Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai i30 N (2018 - 2024) – performance and 0-60 time

Some rivals are quicker, both on paper and in the real world, but it’s certainly not slow

Evo rating
  • Enthusiastic and hard-hitting yet balanced and engaging, the i30 N does it all
  • Engine still lacks true sparkle; still heavier than ideal

If there is a weak point within the i30 N’s dynamic package it’s the Theta turbocharged engine. It’s not a slow car, far from it, but compared to the engines found in rivals the 2-litre four-cylinder can be a little flat. While it revs cleanly to its red line, it doesn’t have the top-end enthusiasm of units found in the Mégane RS and Civic Type R, and it also lacks the huge mid-range punch of the latest Focus ST. The extra power is nigh on impossible to feel, but the extra torque does make its presence known, albeit at a slightly higher point in the rev band than before.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The engine’s relative lack of sophistication is partly due to its fairly humble beginnings in American-market midsize saloons and SUVs, making this feel like a potent engine put into a small car, rather than one designed specifically for the job.

Performance on paper is strong enough though, breaking the 155mph mark having passed 62mph in 5.9sec. Not class-leading but on the money with its rivals. In our own performance testing we recorded a pre-facelift i30 N Performance at 60mph in 6.6sec, and 100mph in 14.9sec. DCT models take a huge 0.5sec off the 0-62mph time, down to 5.4sec, the difference on account of not just the faster shift times, but also its shorter gearing.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal
Ferrari EV spies
News

Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal

Ferrari will reveal its first all-electric car in October 2025 and it will be called: Elettrica
22 Apr 2025