Hyundai Australia expects 70 per cent of future i30 N hot hatch buyers will opt for the model-first automatic transmission option over the manual – suggesting an uptick in sales is on the cards, as it seeks to better match the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI in everyday usability.

    Regardless, for all the talk of manuals dying, Australia has consistently sat among the world’s top-three markets for the (until now) three-pedal-only i30 N – accounting for 2700 sales in just over three years from a global total of 54,000.

    Only Germany where it was developed and tested, and the UK, have logged higher sales for the pre-update i30 N model over its product cycle.

    MORE: 2021 Hyundai i30 N and Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI specs compared

    Speaking at a virtual press conference this week supporting the launch of the updated i30 N hatch, Hyundai also spoke of the wider rollout of the N brand.

    As we know, by end of 2021 it’ll launch the Kona N crossover, i20 N light hot hatch, and more origami-esque i30 Sedan N. The company is also selling a limited run of the updated i30 Fastback N.

    “Phase three” for the six-year-old N brand will expand the portfolio further, with company execs hinting at a hotted-up N version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 retro electric hatch – likely with two motors and a 0-100km/h time around 3.5 seconds, equal to the Kia EV6 E-GMP platform-mate.

    In the meantime, here’s a reminder on what the updated i30 N brings to the table. We’ll get behind the wheel and publish a review very soon.

    The 2022 i30 N hatch brings a 4kW power boost and 39Nm torque boost to the 2.0-litre engine, which now makes 206kW and 392Nm sent to the front wheels. Hyundai has fitted a new turbo and flattened the torque band.

    The six-speed manual gearbox remains but has been joined by a new eight-speed dual (wet) clutch automatic with paddles. Manual versions are now two-tenths quicker to 100km/h (5.9sec), while the DCT slashes this to just 5.4sec.

    “Offering upshift responsiveness to rival supercars, as well as motorsport-inspired downshift rev-matching, the N DCT provides the engaging experience of a manual with the convenience of an automatic,” Hyundai claims.

    A variable exhaust linked to driving modes is still standard, while DCT versions get a button on the steering wheel that activates a countdown timer and delivers maximum power and torque for 20 seconds. This mode is called N Grin Shift.

    In terms of the chassis and suspension, there’s a slightly wider front track, revised geometry (more front-wheel negative camper); and new spring, bushing and damper calibrations.

    The Australia-specific electronically actuated active damper tune offers a wider range of settings between the driving modes, and the front brake rotors are 6mm greater in diameter at 360mm.

    Also fitted are an ‘N Corner Carving’ limited-slip differential, and bespoke 235/35 R19 Pirelli P Zero tyres wrapped around new forged alloy wheels which are responsible for slicing off 14.4kg in unsprung mass.

    The main interior enhancement is the new 10.25-inch touchscreen.

    There’s also a new design most evident up the front of the car, and more safety features including blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts. Luxury i30 N Premium variants get 2.2kg-lighter new leather and Alcantara bucket seats.


    Pricing

    • 2021 Hyundai i30 N manual: $44,500 (+$3499)
    • 2021 Hyundai i30 N DCT: $47,500
    • 2021 Hyundai i30 N Premium manual: $47,500
    • 2021 Hyundai i30 N Premium with sunroof manual: $49,000
    • 2021 Hyundai i30 N Premium with sunroof DCT: $52,000

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    The i30 N features:

    • 10.25-inch touchscreen
    • Satellite navigation
    • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Black cloth seats
    • Active variable exhaust
    • Adaptive suspension
    • Uprated brake package
    • 19-inch forged alloy wheels
    • 4.2-inch colour trip computer
    • Tyre pressure monitoring
    • Rear parking sensors
    • Reversing camera
    • LED headlight and tail light clusters
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • LED puddle lights
    • Power folding mirrors
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Wireless phone charging

    Opting for the N Premium adds:

    • Front parking sensors
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Rear privacy glass
    • N Light bucket seats
    • Leather and Alcantara trim
    • Auto-dimming interior mirror
    • Heated seats
    • Heated steering wheel

    The N Premium with sunroof also has a panoramic glass sunroof.

    Six colours are available. Performance Blue, Engine Red, Shadow Grey, and Polar White are no-cost options, while Dark Knight and Phantom Black cost an additional $495.

    MORE: 2021 Hyundai i30 N price and specs

    Mike Costello
    Mike Costello is a Senior Contributor at CarExpert.
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