As an avid efficiency automobile fan, I can’t assist however tip my hat to Hyundai and what it has achieved with its N efficiency sub-brand.
Be aware: It is a revised model of our current evaluation of the Hyundai i30 N, as there have been no main modifications to the mannequin because it was printed.
We now have up to date key particulars akin to pricing and specs with the freshest info accessible. Learn our newest value and specs article right here for all the main points.
In simply over a decade, Hyundai N has turn into a family title in each motorsport and the final automotive sphere, shifting public notion of a model that beforehand struggled to generate fanatic pleasure.
As Toyota has completed with its Gazoo Racing division, Hyundai has reinvigorated the eagerness for driving by providing reasonably priced and sporty automobiles with out compromise, regardless of business pressures to focus solely on saving the planet.
The 2 producers have confirmed that ever-tightening emissions rules don’t must spell the tip of enjoyable on 4 wheels, at the least whereas electrical automobiles (EVs) discover their ft.
And for Hyundai, it was the i30 N that began all of it. First launched in 2017, the i30 N has gone on to spearhead the Hyundai N model, providing a mix of raucous thrills and on a regular basis usability at a pointy value level.
The mannequin has gone by a couple of iterations since its inception, and Hyundai has tinkered with the recipe once more for 2025.
Modifications embrace a brand new matte gray end for the 19-inch solid wheels, a revised grille, and crimson trim on the aspect skirts and entrance bumper inserts.
Inside, it will get a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster just like the i30 Sedan N, and the suite of security know-how has additionally been upgraded. Nonetheless, costs are up too, by as a lot as $4300.
Does that imply the i30 N has misplaced a few of its sparkle because the folks’s efficiency? Or is it nonetheless a refreshingly centered different to softer rivals such because the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Subaru WRX?
How a lot does the Hyundai i30 N price?
The Hyundai i30 N has obtained a value enhance throughout a lot of the vary for 2025.
Handbook variants are up $3800, and there’s been a $800 rise for computerized examples in comparison with the pre-update mannequin.
The flagship i30 N Premium is $4300 dearer in handbook guise, whereas Premium auto is $200 cheaper.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai i30 N handbook | $50,000 |
| 2025 Hyundai i30 N auto | $50,000 |
| 2025 Hyundai i30 N Premium handbook | $53,500 |
| 2025 Hyundai i30 N Premium auto | $53,500 |
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the Hyundai i30 N like on the within?
It’s clear from the cabin of the i30 N that a lot of the price range for this mannequin was allotted to efficiency upgrades. I’m okay with that, as a result of the inside stays user-friendly with simply sufficient spice to encourage some spirited driving.
The i30 N is predicated on a small mainstream hatch, and Hyundai hasn’t tried to cover that reality.
Because of this, the inside panels are adorned in onerous, scratchy plastics, and even the plastic handbrake lever misses out on an upscale makeover.
With that mentioned, different high-traffic areas have been given the N therapy to carry the cabin up a notch, beginning with the seats.
Not like different inside components which have been given a nip or tuck, the seats within the i30 N are bespoke to the efficiency mannequin. Two chair choices can be found – this ‘base’ mannequin is fitted with cloth-trimmed sport seats, whereas the Premium good points correct buckets.
The ‘consolation’ seats strike a pleasant stability – they’re snug and supportive, with comfortable bolstering and energy lumbar adjustment. N-specific stitching and embroidery additional units the quick flagship other than an N-Line bundle.
In the case of purposeful driving, you sit low and comfortable with glorious visibility throughout. Some scorching hatches undergo from an elevated driving place that disconnects driver from car, however that’s not the case right here.
Whereas the pews are elegant and simple to stay with, they lack mod cons akin to energy adjustment and heating. You’ll must step as much as the Premium trim for the latter.
It’s an improve that I’d be inclined to make, because the heated bucket seats are extra befitting of a scorching hatch on this vein.
Different outstanding contact factors together with the steering wheel and shifter are completed in delicate leather-based with blue stitching. The steering wheel is especially satisfying to deal with, re-trimmed with perforated aspect panels and loads of texture.
A pair of vivid blue N paddles plus the crimson overboost button add visible drama and simply accessible efficiency performance.
