Item: Hyundai i30N
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

Abarth 595

Audi RS3

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Hyundai i30N

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The Hyundai looks like good value for money, whether you compare it against rivals such as the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n141/buying-owning"> Ford Focus ST</a>,<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143/buying-owning"> Honda Civic Type R</a>,<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168"> Renault Megane RS</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n149">Volkswagen Golf GTI</a> or Circuit Pack version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/gr-yaris/hatchback/review/n22315">Toyota GR Yaris</a>. That said, if you are buying outright, it’s worth noting that the i30N is predicted to<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/depreciation-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/n1122"> depreciate at a quicker rate</a> than all of those rivals.

Every i30N comes very well equipped. You get 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers,&nbsp;adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as electric front seats with driver’s seat height adjustment and memory recall.

You also get plenty of standard driver aids. These include<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283"> automatic emergency braking</a>, a driver fatigue monitor, automatic speed limit recognition and lane departure warning. What's more, the regular i30 was awarded five stars (out of five) for safety by<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-euro-ncap-crash-tests-save-lives/n15107"> Euro NCAP</a>.

Official fuel economy comes up a little short compared with the Golf GTI, but the figures of 35.3mpg for the manual and 33.6mpg for the auto are better than or the same as those of its main rivals. Relatively high CO2 emissions will make this an expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/company-car-or-car-allowance/n1115">company car</a> choice, but that’s true of all examples of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hot-hatches-2020/n17005">hot hatch</a>, unless you’re considering a plug-in hybrid such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/leon/hatchback/review/n22098">Cupra Leon</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n17187">Skoda Octavia vRS</a>.

The latest i30 managed a fantastic second place result in the family car category of the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey. Hyundai as a brand also did well, finishing in a joint 3rd place with Suzuki out of 30 manufacturers overall.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Let’s start with the engine. It’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 276bhp and plenty of torque (or low-rev muscle) to pull you up hills and through bends. There's also an overboost function to increase performance for up to 20sec for a bit more kick when overtaking.

While it feels faster than the entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n149">Volkswagen Golf GTI</a> and Ford Focus ST (as confirmed by its rapid 0-62mph time of 5.9sec for the manual, 5.4sec for the auto), the falls short of matching the monster mid-range pace of more powerful rivals such as the 316bhp<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143"> Honda Civic Type R</a>. Don’t take that to mean the i30N feels sluggish, though – it really doesn't. In fact, the I30N feels very eager indeed, with a crisp accelerator response, and with plenty of oomph from 1500rpm and a willingness to rev to the limit sweetly and freely.

It sounds purposeful, too, particularly when the switchable sports exhaust is set to its more extreme Sport or Sport+ modes. It growls menacingly like an angry mobster when you accelerate hard, and the spits and bangs that erupt from its twin rear tailpipes when you back off are enough to prompt reports of machine gun fire.

The six-speed manual gearbox is a sweet thing to use. It doesn't have quite the mechanical immediacy of the Civic Type R’s, nor the snickety feel of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/gr-yaris/hatchback/review/n22315">Toyota GR Yaris</a>’s, but it’s slicker than the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168"> </a>Golf GTI’s and benefits from a crisp clutch bite point. There’s also the option of an eight-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">dual-clutch automatic</a>, and it generally works really well, although it occasionally hesitates to change down a gear when you stamp on the accelerator for a burst of acceleration. Both the auto and manual&nbsp;have a progressive-feeling&nbsp;brake pedal, adding to the sense that the i30N is a properly sorted car.&nbsp;

And this is confirmed the minute you launch it into a corner and feel how quickly it reacts to your steering inputs. Even with the switchable drive modes in the softest Comfort setting, the steering weights up nicely and telegraphs little sensations through the rim that give you a real feel for how much grip the car has on the Tarmac. True, it gets a little too heavy in the racier modes but, unlike many rivals (including the Civic Type R), you can mix and match the settings to achieve the set-up you desire. For instance, the sweeter Comfort steering setting can be matched with the fierce accelerator response of the wildest N mode.

