HYUNDAI’s i30 hottie, the N, is about to be let loose in Australia with the first 300 cars arriving in April.
And don’t worry about RPM (revs per minute) because the Korean fireball prefers BPM (heartbeats per minute.)
To be sold in a single 202kW ‘Performance’ model, it’s priced at $39,990 and Hyundai says it will make ‘a compelling case against its strongest competitors, regardless of price.’
“We encourage every genuine enthusiast in the hot hatch market to drive it and make their mind up based on the product’s merits,’ company CEO JW Lee said.
The 2.0-litre turbo N has a torque figure of 353Nm and drives through a six-speed gearbox.
“The car has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun in an accessible high-performance package,” Hyundai high performance division’s Albert Biermann said.
“The N models will enhance our brand’s appeal, catering to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine.
‘That’s why we measure high-performance in BPM, instead of only RPM.”
The i30 is packed with gear such as an electro-mechanical limited slip diff, active variable exhaust, electronic controlled suspension, launch control, race computer, 19-inch Pirellis, even an electronic sound generator. Really?
Plus the usual safety items, parking assistance, satnav, reversing camera, DAB+ digital radio (why have an electronic sound generator then?) and a host of other fare.
It adds up to a lot of car, but wait: there are also a couple of option packs so you can add your ‘desired level of luxury.’