However if you wish to add a bit extra depth to your drive, it’s value delving into the suite of inside know-how.
New for 2025 is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which replaces a set of analogue gauges and 4.2-inch display screen.
The replace is welcome, because the digital show modernises the cabin and affords a extra various array of readouts.
Every drive mode has its personal distinctive visible theme, and the cluster may be simply configured to indicate journey knowledge, gasoline financial system, lap instances, tyre pressures, temperatures, and turbo enhance strain along with your commonplace speedometer and rev counter.
The overhauled instrument structure is definitely probably the most vital change for the 2025 mannequin yr, and it received’t go unnoticed.
Over to the left is a well-recognized 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which one way or the other manages to be each bland and groundbreaking.
It could be previous information now, however Hyundai’s N settings menu nonetheless stands out as some of the complete efficiency customisation choices available on the market.
You may tinker with nearly each side of the driving expertise, and that’s earlier than you get to distinctive options like ‘monitor sense’, ‘energy shift’ and ‘street sense’.
It may be overwhelming at first, and the tech takes a little bit of getting used to, however it’s value it for the continuing advantages of full management over your drive.
Taking off the new hatch hat for a second, the remainder of the infotainment system is straightforward to navigate with an app grid structure and written labels for every operate.
It doesn’t essentially have the perfect processing energy, as contact inputs are generally met with sluggish responses from the display screen, however options are plentiful for a automobile on this phase.
Satellite tv for pc navigation is commonplace, as is a low-resolution reversing digital camera. Then again, wi-fi smartphone mirroring isn’t – an ongoing frustration that sees the i30 N hand over floor to its rivals.
Beneath the centre stack you’ll discover a triple deal with of charging shops (USB-A, USB-C and 12V), in addition to a wi-fi charging pad. The i30 maintains bodily dials and buttons for the dual-zone local weather management system.
One of many advantages of a scorching hatches is that they keep the practicality of the financial system automobile they’re primarily based on, and that’s no completely different right here. The i30 N affords roomy split-section door bins, a big glovebox, centre console storage, and a sun shades holder.
Practicality within the again, nevertheless, isn’t so nice. To be able to get seated behind my regular driving place I used to be pressured to carry out an undignified leg unfold, and the onerous plastic seatbacks aren’t conducive snug resting of knees.
At 6’1″, I had greater than sufficient headroom, however the lack of legroom is limiting for transporting adults within the second row. The transmission tunnel sits good and low, so the center seat is useable for passengers on the smaller aspect.
Facilities embrace a pair of USB-C shops, map pockets and a centre armrest with built-in cupholders, though air vents are notably absent. Slender door bins are simply giant sufficient for a drink bottle, however I think about that it might be onerous to succeed in on the transfer.
When used as a two-seater, the 60/40-split second-row bench within the i30 N folds right down to unlock extra cargo house. The driving force would must be brief although, because the rear seat again wasn’t capable of fold flat behind my driving place.
The boot itself can be compromised, with a whopping nice strut brace spanning its width. In equity, it’s solely an actual obstacle if you need to utilise the bench storage.
Steel bar apart, the boot within the i30 N has a aggressive 381 litres of house, and helpful options akin to bag hooks and a 12V socket. Below the boot flooring you’ll discover a space-saver spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Hyundai i30 N |
|---|---|
| Size | 4340mm |
| Width | 1795mm |
| Peak | 1445mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650mm |
| Boot capability | 381-1287L |
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Modifications for the 2025 mannequin yr haven’t prolonged to the powertrain, which stays unaltered.
Discover out extra
Discover out extra concerning the automobile
| Specs | Hyundai i30 N |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 206kW |
| Torque | 392Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch computerized (DCT) |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1541kg (kerb) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.3 seconds |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 8.5L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 12.0L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 50L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 197g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1600kg |
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Hyundai i30 N drive?
Relying on the way you set it up, the i30 N can both be the silliest or best scorching hatch going round.
It’s all within the drive modes, and the way you select to deploy them.
