By Paul Gover.
Australians have always loved affordable pocket rockets.
Their history tracks back to the Holden Torana XU-1 in the 1970s, but the longest-term success story is the Subaru WRX.
Now there is the Hyundai i30 N – a complicated mouthful – which is winning friends and fans across the country.
It is nicely sized for day-to-day use, nicely affordable from $44,500, and nicely quick without being confrontational or complicated.
It’s also the headliner for the N performance sub-brand at the South Korean carmaker and part of a motorsport push which has delivered wins to Hyundai in both world-class rallying and touring car racing.
The i30 N has some tough rivals, including the Volkswagen Golf GTi and Toyota’s GR Yaris, but is selling strongly and has just been given a boost for 2021 that includes an eight-speed DCT manu-matic gearbox with flappy paddles for manual shifts.
Hyundai is following the development pattern for the WRX, which was continuously upgraded by Subaru before it fell into its current hiatus, and the ’21 car also gets more power, bigger alloy wheels and improved brakes, re-tuned suspension for local roads and drivers, as well as more driver-assist safety systems. It also gets a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation and smartphone integration and essential – for enthusiasts – push-button starting.
It adds up to an impressive package but, wait, there is more.
The i30 N is also the spearhead for a whole family of N cars in Australia that includes a smaller i20 model, as well as N-sport packages – show but not go – across almost every model.
Driving the i30 N puts enjoyment into any trip.
There is a solid turbocharged surge in every gear, the suspension is grippy without becoming jarring, the cabin is fine for four with supportive sport seats, and even the headlights are good.
It’s easy to toggle the N button on the steering wheel to move through the three levels of performance, with sharper throttle response and – predictable – popping from the exhaust.
The new transmission, which is set to more than double i30 N sales, is smooth as an automatic and can deliver crisp shifts – up and down – for fun.
The big difference between the Hyundai and the WRX is that it’s only front-wheel drive, but modern suspension technology and electronics – which enhance the cornering grip – means most people will never notice.
It’s also cheaper than the Golf and Yaris rivals and even comes with a signature light-blue colour that is quickly becoming as popular with N-car enthusiasts as the dark rally blue that used to point to a WRC on the road.
The i30 N is a well-rounded package that is quick without getting unsociable, proving that it’s still possible to enjoy driving in 2021.
It has a few shortcomings, like the cheapie cabin plastics, and there will always be people who want more go.
But it’s a great little car and proof that Hyundai knows exactly what it’s doing and where it is going in Australia.
HYUNDAI i30 N
Position: turbocharged pocket rocket
Price: from $44,500
Engine: 2-litre petrol turbo
Power: 206kW/392Nm
Transmission: 8-speed DCT, front-wheel drive
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
Plus: affordable pocket rocket
Minus: a little cheap inside
THE TICK: a fun-first winner
Score: 8.5/10