To keep everything tied down, the N's suspension is up to 8mm lower than that of regular I30s, and is fitted with adaptive dampers whose firmness can be tailored in the drive modes. If that sounds like a pretty racey set-up, it is – but that doesn’t mean it’s uncivilised. In fact, with the latest i30 N hatchback adopting a suspension tune that’s closer to the softer setup previously reserved for the Fastback version, the i30N feels perfectly at one with the road and can traverse awkward mid-corner bumps without losing its composure. Granted, it’s still not quite as calm as a Civic Type R, but it’s more pliant than a Renault Megane RS.&nbsp;

The i30N wears lightweight 19in wheels shod with tyres specifically designed for the car, and they offer a prodigious amount of grip to keep you stuck to the bends. There’s also a standard electronically controlled limited-slip differential like you’ll find in a Golf GTI, which meters the power more effectively to the front wheels to drag you out of tight turns with a minimum of wheel scrabble – an effect that is especially noticeable in wet conditions.&nbsp;

Of course, those looking for the ultimate hot hatch experience will still find more to like about the grin-inducing Toyota GR Yaris&nbsp;or stunningly good Civic Type R, but the i30N Performance possesses so much traction and grip that you’ll have to try very hard to reach its limits on the road.

It’s never easy being the young upstart. It often means that the only way to gain the respect of your peers is to do a better job than them, and for less financial reward. But that’s potentially good news for anyone interested in the Hyundai i30N.

This car is has been the Korean manufacturer’s first crack at building a proper<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hot-hatches-2020/n17005"> hot hatch</a>, and in order to be taken seriously in a class that includes some seriously polished performers, the upgrades over the regular i30 ended up being much more than extra exhaust pipes, a set of fatter bumpers and a tuned engine.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAMGwqGJVKM"></iframe>

As such, you’ve got electronically controlled suspension (to improve handling), launch control (for the fastest possible getaways), automatic rev-matching (for smoother gearshifts), an overboost function (to help with overtaking) and a lap timer (for, well, timing laps).

Having become firmly established in the class, the i30N received its first batch of upgrades in 2021. Modifications to its nose brought improvements to its aerodynamics and cooling, and power was increased; the previous entry-level engine was dropped leaving only the N Performance, which gains 5bhp for 276bhp in all.

However, since the I30N was launched we've seen the arrival of&nbsp;wholly new rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/gr-yaris/hatchback/review/n22315">Toyota GR Yaris</a>, plus an all-new version of the evergreen <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n149">Volkswagen Golf GTI</a>. There have also been updated versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168">Renault Megane RS</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143"> Honda Civic Type R</a> to make things tricky for the i30N. &nbsp;

So, much time and technology has gone into making the i30N a serious contender for your hot-hatch cash, but the question is, has it worked? Read on and we’ll let you know. And when you've decided which car you want to buy, check out our<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals"> New Car Buying</a> pages to get a great deal with no awkward haggling.

The i30N follows the usual i30 format inside, but sadly with little in the way of sporty visual fanfare. So, while the sports seats are bespoke (and optional lightweight alternatives are available), it all looks rather less special than the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143/in-the-cabin"> Honda Civic Type R’s</a> interior. And even though the i30N feels just as well made as that car, it's no match for premium hot hatches such as the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n20208"> BMW M135i</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n18801"> Mercedes-AMG A35</a>.

Better news is that the i30N’s driving position is terrific, with sports seats that grip you securely around the midriff and shoulders. They’re electrically operated, with lumbar support among the list of adjustments possible. Together with well-positioned pedals and plenty of height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel, you’ll quickly feel right at home.

All the buttons and switches are easy to reach, including the standard 10.25in touchscreen infotainment system that sits high up on the dashboard. It's much simpler to use than the Civic Type R’s confusing infotainment system, with snappier menus that are easier to get your head around. The i30N also offers plenty of infotainment gadgetry: sat-nav,<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193"> Apple CarPlay</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194"> Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring are all standard, as well as online connectivity for live traffic, weather and speed camera reports.