I received’t faux to know all of the technical wizardry happening beneath the pores and skin, however the infotainment system within the i30 N homes a settings display screen devoted to particular person customisation of the driving expertise, from exhaust noise to steering weight, transmission velocity, engine mapping, suspension firmness, ESC, and the e-LSD.
The vary of customisation accessible is exceptional for a automobile at this value level – it’s the form of factor you affiliate with high-end luxurious automobiles and supercars.
As you’d anticipate, the i30 N begins up in ‘Regular’ mode. But it surely’s instantly clear that that is far out of your run-of-the-mill i30.
The i30 N produces a meaty burble at idle, and that doesn’t actually disappear until you turn it into ‘Eco’ mode.
Fruity exhaust apart, the i30 N performs good round city with clean energy supply and slick shifts by way of its dual-clutch transmission. There’s little to no jerkiness from the gearbox at low speeds both, which is a typical criticism of DCT-equipped automobiles.
Direct and well-weighted steering makes this pocket rocket a pleasure to drive in city environments – you possibly can simply dart between lanes, or navigate tight suburban streets.
And with its compact dimensions, no hole in site visitors or parking house is just too small. Sitting atop the i30 vary, the N is kitted out with a reversing digital camera in addition to front and rear parking sensors, not that they’re strictly crucial.
Though the i30 N is comparatively effectively sorted as a metropolis automobile, it’s not with out weaknesses.
The N is extra stiffly sprung than the variants beneath it, and that firmness interprets right into a bouncy journey on imperfect surfaces. For that cause I most popular the suspension in its softest setting, even when driving in a spirited method.
That mentioned, I did pattern the suspension in sports activities mode. My recommendation… don’t. It’s method too harsh for each day driving, and solely value contemplating for a monitor day.
One other concern I encountered with the i30 N was its lack of floor clearance. Sat good and low, the automobile is susceptible to scraping on driveways and velocity humps greater than even some sports activities automobiles I’ve pushed just lately. Not a dealbreaker for many, however it’s one thing value being conscious of.
In the same vein, the proximity sensors unfold across the exterior physique panels are hit or miss, generally detecting obstacles that aren’t there. Add that to the checklist of minor annoyances.
However house owners of a driver’s automobile just like the i30 N are prone to seize upon alternatives to skip city, and meaning hitting the freeway.
As soon as once more, the varied drive modes turn out to be useful right here. Coasting at 100km/h in consolation mode, the i30N stays civilised regardless of noticeably elevated street noise from the Pirelli P Zero efficiency tyres.
You’d think about that 19-inch alloys would do the journey no favours, however I used to be pleasantly stunned.
A not-so-pleasant shock… the i30 N nonetheless doesn’t have adaptive cruise management. That’s massively disappointing, particularly when you think about that each one of its principal rivals ticks this field.
As an alternative, i30 N consumers are pressured to accept common cruise management with lane centring. Not solely is adaptive cruise helpful for lengthy journeys, however it eases the burden of cease/begin site visitors throughout busy commuting durations.
Let’s not get too caught within the weeds, although. When introduced open roads to specific itself, the i30 N nonetheless units the usual for smiles per mile at this value level.
As quickly as you activate N mode, the kid inside each you and the automobile comes out to play. What was a sporty exhaust notice transforms right into a symphony of pops, bangs and DCT ‘farts’, all of that are unapologetically raucous.
Some will really feel the racket is a little bit too boy racer for his or her liking, however as a younger man in his 20s with few duties, I couldn’t get sufficient.
Having mentioned that, if you wish to have time with out ruining another person’s day, Sport mode ditches the delinquent fake gunfire with out compromising on quantity or basic exhaust tone. It lends extra airtime to all of the enjoyable turbo spooling sounds, too.
Regardless, the i30 N affords extra than simply noise. Twisty nation roads reveal the potential of its chassis, which is playful and welcoming of onerous, spirited driving.
The front-end of the i30 N is eager to tackle corners – agile and light-weight on its ft, with mountains of grip to drag you thru bends. The digital LSD little question helps with this.
You’ll undoubtedly expertise understeer on the restrict given the front-wheel drive structure of the i30 N, however I didn’t attain that restrict all through this week-long take a look at.
Straight stretches of tarmac are equally satisfying. The massive crimson N Grin Shift button unleashes most energy and extra-snappy shifts for as much as 20 seconds, and I used it liberally.
