The Hyundai i30 N is a remarkable piece of engineering, offering a thrilling driving experience in a stylish yet practical package. From the moment you take your seat in the well-crafted interior, you’re greeted with a sense of quality and attention to detail.
Hyundai has equipped the i30 N with a suite of modern technology and safety features to enhance both convenience and peace of mind. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly. It does, however, only offer wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is a charging pad available but when you are driving in a spirited fashion, the phone cable can be a bit of a distraction with grabbing rapid gear changes. Apart from that, the interior is thoughtfully laid out.
You’ll find supportive and heated (in the Premium variant) seats that provide comfort on long journeys and a steering wheel that feels just right in your hands. The former are firm but have plenty of adjustment. Talk about a comfortable race car.
A beautifully balanced blend of form and function features, and it’s even practical, with a decent 381-litres of storage space. All its little nuances and quirks are forgiven when you put your foot down and unleash the angry within.
Under the bonnet, the i30 N is powered by a robust turbocharged 2.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine producing 206kW and 392Nm, propelling the car to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Impressive performance figures for a relatively small and agile hot hatch.
Highlights include its customisable drive modes, which allow you to switch from a relaxed cruise to a spirited drive at the touch of a button. This flexibility ensures that the car can adapt to your mood and the driving conditions, making every journey enjoyable.
Whether you’re navigating city streets or winding country roads, the car responds with precision and enthusiasm. The ride is both comfortable and engaging, thanks to the adaptive suspension system.
The i30 N is available in an 8-speed DCT or 6-speed manual transmission (as tested). With the latter, the car feels even more connected and is a blast to drive on our favourite back roads. It does miss out on Hyundai’s N Grin Shift function from the auto though.
Even the daily commute is fun. The car feels ready to race, and its 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty even covers non-competitive track use. Fuel efficiency is another aspect where the i30 N impresses, providing decent mileage without sacrificing performance.
It’s an ideal choice for those who want a car that’s economical to run but still delivers a punch when needed. The i30 N has a claimed fuel consumption of 8.5-litres/100km, and we saw 9.3-litres, despite some pretty spirited driving.
Its sporty design is complemented by bold lines and a distinctive grille (compared to the normal i30), making it a real head-turner on the road. It’s available in six colours, including Atlas White, Engine Red, Shadow Grey, Performance Blue, Abyss Black and Dark Knight.
The 2025 Hyundai i30 N Premium, complete with a sunroof, is priced at $60,464 drive away. All models are backed by a Lifestyle care plan, which gives you full transparency when it comes to your servicing costs.
All-in-all, it’s a well-rounded vehicle that combines performance, practicality, and style. It’s perfect for those who seek a thrill behind the wheel, without compromising on everyday usability.
The i30 N Hatch stands out in its segment, offering great value while still remaining an absolute contender in the hot hatch market. You can find out more on the Hyundai Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia for independent review purposes.
