After teasing it a little more than a year ago at the KL international Motor Show, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors have finally launched the i30 N in Malaysia, priced at RM298,888 (on the road without insurance) – but with a twist. There will only be 20 units in the country, and available exclusively through Lazada – More on that later.
First things first, Hyundai was quick to point out that the i30 N means business, highlighting the fact that the N in its name stands for Nurburgring – where the car is developed, aside from Namyang, the location of the N performance R&D centre.
The Hyundai i30 N will be available only in the Performance variant. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged T-GDi engine, capable of producing 275 hp and 353 Nm of torque. An overboost function increases the torque by eight percent, to 378 Nm.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with power sent to the front wheels. The power output translates to a century sprint time of 6.1 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.
Hyundai has fitted the i30 N performance with a plethora of performance equipment, including the N Traction and Stability Control, Electric Controlled Suspension (ECS), and an electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), which Hyundai calls the “N Corner Carving Differential”.
By default, four preset driving modes are available – Eco, Normal, Sport, and N – selected by pressing on a chequered flag button on the steering wheel. But if you want even more fun on the track, a N Grin Control System changes the driving mode, engine parameters, dampers, ESC and E-LSD settings automatically for maximum track performance. The Grin Control System also turns up the sound, while tuning the steering response and rev-matching system.
Yes, the Hyundai i30 N has a rev-matching function too, which might be especially useful when you just feel like driving calmly on the streets. A launch control system with variable RPM helps control engine torque output for the quickest launch off the line.
The Hyundai i30 N will be available exclusively in a Performance Blue body colour – a nod to their Hyundai Motorsports roots in the WRC and TCR series. At the front, the hot hatch features full LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, the latter sitting on the two air inlets at the sides of the front bumper.
The air inlets are functional, too, directing airflow towards the brakes for enhanced cooling and aerodynamics. The Cascading Grille in front also features an air curtain, to direct air between cooling and aerodynamic purposes.
At the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler helps with the downforce of the i30 N. The third braking light, which sits underneath the spoiler, is also shaped in a racecar inspired triangular shape. The lights at the rear are all fully LED, including the rear combination taillights.
Further down at the rear apron, you will find dual muffler exhaust tips, separated by splitters which looks to be mostly aesthetical. The exhaust comes with a variable exhaust valve, which helps modulate the engine and exhaust sounds.
The i30 N sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tyres (235/35). Behind those wheels are the red brake calipers, complete with N badging at the front wheels.
Moving inside, you’ll realise that the Hyundai i30 N is capable of being civil too. The front seats are 10-way power adjustable, while the seats are upholstered in suede and leather, reinforcing the duality.
A 4.2 Supervision LCD digital instrument cluster separates the analog dials, while a 8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen display sits in the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while also able to display performance information such as G-force meter when on track.
Further down the centre control stack, you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as a Qi wireless phone charger. To highlight its practicality even more, you still get 381 litres of cargo space at the back with the rear seats up!
Safety wise, the Hyundai i30 N comes standard with 7 airbags. The usual ABS, ESC, and other three letter acronyms are all still here, but Hyundai has also armed the hot hatch with advanced driver assist systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System, as well as High Beam Assist. There is also a tyre pressure monitoring system to keep your tyres in check.
Now, remember when we said it is available only on Lazada? The Hyundai i30 N is made available on the platform in conjunction with the 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. The 20 units will be open for pre-booking from 2 to 11 December, using the Chup Dulu function just as the Ford Ranger Splash did.
During the pre-booking period, buyers will just have to pay 50% on the booking fee of RM2,000 (RM1,000) via the Lazada app. Simply check out and pay the remainder of the booking fee from 12 to 14 December to secure the booking. Do note that the deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not complete.
Once the RM2,000 booking fee is completed, the buyer will be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed with their purchase at their preferred Hyundai showroom. All 20 shoppers who successfully receive loan approval for their vehicle will also be treated to a trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience!
The Hyundai i30 N comes with a five-year/300,000 km warranty. Interested parties will be able to view the car at the Sime Darby Auto Hyundai showroom in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.
IMAGE GALLERY
