This month Hyundai launched a new car – the i30 N.
This hot hatchback and its sibling, the Kona N hot crossover, are designed for high-end performance and both can be had for R750,000.
The hatchback will do 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h, thanks to a 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine that generates 206kW and 392Nm.
It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, too, and features sporty paddles for changing gears.
The front-wheel-drive i30 was designed for cornering with an emphasis on aerodynamics to deliver downforce and increase traction.
To achieve this, it’s equipped with the following functions:
- N Power Shift – Mitigates reduction in torque to deliver maximum power
- N Grin Shift – Additional 7kW of overboost and 20 seconds of high-performance acceleration
- N Track Sense Shift – Selects the correct gear and shift timing
Exterior highlights then include 19-inch forged alloy wheels, a front splitter, twin exhausts, and rear spoiler – all of which add to the i30 N’s sporty silhouette.
The hatchback’s interior, meanwhile, is similarly kitted out, with some of the standouts being launch control, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, all-round parking sensors, and a six-speaker 10.25-inch infotainment system with voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The competition
We compared the Hyundai i30 N’s performance figures to those of hatchbacks in a similar price bracket, below.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door
- 0-100km/h – 7.3 seconds
- Top speed – 150km/h
- Power – 135kW/270Nm
- Engine – electric
- Price – R709,400
VW Golf GTI
- 0-100km/h – 6.4 seconds
- Top speed – 250km/h
- Power – 180kW/370Nm
- Engine – 2.0 turbo petrol
- Price – R689,800
BMW 128ti
- 0-100km/h – 6.3 seconds
- Top speed – 243km/h
- Power – 180kW/380Nm
- Engine – 2.0 turbo petrol
- Price – R744,260
Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line
- 0-100km/h – 6.2 seconds
- Top speed – 250km/h
- Power – 165kW/350Nm
- Engine – 2.0 turbo petrol
- Price – R756,019
Honda Civic Type R
- 0-100km/h – 5.8 seconds
- Top speed – 272km/h
- Power – 228kW/400Nm
- Engine – 2.0 turbo petrol
- Price – R837,500
Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T Rally
- 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds
- Top speed – 230km/h
- Power – 198kW/360Nm
- Engine – 1.6 turbo petrol
- Price – R755,600
Audi S3 Sportback Quattro
- 0-100km/h – 4.9 seconds
- Top speed – 250km/h
- Power – 213kW/400Nm
- Engine – 2.0 turbo petrol
- Price – R837,000
Loading ...
