Feisty hot hatch that is one of the best drives you'll find for $55k

Courier-Mail

30-04-2025

Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Kylie Minogue transformed from the girl next door doing the Locomotion to sultry pop and indie stardom.
This is the car which has achieved the same feat for Hyundai.
Evolving from cheap runabouts to mainstream vehicles of all shapes and sizes, a couple of years before the pandemic took hold a fire-breathing version of the humble i30 hatch delivered a new persona.
The i30N is unadulterated fun which has injected performance into the otherwise family-friendly portfolio. It's paved the way to N derivatives of the i20 and Ioniq electric car. Over the past five years the N products from Hyundai have developed a cult following. Not unlike the original Alfa Romeos and pre-China MGs.
Nicknamed Nthusiasts, there are planned track days at some of Australia's best circuits where owners gather to test the limits of their prized possessions.
Prices originally started below $40,000 when a manual transmission was the only option. Improvements have been made in recent years, along with the introduction of an auto box, while the cost has also escalated, with 2025 variants requiring $54,250 once on-roads are covered. It may sound steep, although close to a Subaru WRX, while it's a bargain compared to the Honda Civic Type R which is beyond $70k.
Our family sampled the i30N Premium with a self-shifter, which is just under $60,000 on the road.
What do you get?
Some of the upgrades for 2025 deliver a much-needed modern edge, including the 10.25-inch digital driver instruments which matches the central infotainment touchscreen size.
Other inclusions are dual zone aircon, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front bucket seats covered in leather and suede, satnav, three USB-C ports (two in the back) and shiny black finishes around the gear shifter
External updates include a redesigned grille with red-accented intake inserts and red features on the side skirts – which also match the brake calipers. Trainspotters will also note the matt grey colour option for the 19-inch alloys, along with Hyundai's flat-style badging in matt black.
Warranty coverage remains at five years and unlimited kilometres, even extending to untimed track days.
Prepaid servicing is solid value with an average price of $377 if taking the five-year package.
The 2025 Hyundai i30N starts from about $55,000 drive-away.
How was the drive?
From the moment you press the start button there is a sense of occasion.
The throaty exhaust note is testament that the body kit and big brakes hidden behind the alloys shod with low-profile rubber are more than just for good looks.
Straight line speed is quick at 5.3 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. Although that figure is no longer regarded fast up against a raft of performance EVs which hover around three seconds for the same task.
But it's the sum of the i30N's parts which tell the story. Balance and confidence work hand-in-glove with twisty terrain best showcasing its ability. Fun is delivered in spades.
Pirelli P-Zero rubber bites into the bitumen for rail-like prowess in the bends.
Steering wheel N buttons offer changes in personality, with custom modes allowing for bespoke changes in suspension, stability control, exhaust sound and transmission settings (auto). There is also a 'N Grin Shift' button which delivers a 20 second boost to maximum power and torque.
Fuel consumption varies depending on how much you enjoy that acceleration soundtrack. Our test saw the i30N drink more than 10 litres of premium unleaded for every 100km.
Fun is delivered in spades when it comes to the Hyundai i30N.
Would you buy one?
Kel: Great looks and an even better sound, the i30N is a great blend of performance and practicality. Using comfort mode the ride wasn't too firm and the external styling isn't outrageous. Although being a mature mother and not one to push the performance envelope, it's probably not where I'd spend my $60k.
Grant: While I may be even more mature (in age), I remember test driving editions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru WRX. The i30N delivers that level of excitement which seems long forgotten. For those who love to drive, this is outstanding value for money. Love the exhaust note. Love the acceleration. Love the theatre. It's love and lust.