Facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 hatch is N-Line or nothing

The facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 hatch has been approved for Australian release exclusively with mild-hybrid power – as we reported in May – and it will only be available here in sporty N-Line guise.

Federal government homologation documents reveal the non-N i30 hatch line-up will be slashed from eight variants to just two when the PD-generation’s second facelift arrives in the coming months, at which point the small hatchback range will only comprise a single N-Line variant with the choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Both variants are fitted with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine outputting 118kW/253Nm, supported by a 48V starter/generator that can periodically contribute an extra 4-10kW during hard acceleration, though not regularly enough to contribute to the powerplant’s overall outputs.

The new mill offers marginally less power but significantly more torque than the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (120kW/203Nm) it will replace, and lowers fuel consumption down from 7.3-7.4L/100km to 6.1-6.3L/100km depending on the transmission.

All electrified i30 hatches in Europe ship with multi-link rear suspension as standard, so it’s little wonder Hyundai Australia is only taking the mild-hybrid in sporty N-Line form – not to mention the immense popularity of other N-Line models elsewhere in the Korean brand’s local portfolio.

The homologation data reveals the inbound variants will ride on dedicated 18-inch alloy wheels shod with the same 225/40-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres as the outgoing N-Lines, firmly underscoring the new model’s intent.

An N-inspired body kit, wheels and interior complement the tasty rolling stock – traditionally joined by bigger brakes – but the new mild-hybrid four can’t hold a candle to the outgoing ‘Gamma’ 1.6T that pumps out 150kW/265Nm.

Hyundai i30 buyers wanting more performance than the mild-hybrid N-Line hatch offers will either have to settle for the now auto-only i30 Sedan N-Line or spring for the full-fat i30 N models and their unchanged 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbo ripsnorter.

As we’ve previously reported, the upgraded N-Line and N variants are expected to bring comprehensive technology updates to the aging i30 hatch range, including 10.25-inch digital instrument clusters, highway driving assist for the automatics and an updated infotainment system to match the new dash and centre console trim.

With the range culled to such a degree, pricing for the new i30 hatch is expected to start around the $30,000 mark thanks to the new powertrain, standard N-Line treatment and the European import tariff, given it’s built in the Czech Republic.

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