New Hyundai i30 N 2021 detailed! Volkswagen Golf GTI rival gets more power and dual-clutch automatic with facelift

Hyundai has officially revealed the facelifted version of its pioneering i30 N hot hatch, which is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year with a more potent engine and a new transmission option.

With the Performance Package fitted, the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine now produces 206kW (+4kW) of power at 5200rpm and 392Nm (+39Nm) of torque from 1950-4600rpm. For reference, a 184kW/353Nm base version is also offered overseas.

Thanks to its increased outputs, the i30 N can now sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds with launch control engaged, making it 0.2s quicker to triple digits than before. Top speed is still 250km/h.

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As before, a six-speed manual is standard, although an eight-speed dual-wet-clutch automatic (with paddle-shifters) is now an option for the Performance Package. Its performance claims are yet to be detailed.

The two-pedal set-up also ushers in N Grin Shift (20 seconds of maximum performance via a button), N Power Shift (maximum performance when throttle input is 90 per cent or greater) and N Track Sense Shift (automatically activates when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving).

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For the i30 N to make the most of these new abilities, its adaptive suspension and electric power steering have been retuned for improved ride and handling, while the Performance Package’s front brakes discs now measure 360mm (+15mm) in diameter.

Safety has also been taken to the next level, with the i30’s advanced driver-assist systems now including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, steering assist as well as active versions blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The i30 N’s tweaked exterior design was revealed earlier this month, with the highlights being its matte-grey 19-inch forged alloy wheels and larger exhaust tailpipes, the former weighing 14.4kg less than the previous items.

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Now we finally have a look at the i30 N’s revised interior, which is headlined by a 10.25-inch touchscreen, optional N Light front seats (2.2kg lighter than the standard pews) as well as Performance Blue-accented seatbelts.

Of note, nearly all of the above changes also apply to the Volkswagen Golf GTI rival’s coupe-style Fastback body-style, although images of it are yet to be published.

Australian pricing and full specification details for the facelifted i30 N will be released by Hyundai closer to its launch. For reference, the pre-facelift model is priced from $41,400 and $42,910 plus on-road costs in its hatch and Fastback body-styles respectively.