Hyundai's Hot Hatch Shows Off Its Aggressive Styling [Update]
Spy photographers have caught the Hyundai i30 N testing.
It’s out best look yet at the upcoming hot hatch, which Hyundai recently confirmed is close to completion. Set to debut sometime this year, the i30 N is shaping up to feature an aggressive front end, while the rear has a focus on aerodynamics with a roof spoiler. It is believed the model will be offered as a standard N car and with a more performance-oriented package. Both will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 250 to 275 horsepower.
SEE ALSO: Hyundai’s New Hot Hatch is Close to Complete
It’s the first N performance model from Hyundai and the brand isn’t focused on making it the most powerful car in its class, but the most fun to drive. Along with more performance under the hood and aggressive styling, the i30 N will benefit from stiffer engine and transmission mounts, a more sensitive and precise mechanical power steering system, retuned ABS for the modified suspension, wheels and tires, as well as bigger brakes.
The powerplant will likely be paired to a six-speed manual transmission at launch, although an automatic can’t be ruled out for the future.
Although we will have to wait until the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race to hear and see the i30 N in action, our spy photographers did say the car sounds great.
Update: We reached out to Hyundai North America to ask when the U.S. will see a high-performance N model and what that will be. “The i30 N will be available in the European market and some other global markets later this year. There are currently no plans to bring the i30 N to the U.S,” said Hyundai spokesperson Derek Joyce. “Stay tuned for more news from Hyundai Motor America on our involvement with the global N brand.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Aggressive,,#cough#,,har ha. Looks like an old excell with mag wheels made into a hatch, & what is aggressive about it? Looks like something that my grandmother might drive to church on Sunday.