RACING AHEAD - Hyundai i30 N
Hyundai is seriously considering building a Golf R rival by adding AWD to the i30 N
As most automakers gravitate towards trick all-wheel drive systems, so comes the news that Hyundai is working on an all-wheel drive version of their award-winning i30 N hot hatch that will go up against the Volkswagen Golf R and the next-generation Ford Focus RS.
This revelation was revealed by Hyundai Australia’s public relations manager Guido Schenken in an interview with Australia’s Carsguide website late last week. Schenken when onto say that a number of prototypes are currently being tested and that AWD had been looked at as a possibility for the car from the start of development. It is alleged that the AWD technology could potentially be borrowed from Hyundai's Kona, which shares a platform with the i30.
While Hyundai South Africa has yet to green light the i30 N for local release, in overseas markets the models goes up against the Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS 280, thanks to a stonking turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 202kw and 353nm. The hot hatch has been lauded for its impressive handling, slick six-speed manual transmission, and overall sportiness; and price dependent, would be a worthy adversary to the local hot hatch brigade.
If an all-wheel drive version of the i30 N is going to go up against cars like the Golf R, it will need a lot more power. And because of this, all-wheel drive makes sense in that it will be able to harness its new found power more effectively. Talk of a bump in power to around 260kw have been touted, but at this stage are mere rumours.
What is interesting to note, is that the lead engineer at Ford's RS division is now heading up the vehicle test and development program at Hyundai. Tyrone Johnson, who oversaw development of the Mk3 Focus RS during his time at Ford, was poached by Hyundai earlier this year to replace former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, who has now been promoted to the head of engineering at Hyundai. Biermann, the then N boss at Hyundai, often said that all-wheel drive was likely to prove to be a future focus for the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, it remains unclear when an all-wheel drive Hyundai i30 N model could launch, but we would expect such a model to arrive within the next couple of years.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the Hyundai i30 N cost in South Africa?
The Hyundai i30 N isn't officially available in South Africa yet, as Hyundai South Africa hasn't given it the green light for local release, but if it arrives expect pricing around R450,000 to R500,000 based on its international positioning against the Golf GTI.
Q: Is the Hyundai i30 N worth buying?
The i30 N would be absolutely worth buying if it arrives in SA, offering 202kW from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, a slick six-speed manual, and impressive handling that's earned praise worldwide for taking on the Golf GTI and Megane RS 280.
Q: Will the Hyundai i30 N get all-wheel drive?
Hyundai is seriously considering an AWD version of the i30 N with prototypes currently being tested, potentially borrowing technology from the Kona and bumping power to around 260kW to compete with the Golf R and Focus RS.
Q: What engine does the Hyundai i30 N have?
The i30 N packs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 202kW and 353Nm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission that's been praised for its slick operation and overall sportiness.
Should You Buy It?
The best hot hatch under R500,000 in SA would be the Hyundai i30 N if it ever arrives locally, but unfortunately you can't buy what isn't sold here. With 202kW, brilliant handling, and a proper manual gearbox, the i30 N would absolutely demolish the local hot hatch scene at an estimated R450,000 to R480,000 price point. Until Hyundai South Africa wakes up and brings this weapon to our shores, you'll have to settle for a Golf GTI or wait for the rumoured AWD version that could pack 260kW and give the Golf R a proper hiding. The verdict is a reluctant no, purely because you literally cannot walk into a Hyundai dealer and buy one, which is frankly criminal given how good this car reportedly is.
