2021 Hyundai i30 N Debuts With Sharper Exterior And Eight-Speed DCT

The refreshed Hyundai i30 N arrives wearing a sharper look and receiving some technical updates. The improved model arrives in Europe in early 2021, but Hyundai isn't discussing American pricing or availability yet.

Power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine remains at 247 horsepower (184 kilowatts or 250 PS) and 260 pound-feet (353 Newton-meters) of torque for the standard model. The Performance Package takes the output to 276 hp (206 kW or 280 PS) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm), which is 5 hp (3.67 kW or 5 PS) and 29 lb-ft (39 Nm) more than before. This boost lets the model with the Performance Package hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 5.9 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the original.

The i30 N gains Hyundai's eight-speed, wet-type dual-clutch gearbox that also available in the 2021 Veloster N in the US. Buyers can still get a six-speed manual, too.

In terms of the design tweaks, the updated i30 N wears the outward flared, trapezoidal grille that's reminiscent of the one on the latest Sonata. There's also more angular styling for the inlets in the lower fascia and side fins with air curtains that reduce turbulence into the wheel wells. V-shaped LED runnings lights are part of the headlamps.

At the other end, the i30 N hatchback (but not the fastback bodystyle) gets a larger spoiler on the roof and revised taillights with a more angular shape. The circular exhaust pipes have a bigger diameter, too.

Inside, the updated i30 N is available with lightweight seats that save 4.85 pounds (2.2 kilograms) over the standard chairs. They also have larger bolsters. The rest of the cabin gets metal pedals and Performance Blue stitching that even appears on the seatbelts. The interior upholstery is black and comes in either cloth or a mix of artificial suede and leather.

To tweak the vehicle's look, there's the optional Performance Package. It includes 19-inch forged wheels that are 31.75 pounds (14.4 kilograms) lighter than the current 19-inch cast pieces. Pirelli P-Zero tires wrap around them, which replace the standard Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber. The pack increases the size of the front brake discs to 14.17 inches (360 millimeters), rather than 13.58 inches (345 millimeters) previously.

Hyundai also improves the i30 N's suite of safety tech. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist now includes pedestrian detection, and there's lane-following assist. With the dual-clutch gearbox, the hatchback has the option of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist that applies the brakes to prevent a collision during lane changes or when parallel parking. There's also Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist that serves a similar function but when the vehicle is in reverse.