Hyundai's Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R rivalling i30 N hatchback gets vital upgrades with Australian release locked in for August

The updated Hyundai i30 N hot hatch is locked in for Australia and is due to land in showrooms from August.

Hyundai’s potent small car has found a big and loyal following in Australia with its combination of usable performance and relatively affordable price tag.

The new version ushers in tech advancements, fresh styling and updated safety but Hyundai Australia boss Ted Lee said the company hasn’t fixed what wasn’t broken.

“These key updates are about improving the Hyundai i30 N formula, without changing the fundamentals,” said Lee.

“While the i30 N has always been about maximising performance and fun, these improvements focus on delivering key safety and technology updates, adding to the well-rounded nature of this accessible and exciting performance vehicle.”

It remains powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as before. Outputs are the same at 206kW and 392Nm and it is matched to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drive the front wheels.

The crackling sports exhaust and sharp driving dynamics remain the same according to Hyundai.

There has been no official word on price but it is expected to start at $46,200 (before on-road costs) for the i30 N fitted with a manual transmission, which makes it the cheapest three-pedal hot hatch on sale - excluding smaller, less potent machines such as the Hyundai i20 N and Abarth 695.

The standard equipment for the base hatch includes new grey 19-inch alloy wheels, matte grey exterior highlights, new grille and red trimming on the side skirt.

Inside a new 10.25-inch digital driver’s display joins the existing 10.25-inch multimedia screen and there are multiple USB-C charging ports instead of older USB-A points. Auto wipers and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car tech, which allows over the air updates, is standard on the cheapest trim.

New leather and Alcantara appointed seats are included as is a leather covered steering wheel with a N mode selector.

Safety has been boosted with the addition of rear occupant alert and speed warning alert.