automatic collision notification, with emergency (SOS) call function, connected routing with live traffic updates, alert services such as geo-fencing, valet, speed and time, remote climate and vehicle functions, navigation send to car, voice recognition and management of vehicle settings.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Among the scattergun upgrades one aspect remains. Tried-and-tested ingredients are at the core of the i30 N. At the forefront is the potent 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine pumping out 206kW at 6000rpm and 392Nm between 2100 and 4700rpm, plus a choice between a six-speed manual, or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the accompaniment of a raw roar from a chrome-tipped exhaust.
SAFETY
Hyundai SmartSense Safety includes forward collision avoidance assist, multi-collision braking, driver attention warning, lane keeping and lane-following assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning and blind spot collision avoidance.
Safety updates include rear occupant alert, which detects if a rear door was opened or shut before the car was started and reminds the driver to check the seats before getting out of the vehicle.
Speed limit assist has the car provide audio and visual cues to appear when the speed limit is exceeded.
DRIVING
The i30 N test car had an early introduction to fickle Australian weather conditions, facing up to the first storm of the summer season. In sheeting rain, the high-performance hatchback took to the conditions as well as many SUVs of today.
With an impending hail threat the car made a hasty retreat to take the last parking slot at an undercover car park. Apart from that ‘unscheduled incident’ the rest of the time with the potent performance vehicle was relatively relaxed.
Even so, in a unique driving experience, the updated steering wheel offered access to exciting possibilities, especially a red button switching to the cockily named NGS (N Grin Shift) over-boost function, delivering 20 second spells of peak power, sharper gear shifts and brassy engine note. The self-satisfied smile on the face of an enthusiastic driver, in this case, lasted a lot longer.
Combined urban/highway fuel consumption, claimed by the maker at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres, compared with real-time figures of a tad over 10 litres per hundred kilometres in the city and 6.6 litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway.
SUMMARY
Roll up, roll up for what could be the last petrol powered i30 N hot hatch to come from Hyundai. The latest upgrade deserves its place as a worthy example of the marque’s fossil-fuelled performance pantheon.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 9
Safety – 6
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 5
Tech – 8
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Hyundai i30 N 2L turbo manual: $50,000
Hyundai i30 N Premium 2L turbo manual: $53,500
Hyundai N 2L turbo automatic: $50,000
Hyundai N Premium 2L turbo automatic: $53,500
Options:
Premium paint $595
Sunroof (Premium) $2000
Note: these prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai i30 N Premium 2-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol, 8sp auto, FWD)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 206kW @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 392Nm @ 2100-4700rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol, 95 RON or more
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 8.5 L/100km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed dual clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4340mm
Width: 1795mm
Height:1445mm
Wheelbase:2650mm
Turning circle: 10.6m
Kerb mass: 1541kg
Fuel tank: 50L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
