Hyundai i30 N 2017 review: quick first drive
- Price From $37,000 to $47,000
What we like
- Cracking engine
- Simple, effective chassis
- Very adjustable
What we don't
- Won't be easy on the juice
- Driver's seat could be lower
- Our test wasn't long enough!
When it comes to whipping up the hype machine, Hyundai has done it to brilliant effect with the impending roll-out of its forthcoming 'N' range.
Named in honour of its sprawling proving ground at Namyang, about two hours from the South Korean capital of Seoul, the performance N line is intended to inject a dose of affordable adrenaline into the company’s veins.
The first N off the starting line will be based on the new generation of i30 hatch, and it’s got some big names - like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, for example - set firmly in its crosshairs.
We managed to blag an invite to an exclusive pre-launch event at Namyang to put the new i30 N – briefly, but quickly – through its paces.
Verdict
Even after the briefest of drives, it's obvious the i30 N is an excellent first (genuine) effort from Hyundai to drive itself forward via building an accessible, entertaining, performance tool.
This is not high-end, super-expensive, ridiculous entry to performance, either. They've gone about it in a clever and resourceful way. They've got the right people involved. It's making the right noises. It does the right things.
It's now a matter of convincing people that Hyundai has the chops to pull this off. Early indications are that it has. The i30 N has all the makings of a terrific little car.
Do you believe Hyundai can shock and awe you with the i30 N? Let us know in the comments below?
Hyundai i30 N 2017 review: quick first drive
What we like
- Cracking engine
- Simple, effective chassis
- Very adjustable
What we don't
- Won't be easy on the juice
- Driver's seat could be lower
- Our test wasn't long enough!
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