SPYSHOTS: 2017 Hyundai i30 N hot hatch shows face

Here’s a latest set of spyshots from Europe, where the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch has been caught testing. This time, the test mule of the Korean Volkswagen Golf GTI rival shows more of its aggressive front end.

Now that we’ve seen official teasers of the next-generation Hyundai i30 that will debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October, one can better visualise the 2017 i30 N’s face seen here. The multi-projector look of the eyes here match that of the standard hatchback, but the LED daytime running lights are horizontal here instead of vertical at the bumper’s edges.

Also clear in these images are details such as the front air intakes, big wheels with blue streaks, big brakes with red brake calipers and two big exhaust pipes, one on each side. The production car should of course add on a sizeable rear wing for full effect.

Word is that the i30 N, which will be the Hyundai’s first car under the N performance brand, will debut next year in two versions – the standard N and one with a performance pack, like the Golf GTI. The Korean hot hatch could boast over 260 hp from a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-pot to take on the likes of the benchmark VW, Ford’s Focus ST and Peugeot’s 308 GTI.

The high-powered engine, which is currently under development, sounds throaty and sporty in the “work in progress” video Hyundai posted up last month. Around 40% of the development i30 N is fresh, with its newly-developed engine, enhanced transmission, suspension, dampers and upgrades in other areas such as wheels, steering and wider fenders.

Born in Namyang, honed at Nurburgring. We look forward to welcoming the Hyundai i30 N in 2017.

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