The thrills of accelerating within the i30 N are compounded by the efficiency and tactility of Hyundai’s DCT transmission, which affords slick shifts and instantaneous response from wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
When left to its personal gadgets the gearbox performs equally effectively, except for holding gears a little bit too lengthy.
Rounding out the suite of enjoyable efficiency options within the i30 N is launch management. Visitors mild grand prix, right here we come!
It’s this mixture of functionality and enjoyable that ranks the i30 N among the many finest worth efficiency automobiles that cash should purchase.
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
The 2025 i30 N is available in two flavours – an unnamed base mannequin, and the range-topping Premium.
2025 Hyundai i30 N tools highlights:
- 19-inch solid alloy wheels in gray (space-saver spare tyre)
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Digital Management Suspension with Regular, Sport, and Sport+ modes
- Rear stiffness bar
- Revised N styling
- Automated high-beam
- Reflector LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights (DRLs)
- LED tail-lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Puddle lights
- Door deal with courtesy lights
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Rear privateness glass
- Fabric seats
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and equipment selector
- Twin-zone local weather management (with clear air operate)
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker sound system
- 3x USB-C charging factors (one entrance, two rear)
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- LED inside lighting
i30 N Premium variants add:
- Photo voltaic windscreen, entrance door glass
- Heated N Gentle bucket seats
- Alcantara upholstery with leather-based accents
- Heated steering wheel
- Elective panoramic sunroof ($2000)
The suite of Hyundai Bluelink linked automobile providers consists of:
- Automated collision notification
- Emergency name (SOS) operate
- Stay site visitors info
- Voice assistant
- Alert providers together with geo-fencing, valet, velocity and time alerts
- Distant management of local weather and car capabilities by way of smartphone app
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Hyundai i30 N secure?
A five-star ANCAP security ranking applies to hatch variations of the Hyundai i30 constructed previous to 1 January 2025, however automobiles constructed from January 1 onwards are unrated.
Security tools fitted to the i30 N consists of:
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Rear occupant alert
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Lane Following Help (lane centring)
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Multi-collision braking
- Secure exit warning
- Driver consideration monitoring and warning
- Reversing digital camera
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Hyundai i30 N price to run?
The Hyundai i30 N is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Hyundai i30 N |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Lifetime service plan |
| Common annual service price | $389 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $1945 (5 years) |
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 10,000km. The primary 5 providers are capped at $1945 as a part of a lifetime service plan.
To see how the Hyundai i30 N traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai i30 N
The bottom i30 N nonetheless represents a discount purchase amongst its reasonably priced efficiency automobile friends.
Positive, costs have gone up, however you’ll nonetheless be onerous pressed to discover a car that higher balances on a regular basis practicality and driving enjoyment for $50,000.
Regardless of its drab inside and a few obvious tools omissions, the usual i30 N hatch has sufficient house to deal with a small household and all of the tech you’d anticipate in a sub-premium mannequin.
It will get the job completed when confronted with on a regular basis challenges, and completely excels when set free on a twisty stretch of street. The mixture of straight-line velocity, an appropriately noisy exhaust and a prepared chassis simply works, particularly when tuned to the driving force’s liking by way of Hyundai’s approachable customisation system.
That’s what units the i30 N other than rivals just like the underpowered VW Golf GTI and the CVT-equipped Subaru WRX, which have each been dialled down as driver’s automobiles over time.
For those who’re after a mature ‘heat’ hatch, perhaps these automobiles are for you. But when monitor days fill your weekends and emotion takes priority over cause, the i30 N takes the cake.
All that’s left is to determine whether or not it’s value stretching to the Premium, or pivoting to an old-school handbook transmission.
The non-compulsory bucket seats are effectively value consideration, though $3500 is a good chunk of change. And whereas I had an absolute hoot pulling paddles with the DCT, a 3rd pedal is sure to dial the driving engagement as much as 11.
It’s a dilemma value mulling over, however no matter which variant you select, you’re onto a winner.
Enthusiastic about shopping for a Hyundai i30 N? Let CarExpert discover you the perfect deal right here
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