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When the i30 N launched in 2018, it felt like deja vu. Another revolutionary raising the benchmarks of more affordable hot hatches. And it wasn’t like the genre was going through a lull at the time, either. In fact, anyone with circa-$50K to spend could choose a Renault, Volkswagen, Honda, Ford, Mini, Subaru, Peugeot, Skoda and even a BMW if they so desired.
The i30 N followed the well-established template of compact five-door body, front-wheel drive and highly tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It just did it all better than anyone else at the time, which is all the more impressive because it was a first attempt. About the only area the i30 N fell short was in not offering an automatic transmission, which is typically 70–80 per cent of sales in Australian sports cars. Now, with the 2022 update, that oversight has been remedied.
The exterior styling has been subtly updated up front with a new grille and front bumper, and new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the spoiler and tail-lights have been reprofiled, and larger exhaust tips flank a modified airflow diffuser. The N’s 19-inch alloy wheel design is also new.
The i30 N is available in three specification levels and with two transmissions, starting at $44,500 with a six-speed manual or $47,500 with the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The i30 N Premium with Sunroof and DCT we’re testing here costs $52,000 plus on-roads and dealer delivery.
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