Hyundai i30 N facelift teased ahead of launch

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hyundai i30 N was the first production car from the automaker's performance arm, the N division. Now, after three years, it has received a mid-cycle facelift that brings along some essential updates - the most prominent being the addition of first-ever high-performance N-tuned 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also includes functions like 'N Grin Shift' and 'N Track Sense Shift.’

Earlier, the i30 N was available with a 6-speed manual transmission that, though, was an essential part of the entire setup but narrowed the hatch's appeal. Apart from that, the 2021 i30 N also displays subtle styling tweaks like bolder grille with a 3D pattern, sleeker headlamps with signature V-shaped LED units, LED taillight with V-shaped graphics, reprofiled front and rear bumpers, and larger dual exhaust exits. Also, to reduce the car's weight, the 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels have been redesigned; they are 14.4 kg lighter than the older units, limiting unsprung mass. Further, Hyundai has even redesigned the front seats that saved an additional 1.1 kg each. Speaking of the new front seats, they now feature light-up N-logo inserts. Other than that, the cabin now features a bigger infotainment system.

The 2021 model is powered by the same tried and tested 2.0-litre Theta mill, whose power climbed by 5 PS, i.e., 280 PS, while the torque is increased to 392 Nm. Of the two, it is the torque figure that interests us more, as it is higher than the previous model's 353 Nm and even more than the Overboost running output of 378 Nm. The torque curve is flatter now to offer better drivability. Hyundai claims the new i30 N can hit the 100 kmph mark in 5.9 seconds with its retuned powerplant, a 0.2-sec improvement over the previous time. Also, the front-axle electronically-controlled limited-slip differential is retuned for better performance.

That's all the information we have at the moment about the 2021 Hyundai i30 N. However, seeing the trail of its teaser images, we feel it might debut soon.

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