Hyundai is readying an Hyundai i30 N-Line warm hatch for launch this summer. The model will usher in a new trim level that'll rival Ford’s ST-Line and Vauxhall’s recently relaunched GSi.
As the first model to get a proper N performance variant, the i30 will also be the first Hyundai to be offered with this sporty N-Line trim. It will be part of the manufacturer's plans to expand its go-faster N division.
Recent images of an i30 N-Line prototype spied testing indicate that it will have 18in wheels, more aggressive bumpers than standard i30s and red accents, all of which are influenced by the design of the i30 N.
Some of the i30 N’s interior features will also be carried over, although its figure-hugging sports seats don’t appear to be fitted to the test car, suggesting N-Line seats will be more closely related to the regular ones.
Hyundai will give the i30 N-Line a mildly uprated chassis tune. It will fit between the set-up of the regular model and the more focused i30 N. Expect slightly lowered suspension with tweaked damper rates to help improve handling, plus the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which are less performance-oriented than the Pirelli P Zeros offered on the i30 N.
Hyundai i30 N long-term review
Like the red-blooded i30 N, the N-Line’s chassis and geometry set-ups have been honed at the Nürburgring. Hyundai's head of testing and high-performance development, Albert Biermann, oversees this track work and has pledged to produce engaging cars, suggesting the i30 N-Line be more playful than the hatchback class average.
Like Ford, Hyundai is expected to eventually offer its new performance-inspired trim in conjunction with a wide range of engines. Currently, the standard i30 is offered with 1.0 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.6-litre diesel.
