Hyundai i30 N Premium: Rain? Not on my parade

by Derek Ogden What is it? As the battle for the streets between electric power and the internal combustion engine, in one case the latter ...

by Derek Ogden

What is it?

As the battle for the streets between electric power and the internal combustion engine, in one case the latter is putting up a stiff rearguard action with Hyundai upgrading its i30 N performance car. The new hot hatch has been given a fresh appearance, advanced technology and enhanced safety equipment’ capped off by swifter access to the fast-and-furious N Grin Shift function. All join a powertrain and driving dynamics that already have put Hyundai’s first ‘N’ at the head of the ‘grid’. With the MY25 upgrade Australia is the only global market to offer the full Hyundai N range -- the i20, i30, i30 Sedan and Ioniq 5 N. As Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer says: “These key updates are about improving the Hyundai i30 N formula without changing the fundamentals … adding to the well-rounded nature of this accessible and exciting performance vehicle.”

What’s it cost?

The 2025 Hyundai i30 N sports a refreshed face, incorporating a redesigned front radiator grille with red-accented inserts in the intakes. Red detailing extends to the side skirts, adding a further touch of colour. The 19-inch forged alloy wheels have also received a minor facelift showcased in a matte grey colour scheme. Hyundai badging has also changed, with matte black on the rear and stylised ‘H’ centred on the meshed radiator grille. There's two models from which to choose, i30 N, priced from $50,000 and i30 N Premium, priced from $53,500, with a choice of manual or auto at no extra cost. Premium paint adds $595 and a sunroof, $2000. One might expect premium paint to be standard with the Premium. Hyundai’s 10.25-inch instrument cluster, offering the driver access to a list of performance metrics such as turbo boost gauges, G-force meter, lap timer and digital speedo, has joined the existing 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and six-speaker DAB+ radio. Added advanced technology comes courtesy of Hyundai Bluelink, which includes automatic collision notification, with emergency (SOS) call function, connected routing with live traffic updates, alert services such as geo-fencing, valet, speed and time, remote climate and vehicle functions, navigation send to car, voice recognition and management of vehicle settings. Hyundai SmartSense Safety includes forward collision avoidance assist, multi-collision braking, driver attention warning, lane keeping and lane-following assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning and blind spot collision avoidance. Safety updates include rear occupant alert, which detects if a rear door was opened or shut before the car was started and reminds the driver to check the seats before getting out of the vehicle. Speed limit assist has the car provide audio and visual cues to appear when the speed limit is exceeded. The i30 N is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty through Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, which includes Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav Update Plan.

What’s it go like?

Ambience is well supported by new gloss black finish around the gearshift lever. Updated suede N bucket seats, with contrast blue stitching, hold occupants comfortably, especially during spirited driving. Boot capacity is 381 litres with the rear seats in use or 1287 litres with them folded. Connectivity is better supported by the addition of three USB-C charge points, one in the front and two for back seat passengers. Rain-sensing wipers and an electronic mirror are both now standard, although the latter does have display problems with reflected light. Among the scattergun upgrades one aspect remains. Tried-and-tested ingredients remain at the core of the i30 N. At the forefront is a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine pumping out 206kW at 6000 rpm and 392Nm between 2100 and 4700 rpm, plus a choice between a six-speed manual, or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission -- to the accompaniment of a raw roar from a chrome-tipped exhausts. The i30 N test car had an early introduction to fickle Australian weather conditions, facing up to the first storm of the summer season. In sheeting rain, the high-performance hatchback took to the conditions as well as many SUVs of today. With hail threatening, we made a hasty retreat to take the last parking slot at an undercover car park. Apart from that ‘unscheduled incident’ the rest of the time with the potent performance vehicle was relatively relaxed. Even so, in a unique driving experience, the updated steering wheel offered access to exciting possibilities, especially a red button switching to the cockily named NGS (N Grin Shift) over-boost function, delivering 20 second spells of peak power, sharper gear shifts and brassy engine note. The self-satisfied smile on the face of an enthusiastic driver, in this case, lasted a lot longer. Combined urban/highway fuel consumption, claimed by the maker at 8.5L/100km, compared with real-time figures of a tad over 10.0L in the city and 6.6L/100km on the motorway.

What we like?

• Refreshed face
• Full Hyundai N range
• Quicker access to N Grin Shift
• Rear occupant alert
• Three USB-C charge points
• Rain-sensing wipers and electronic mirror added

What we don’t like?

• Premium paint still extra with Premium model
• Fuel consumption can be excessive
• That's it

The bottom line?

Roll up, roll up for what could be the last petrol powered i30 N hot hatch to come from Hyundai. The latest upgrade deserves its place as a worthy example of the marque’s fossil-fuelled performance pantheon.   CHECKOUT: Hyundai Palisade: Big on comfort

CHECKOUT: Hyundai Santa Fe: Larger than life