There are some specific additions to the N models that will appeal to the Playstation generation. A performance display lets you keep tabs on the engine’s power and torque output, and if you venture onto a track, you can even choose to be informed how much g-force you’re pulling through corners.

Hatchback

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Every i30N comes very well equipped with 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, electric front seats with driver’s seat height adjustment and memory recall. You also get plenty of standard driver aids. These include automatic emergency braking, a driver fatigue monitor, automatic speed limit recognition and lane departure warning.


N Performance

A well-equipped, great value hot hatch that will really put a smile on your face.&nbsp;

Even tall hot hatch fans should have no trouble getting comfortable in the front of the i30N, thanks to plenty of head and leg room.

Despite there being five doors to make getting in and out of the back easy, though, there isn't a vast amount of space inside for rear seat passengers; head room isn’t a problem, but knee room is much tighter than in a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n141/space-practicality"> Ford Focus ST</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n143/in-the-cabin">Honda Civic Type R</a>. It is far more accommodating than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/gr-yaris/hatchback/review/n22315">Toyota GR Yaris</a>, though, which doesn’t have any rear doors and is very limited in terms of rear head room due to its sloping roof.

The boot isn’t as big as a Type R's or a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-rs/hatchback/review/n17168/space-practicality"> Renault Megane RS’s</a>, but there’s enough space for a couple of large suitcases without resorting to dropping the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Be aware that there’s a step in the floor when you do, and a rear suspension strut brace runs widthways across the floor and gets in the way. If you need a bit more space, the Fastback has a larger boot thanks to its longer tail.

The Hyundai i30N is a well-equipped, great-value hot hatch that will really put a smile on your face. There are quicker alternatives, the best being the Toyota GR Yaris, but the i30N still makes loads of sense, particularly if you need five-door practicality. The Fastback version, meanwhile, offers a bit of extra load space and sleeker looks for a little extra cash.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.

The Golf GTI remains one of the best hot hatches on the market, along with its main competitor,&nbsp;the&nbsp;equally as responsive and cheaper to buy Hyundai i30 N. But there are some terrific options for even less money than both of these cars. We're big fans of the Ford Fiesta ST, which is definitely one of the best hot hatches ever and certainly one of the most fun to drive. It's full of character and its engaging handling makes it a bit of a hoot at all speeds.&nbsp;

If you’ve got a bit more money to spare, there are even faster cars available, such as the Honda Civic Type R. This latest version is sublime to drive, either on road or on a track, as it's so sweetly balanced. It's also incredibly quick in a straight line&nbsp;and round a corner, and yet it's as practical as a regular Civic.&nbsp;

Hot hatch

Hyundai i30N review

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Buying advice for the Hyundai i30N covering running costs, MPG, Fuel Economy, Reliability and Safety, from the expert What Car? review team.

The Hyundai looks like good value for money, whether you compare it against rivals such as the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R, Renault Megane RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI or Circuit Pack version of the Toyota GR Yaris. That said, if you are buying outright, it’s worth noting that the i30N is predicted to depreciate at a quicker rate than all of those rivals.,Every i30N comes very well equipped. You get 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as electric front seats with driver’s seat height adjustment and memory recall.,You also get plenty of standard driver aids. These include automatic emergency braking, a driver fatigue monitor, automatic speed limit recognition and lane departure warning. What's more, the regular i30 was awarded five stars (out of five) for safety by Euro NCAP.Official fuel economy comes up a little short compared with the Golf GTI, but the figures of 35.3mpg for the manual and 33.6mpg for the auto are better than or the same as those of its main rivals. Relatively high CO2 emissions will make this an expensive company car choice, but that’s true of all examples of hot hatch, unless you’re considering a plug-in hybrid such as the Cupra Leon or Skoda Octavia vRS.,,The latest i30 managed a fantastic second place result in the family car category of the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey. Hyundai as a brand also did well, finishing in a joint 3rd place with Suzuki out of 30 manufacturers overall.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

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