Is this the hot hatch you have been waiting for?
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today launched its i30 N high-performance 5-door hot hatch. The i30 N is Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance car under the N line-up. Built on the New Generation i30, the i30 N has been developed from the ground up to deliver maximum driving pleasure in everyday life on the road, as well as on the track.
N was born in Namyang, at Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea and honed at the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging race tracks in the world and home of Hyundai’s Testing Center. The N logo symbolises a chicane – the ultimate corner where the i30 N has been tested thoroughly and has proven its ability. The i30 N is inspired by Hyundai Motorsport’s experience in WRC since 2014.
Competing directly with the Honda Civic Type R, Renault Megane RS, VW Golf R and the Mercedes AMG 45, this Hyundai is not only quick from standstill, it is also very communicative in the hands of its owner. The asking price of RM298,888 gives former Mazda3 MPS, Ford Focus ST and Golf 5 and 6 R owners a replacement to consider…..and it has a manual gearbox for added driving pleasure.
This hot hatch Hyundai will officially go on sale exclusively on Lazada Malaysia during its 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. Limited to only 20 units, the i30 N will be available for pre-order from 2 December, through Lazada’s Chup Dulu pre-order feature.
Chup Dulu enables shoppers to enjoy exclusive deals and unbeatable prices on selected items by paying a deposit via the Lazada app to reserve the items. From 2 to 11 December, shoppers can Chup their Hyundai i30 N by paying a 50% deposit on the booking fee of RM2,000 (RM1,000) via the Lazada app. Simply check-out and pay the balance of the booking fee (RM1,000) from 12 to 14 December to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not completed.
Buyers will then be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed to purchase their vehicle at their preferred Hyundai showroom. The 20 shoppers who successfully complete payment of the full booking fee (RM2,000) and receive loan approval for their vehicle will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience.
The i30 N is Hyundai’s first true high-performance car, developed to debut the N division and redefine the way in which the world views our vehicles.
Priced at RM298,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance), the complete built-up i30 N Performance model offers class-leading safety features, exhilarating drive experience with selectable drive modes, and luxurious sporty design inside out.
There are two variants for the i30 N; the N variant with 250PS & 353Nm torque and the N Performance variant that comes with 275PS and 353Nm torque. However, for the Malaysia market, HSDM will only be launching the N Performance variant that is packed with 19-inch alloy wheels, Red Brake Caliper with N logo, Driver and Front Passenger Seat with Electric Adjustments, Faux Suede & Leather Seat Trim and a more powerful engine with a maximum output of 275PS.
Powered by a 2.0 T-GDI turbocharged engine, the i30 N delivers up to 275 PS and 353 Nm torque, and direct response with a linear power development through the early responding turbo charger. It features front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.
“We are offering the i30 N at a special price in conjunction with Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale and we hope car enthusiasts will grab this opportunity to own the limited-edition unit which comes with serially numbered metal plates. It is the first time Malaysian car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to own the first of Hyundai’s famed high performance car lineup and we think it is fitting to make such an exceptional car available on a special platform,” said Mr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
“As the leading eCommerce platform in the country, Lazada Malaysia continues to be the trusted online marketplace for brands and sellers and is committed to delighting our customers by bringing them exclusive and unmatched first-to-market experiences. Consumers today have made eCommerce an essential part of their everyday lives, and therefore demand more out of our platform to serve their wants and needs. We are happy to offer our shoppers the chance to be the first in Malaysia to own the Hyundai i30 N,” said Leo Chow, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Malaysia.
The i30 N is an everyday hot hatch suitable for commuting on weekdays, that doubles up as a high-performance racetrack machine on weekends. With five drive modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom settings, drivers can switch the personality of the car with just a push of a button. The N Grin control system changes the drive mode, adjusting the parameters of the engine, followed by the dampers; while activating the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), sound, steering and rev-matching. Additionally, the driver can select the rev-matching button on the steering wheel to increase the revs on the engine when shifting from a higher to a lower gear, while the car’s Launch Control helps to launch the car as quickly as possible by controlling engine torque.
