THE N SUB-BRAND OF HYUNDAI is rapidly gaining credibility with performance fans. Now, Hyundai has introduced the i30 Fastback N Limited Edition, which is available to order until September 30 to a maximum of 500 units.
The Limited Edition brings a paddle-shifted N DCT automatic for the first time in i30 Fastback N, as well as introducing additional high-performance driving features and upgraded convenience technology.
The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition hones the model’s high-performance credentials with a new 206kW, 392Nm 2.0-litre flat power tune engine featuring an upgraded turbocharger and intercooler.
Redesigned suspension geometry and hardware further enhance performance, along with a bespoke Australian-developed tune for the Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS).
Body-hugging N Light Seats and strengthened 19-inch forged alloy wheels bring weight reduction, and a larger 10.25-inch Sat Nav multimedia system and wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging enhance the in-cabin experience.
“We are delighted to introduce the i30 Fastback N Limited Edition for an exclusive number of lucky high-performance customers,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jun Heo said.
“The Limited Edition builds on the i30 N’s renowned racetrack capability in an everyday sports car package, with enhanced performance and handling, and additional safety and convenience technologies.”
New turbocharger, intercooler and ‘flat-power’ tune
An upgraded 2.0-litre engine featuring a new turbocharger and intercooler is offered in manual and DCT automatic variants. With 206kW and 392Nm, outputs are up 4kW and 39Nm respectively.
The new 2.0L turbo also benefits from a ‘flat-power’ tune, which enhances responsiveness and acceleration for even more fun on the road or the track. Flat-power provides more torque and power at lower rpm, thus utilising more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations.
The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition maintains maximum torque between 2100 and 4700rpm, and achieves maximum power at 6000rpm. This improves acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range to deliver consistently high performance.
The Limited Edition Fastback has a maximum speed of 250km/h and the DCT version can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.4secs.
The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition is equipped with a range of high-performance driving features such as a Rev Matching function, Launch Control and an N Supervision cluster with shift lights.
N DCT brings broader appeal
The new N DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features, making the Limited Edition even more fun to drive.
N DCT is a wet type transmission, which means oil is used to cool and lubricate the clutch components, reducing friction and heat, and increasing torque transfer capability.
The transmission was designed to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
Drivers can choose to engage manual mode and shift gears via either the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or using the gear selector. The gear selector adopts the accepted motorsport shifting logic – you push forward to downshift, and pull back to upshift.
The N DCT enables three new N performance functions for even more driving fun: N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift.
N Grin Shift (NGS) releases maximum power of the engine and transmission for 20 seconds – performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate it, the driver pushes a steering wheel button, which also starts a countdown timer on the cluster.
N Power Shift (NPS) is engaged when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent accelerator, reducing torque drop-off during shifts to enhance acceleration and bring the involvement of a manual-like shove in the back during upshifts.
Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) recognises when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving – on a racetrack, for example – to activate automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it lets you extract maximum performance, just like a race car driver would.
N Grin Control System
The stupidly-named N Grin Control System gives the driver a choice of five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom.
The driving modes adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), N Corner Carving Differential (e-LSD), active variable exhaust, steering and transmission, to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions.
In N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for individual vehicle systems, to match their driving preferences and the road conditions.
19-inch forged alloy wheels
Five-double-spoke forged 19-inch alloy wheels designed for minimum mass and maximum strength deliver a combined unsprung weight reduction of 14.4kg compared with the previous i30 Fastback N’s cast alloy wheels.
With a dark satin grey matte finish that contrasts with the red N-specific brake calipers, they underline the model’s racing spirit.
N Light Sports Bucket Seats
N Light Seats are a highlight in the Limited Edition, providing superb lateral support and a combined weight saving of 2.2kg compared with the standard seats.
The N Light Seats also bring a premium feel with leather and Alcantara upholstery, Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo in the integrated headrest.
Ride and handling
The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition features refined suspension and steering systems tuned to deliver improved ride and handling performance.
A wider front track, revised geometry, and new spring, bushing and damper calibrations allow the Limited Edition to provide greater comfort and more driver engagement.
Coupled with the electronically controlled N Corner Carving Differential and Hyundai-bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres, i30 Fastback N Limited Edition delivers ultra-sharp handling and immense front-end grip.
The Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) benefits from extensive local Australian tuning across its three modes, to offer a range of settings suited to our challenging urban, highway and country roads, and to the racetrack.
Bigger front brakes
Greater performance demands a corresponding upgrade to stopping-power. The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition is duly fitted with larger 360mm (up from 345mm) front disc rotors clamped by signature red N calipers.
Fade-free performance is assured, even with the newfound power, thanks to brake cooling air guides mounted to the front lower control arms.
Pricing
| Engine | Body style | Transmission | Limited Edition |
| 2.0L Turbo | Fastback | 6 speed manual | $49,000 |
| 8 speed DCT | $52,000 |
| Options | Limited Edition |
| Premium paint (Metallic & mica) | $495 |
| Panoramic glass sunroof | $1500 |
All prices plus on road costs