High-powered Hyundai i30N hatchback keeps the VW Golf GTI on its toes

Hyundai revealed to the press that it doesn’t plan on breaking any kind of top speed records with its newest N performance line. That is because the brand mainly focuses on the comfort and pleasure of driving its two new hatchbacks. When it comes to fun, the VW Golf GTI may be the first thing that comes to mind but the Korean automaker boldly claims that they might have beaten the said hatchback.

Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M division and the current head of Hyundai’s M division, shared to Australian publication Car Advice some details regarding the brand’s first high performance hatchback, the i30 N. He mentioned that the goal of this car is to make sure it is fun to drive daily, despite it being track-focused.

The automaker’s plan for the i30 N was to have it be a closer fit for the track than a Golf GTI could ever be. He also said that many GTIs can be taken to the track, but a standard GTI isn’t the same. Furthermore, regular GTIs are not as fun to drive, at the same time, they don’t have as strong a character.

What makes it even more appealing to the audience is that the i30 N has more power than the GTI. It can carry out 275 horsepower (205 kilowatts) and 260 pound feet (352 Newton-metres) of torque. Overall, it even has more power than the top version of the GTI that only has 220 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. All this power actually comes from a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four engine that works together with a six speed manual transmission. Aside from that, the Hyundai i30 N now has an upgraded interior. The Hyundai i30 N also gets a larger set of brakes, and a better tuned suspension. This adds to the car’s fun to drive feature.

The N in the name stands for “Namyang”, which is where their testing facility is, as well as “Nurburgring”, or one of the main facilities used in fine-tuning the N models. Believe it or not, Hyundai’s boss even told us to expect an i30 N that will be specifically tuned for racing, something on the same level as the 911 GT3 RS or a 911 GT3.

However, it’s too bad for United States fans, as this model will not be out in the market. But instead of this, they can opt for the 2019 Veloster N, which also has the same amount of power as the i30 N. This model is said to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Well, do you think the Hyundai i30 N poses a big enough threat to the Golf GTI? Your guess is as good as ours.