Road Test: Hyundai i30N Fastback
Same giant-killing hot-hatch character, with a softer Fastback flavour, says Martyn Collins.
Sector: Lower Medium Price: From £29,995 Fuel: 34mpg (WLTP) CO2: 178g/km (NEDC Correlated)
As little as three years ago, the idea of a Golf GTi-rivalling hot hatch from Korea would have been considered a joke. Well, over a year on since launch, and no one is laughing now, as the standard i30N hatch has already earned deserved admiration for its keen drive and sharp performance.
Looking to increase the i30N’s appeal, Hyundai has now added this Fastback model to the already popular hatch. The ingredients remain largely the same as the hatch from the front-end back to the front doors, with up to 271bhp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
It’s all change at the back though, with the sawn-off look of the hatch replaced by neater, more coupé-like sloping rear lines of the Fastback. On top of being arguably better looking than the hatch, the Fastback boasts a bit more practicality, with 55 litres’ more bootspace – with 450 litres in total.
It’s based on the N Performance version but on top of the already comprehensive standard specifications, which include sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, the front seats are now heated too. The final mod is only just noticeable on the move, and that’s the revised suspension settings – which are slightly softer. This is only just noticeable, but gives a welcome little bit of extra comfort on what is sporty and stiff feeling car.
I’ll forgive how stiff the N Fastback is though due to how quick and precise it feels on the move. In fact, the only downside of the way this i30N drives is the still multiple and confusing settings for the drive modes – with N mode still unsuitable for road use.
So if you liked the i30N hatch, but wanted a touch more style and practicality for a user-chooser choice, the Fastback could be perfect.