What is it?
The updated version of the brand’s petrol-powered performance future. With the next-generation i30 N and i20 hot hatches looking unlikely and the all-electric Ioniq 5 N incoming, it will be up to the i30 Sedan N to carry Hyundai’s affordable performance future (at least in the short-term).
For 2024 Hyundai has given the N a makeover along with the rest of the sedan range, but it’s particularly noticeable on this range-topper. There’s a sleeker front end design, which incorporates new LED indicators and a black ‘H’ badge. There’s also new 19-inch forged alloy wheels, also in black, and an extended rear bumper.
Does it have any racing pedigree?
Hyundai’s N division has been about transferring racing knowledge to the street since day one. In fact, the company re-entered the World Rally Championship years before the first i30 N hot hatch hit the showroom, laying the foundation for what was to come.
Since then the brand has been active in TCR racing, using the sedan as the basis for its latest contender, which has won multiple championships around the world, including the 2023 TCR Australia title with Josh Buchan.
What’s under the bonnet?
With the investment in electrification Hyundai has had to cut back in other areas, which includes the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit that powers the i30 Sedan N. Not that it needed much change, as it’s still relatively new and features a healthy 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque.
It’s paired to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, so the company is still catering to the driving purist who enjoys shifting gears themself.
Not to dismiss the auto, or N-DCT as the company prefers. It’s an advanced gearbox that features several specific modes – N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift. Grin Shift is activated by a button on the steering wheel for a 20 second burst of maximum performance, Power Shift kicks in at 90 per cent throttle to reduce power loss when upshifting and Track Sense engages the more responsive ‘Sport’ transmission setting automatically if it senses racetrack-like conditions.
This combination ensures the i30 Sedan N has still got plenty of punch, feeling quick across the ground both on the road and when we hit the track at Winton Raceway.
How does it handle?
The biggest dynamic changes for the 2024 model are some tweaks to the steering and dampers, to sharpen up the handling. To be frank, there wasn’t much Hyundai needed to do as the i30 Sedan N was arguably already its best handling model. It’s a more stable and direct drive than the i30 N hatch, which has a looser, more playful character.
Where would you most like to drive it?
As much fun as the i30 Sedan N is on the road, it was great carving through corners in the Victorian countryside, where it really impressed was on the track. We hit Winton Raceway to really put it through its paces and it really holds its own at the limit.
Pushing hard through the corners the i30 Sedan N does a great job changing direction on Winton’s tight and technical layout. It’s got the ability to be pushed really hard and give you some leeway if you go beyond the limit, sliding with predictability.
It explains why Hyundai has been able to grow such a large community of N owners that enjoy track days, as witnessed by the huge turnouts at its annual N Festival each year.
What’s the interior like?
Not much has changed inside, it’s still a very practical and sporty car that suits its role as an everyday performance car; like a hot hatch. There’s plenty of unique elements that make you feel like you’re in the highest model in the 930 range, such as the thick-rimmed steering wheel with paddles and ‘N’ buttons, including the ‘NGS’ Grin Shift one that stands out.
But the space is good too, with room enough for families and a generous boot.
How much does the Hyundai i30 Sedan N cost?
The new-look i30 Sedan N is priced from $52,000 (plus on-road costs), which is more than both the i30 N hatch (from $46,200) and Subaru WRX (from $45,990) but it offers more all round ability than either.
Would I buy one?
Having lived with the pre-facelifted version for three months previously, I’ll admit a fondness for the i30 Sedan N. Its size makes it suitable for everyday use, even if you’ve got kids, and its dynamic ability means it’s fun and engaging for anyone who enjoys either a weekend country blast or a track day.
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