Focused on Fun To Drive
The i30 N was designed to make the driver’s heart beat faster behind the wheel. When the driver hits the throttle and shifts through the gears, the rev-matching function supports smooth gear shifting, while the over boost function increases torque (+8%) and acceleration (+6-7%). The feeling is enhanced by the car’s sound from the dual muffler exhaust featuring the variable exhaust valve system. The cockpit of the i30 N shows key performance parameters through the new instrument cluster and the 8-inch free-floating screen’s modes such as the G-Force meter for live tracking of performance.
On a race track, the driver is assured that the car’s performance will endure. Its brakes have been developed to last with an extra cooling function through the air intakes on the front bumper. The ECS allows the driver to adjust the i30 N to best suit a race track’s requirements. The body’s high rigidity is increased by the rear stiffness bar behind the rear seats. The car features a strong clutch that is built to last, while the precise six-speed manual transmission has short travel to enhance fast shifting.
The i30 N’s maximum grip is guaranteed by the 19-inch Pirelli high-performance Hyundai N tyres. The rack-mounted motor-driven power steering is very direct and offers high precision. The lowered body is rigid and in combination with the ECS, works to reduce roll and enhance cornering speed, enabling the driver to adjust the dampers from comfort-oriented daily commuting to high-performance track-driving.
The i30 N is aerodynamically designed to reduce lift to keep the body firmly on to the road when maximum traction is required. The E-LSD enhances grip and delivers maximum power on the road. For genuine enthusiasts, the ESC can be switched off completely for maximum freedom. Class-leading Safety Features
With Driver Attention Alert (DAA), the i30 N features a driver protection system which monitors driving patterns to detect reckless or fatigued driving and to prevent potential accidents. The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) senses the car’s position and alerts the driver about unsafe movements at speeds over 60 km/h. By audibly and visually warning the driver before inducing corrective steering, it guides the driver back to a safe position on the road.
The High Beam Assist (HBA) system on the other hand, detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles in the same lane ahead at night and changes to low-beam lights as appropriate, thereby reducing blinding effects on other drivers. HBA automatically reactivates the high beams and therefore maximises the driver’s range of vision as soon as no vehicles are detected.
Sporty High-Performance Exterior Design
The i30 N features a wider wheel arch with 19-inch wheels, displaying N logos. Compared to the standard five-door car, the i30 N is 8 mm lower with 19-inch wheels. The N signature can also be found on the striking red brake callipers and on the Cascading Grille at the front, boasting the model’s high-performance pedigree.
With only one colour available, which is Performance Blue, the exterior of the i30 N takes inspiration from Hyundai Motorsports WRC and TCR. At the front of the car, the i30 N exudes sportiness and purposeful appearance with headlamps that are accentuated with black bezels. The prominent Cascading Grille at the front of the car is enhanced by a crisp red insert which runs along the bottom of the front splitter, highlighting the emotional appearance and strong character of the car. At the rear, a highly distinctive triangular brake light is nestled in a new gloss black spoiler and wide dual exhaust tips that emphasise the eye catching look of the sports hatchback.
Horizontal LED daytime running lights sit on two air inlets on both sides of the car’s front bumper, which enhance brake cooling and aerodynamics. Behind the Cascading Grille, additional air curtains enhance air flow, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches and improving the engine cooling. The front splitter and rear wing spoiler have also been carefully crafted to create downforce and exceptional aerodynamic balance.
Sporty Interior Design
The interior is focused on connecting the driver with the car at every contact point. The exclusive ‘N’ steering wheel puts control of the i30 N’s driving performance features right at the driver’s fingertips. On the left side of the steering wheel, the driver may select three standard drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco. On the right, they have the option of selecting the ‘chequered flag’ N-mode, or a custom setting visible on the navigation screen. The steering wheel and ball-type gear knob are both accentuated with unique Performance Blue colouring and incorporating the N logo.
The electronic instrument cluster is designed with enthusiastic drivers in mind. A shift timing indicator at the top of the cluster indicates when to change gears for optimal race track driving performance. The red zone of the variable LED rev counter changes according to driving performance and engine oil temperature. Both the rev counter and speedometer are distinctively designed and feature blue lighting tying them in with the N Performance feel of the cabin.
The i30 N features unique high-performance sports seats with sculpted lumbar support and extendable seat cushions to provide stability and comfort for the driver and front passenger. The seats are upholstered in a combination of faux suede and leather with the N logo stamped on the back rest.
The i30 N is entitled to a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. It is available for viewing at Sime Darby Auto Hyundai Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur. For more information, interested parties can call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
