2021 Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai have updated their first ever hot hatch with more power and more tech. Whilst the changes are not big by any measure, the updated i30 N promises to improve on an already good package, a package that signaled Hyundai’s entry into the world of performance cars with the original i30 N in 2017.

Power from the 2.0L turbo engine has been increased by a rather small 5 hp to a new high of 276 hp, with maximum torque going up by a larger 38 Nm to 392 Nm. That torque is also available in a wider rev band than before, coming in between 1,950 and 4,600rpm. All of this has resulted in a 0.2 second reduction in the 0-62 mph acceleration time, which now clocks in at a respectable 5.9 seconds.

Highlighting the technical changes is a new ‘wet’ style eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that has been programmed to prioritise performance and improve responsiveness and shift feel. There is also a new ‘N Grin Shift’ mode which for 20 seconds will overboost the turbocharger and shift up through the gears without cutting torque, providing a pronounced jolt forward whilst banging up the gears.