Engineered by Hyundai’s in-house High-Performance Vehicle Division, the i30N Fastback combines sophistication and elegance with bristling performance and a fun-to-drive character. It is not ‘cheap’, price-tagged at £29,995 (before discounts are applied) but it is powered by a 272bhp turbo-petrol engine and features significant chassis modifications to meet expectations.
As well as the distinctive body shape, the i30 Fastback N features a number of bespoke exterior features to differentiate it from the hatchback, including the N signature triangular lamp used as a rear fog lamp on the diffuser and a reflective character line on the rear bumper. Interior visual changes include red stitching to the heated leather and suede seats and the heated leather steering wheel rim. Red stitching is also used to detail the gear lever, its gaiter and gear lever itself, which also incorporates a red feature stripe and N logo. Interior detailing is completed with red surrounds to the driver and passenger air vents.
Riding on 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres, an electronic limited slip differential, 345mm ventilated front brake discs (300mm rear), electronically controlled suspension and torque vectoring, its on-road performance is exceptional. A steering wheel mounted ‘N-drive mode button’ gives the driver access to customising both engine and suspension settings, which can also alter the exhaust tone.
Other equipment, shared with the i30 N Hatchback, includes launch control, rev-match function (which eliminates the need for heel and toe gear changes) and brake control ‘knock back pre-fill’ that maximises braking responses after high g-load cornering. A high level of standard specification is available, including LED head and tail lights, cruise control, keyless entry, with engine start/stop button and a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen sat-nav system, that includes Android Auto™ and Apple Car Play™, as well as the addition of N-specific functions, such as drive-mode display, suspension, engine and transmission set up, lap timer, acceleration timer and performance gauges, including engine torque, turbo boost and g-force display.
The instrument cluster is shared with the i30 N, using a 4.2-inch LCD screen to display a number of drive mode and vehicle control settings, shift timing lights and a variable LED tachometer, with a maximum engine rev-light that adjusts according to engine temperature. The cluster also incorporates soft blue lighting and the Hyundai N logo.
Available in six colours, including the all new Shadow Grey, which is specific to the Fastback N, other colour choices include the signature Performance Blue, as well as Polar White, Micron Grey, Phantom Black and Engine Red. Just as the i30N hatchback model set fresh standards and drew the attention of potential customers, the even more practical Fastback version will continue Hyundai’s revolution and, at the same time, cater for those wanting hot hatch performance but with a more distinctive and elegant styling proposition.
