SPYSHOTS: Is this a Hyundai “i30 N” hot hatch?

Hyundai-i30-GT-1

Is Hyundai preparing a hotter version of its C-segment Hyundai i30 hatchback for performance enthusiasts? Seen here is a Hyundai i30 that’s been given a lowered suspension, 18 inch alloy wheels from the Kia pro_cee’d GT, and two big exhaust pipes.

Could we be looking at a Hyundai i30 N then? Hyundai announced in late 2013 that it would be creating a new N sub-brand, which will be used to field a series of high-performance road cars. The letter N stands for Namyang, which is Hyundai’s head R&D centre in South Korea.

Take a closer look at this modified i30 and you can see some kind of badge on the right side of the boot lid. The badge is not very clear, but it’s got a little blue in it.

Hyundai-i30-GT-2

This faster i30 will probably use a 1.6 litre turbo GDI engine. The engine does 201 hp and 265 Nm in the pro_cee’d GT, while a similiar engine in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo does 184 hp and 265 Nm.

The question is, how far will Hyundai take its N brand? Will it simply challenge middling hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, or will the company leverage its WRC prowess and take on serious pocket rockets like the Golf R and Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG?

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Looks good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 5
    • ali baba on Sep 04, 2014 at 1:29 pm

      N – naughty

      AMG – aku memang ganas

      M – monster

      R3 – rosak rosak repair

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 6
  • shhhh on Sep 04, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Cool…
    now we VW/Skoda/Seat/Audi look alike made in Korea…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
  • nabill (Member) on Sep 04, 2014 at 9:35 am

    Taking on golf R,a45??
    I hope this is the tongue in cheek moment…..
    Looks good though,has some DS3 moments here n thr,but thy dont seem to figure out their steering/ride/handling combo….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori) on Sep 04, 2014 at 9:58 am

    Hey, this model is sought after in Sri Lanka.

    Please, let more sorhais buy them new

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 17
  • fuzikawa on Sep 04, 2014 at 10:16 am

    I see i20 as well there? When is it coming here Hyundai??? Also the all new i10?? When is it???????

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Peugeot GTi on Sep 04, 2014 at 10:41 am

    I would prefer Peugeot 208 GTi with 200ps of power and 275nm of torque(shared the same engine with RCZ).

    Reasonable price, just around RM135k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Sep 04, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    what so hot?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • in terms of exterior design, i prefer Sup S hehehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • ruesselsheimer on Sep 04, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    made in germany

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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