(October 4, 2018) — Hyundai Motor is extending its N range with the All-New Hyundai i30 Fastback N, offering the second high-performance model for the European market. The new vehicle is the first five-door hot coupe in the C segment. Hyundai says, "the sophisticated, elegant design of the i30 Fastback combines with the exhilarating performance and fun-to-drive features of the i30 N five-door. This makes the newcomer a race-track capable everyday sports car."

“The All-New i30 Fastback N is the stylish variant of the i30 N five-door, made to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in a sophisticated design,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, vice president Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

“It’s the first five-door hot coupe in the compact car segment and the newest performance-oriented model in our European N range, looking to attract more new customers and let them feel the N feeling.”

The first Hyundai N variant for the U.S. market will be the 2019 Veloster N launching late this year, Hyundai says. It will come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four making 275 horsepower.

The new European i30 Fastback is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which offers two different power outputs in combination with front-wheel drive. Customers can choose between the Standard Package engine, which delivers 247 horsepower and the Performance Package engine with a maximum power output of 271 horsepower. Both variants generate a maximum torque of 260 pound-feet. The car has an overboost function which is activated as soon as maximum torque is achieved. It enables the torque to be further increased up to 279 lb.-ft. The hot five-door coupe accelerates to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds with the Standard Pack and in 6.1 seconds with the Performance Pack. The maximum speed is 155 mph.

A precise and smooth shift is achieved by the six-speed manual transmission. It creates a sporty feeling by means of a reduced stroke and ensures that the driver looks forward to the next gear change. The power of the engine is transferred directly to the gear train in order to always be ready for shifting without any torque interruption.

The Hyundai N models have been equipped with the N Grin Control system. It allows drivers to choose from five different drive modes by using the dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The different settings — Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom — change the character of the car, adjusting various driving parameters.

True driving enthusiasts will enjoy the Performance Package of the All-New i30 Fastback N. It features the N Corner Carving Differential, which stands for the Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) device, which guarantees exceptional traction. By increasing the cornering speed, it provides a unique carving feeling when the driver accelerates the car through a curve.

In addition, it reduces wheel slip and understeering in specific conditions. The Variable Exhaust Valve System is also part of the Performance Package, enabling the driver to select different exhaust sounds depending on the drive mode. A more powerful sound makes the driving experience even more emotional. By using this system, drivers are able to actively control the exhaust valve as the sound differs with the size of the valve opening.

Fitted with the Performance Package, the new model comes with 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero high-performance Hyundai N tires. The Standard Package comes with 18-inch Michelin tires.

Drivers can easily activate the rev-matching function with a single touch of a button mounted on the steering wheel. The system enhances driving pleasure by supporting downshifts. It synchronizes the engine’s speed to the input shaft speed for the next gear during the shift process, thus enabling smoother and sportier downshifts. The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) further adjusts the performance according to the requirements during cornering, accelerating and braking.

Four variable dampers, mounted on the independent four wheels and operated by the use of a solenoid valve, guarantee a precise and immediate damping force control. As a result, the ride and handling are improved as well as the vehicle’s overall stability on the track.

Hyundai has developed the N range according to the same philosophy as for its racing cars. The name ‘N’ represents two important components. First, Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in South Korea’s Namyang district, where the idea was born. Second, the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging racetracks in the world and home of Hyundai’s Testing Centre, where the N models are honed.

The N logo itself symbolizes a chicane, the ultimate corner where the high-performance N models have been further developed and tested. Since its inception in 2015, the N range has performed at the highest level, succeeding in the Nürburgring’s VLN series, the TCR International Series, the Pirelli World Challenge, and the grueling Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race. The i30 N five-door, which came on to the market in the summer of 2017, performed likewise regarding sales: it has exceeded initial sales expectations. Almost 3,000 i30 N five-door units were sold in the first half of 2018 in Europe, with 100 units of its First Edition sold out in Germany in just 48 hours.