Facelifted i30 Sedan N ups sophistication
Updated small performance sedan to launch locally by Christmas with sharp new stylingHyundai has surprised the performance world by revealing the exterior design of the facelifted 2023 i30 Sedan N via its social media channels today ahead of the model’s Australian release in the closing stages of the year.
The surprise is the fact we’re yet to see even a teaser of the updated semi-skim i30 N-Line, the launch campaign for which has traditionally preceded the N Performance flagship by at least a couple of months.
Regardless, the new hero i30 N’s aesthetics have been sharpened in line with the standard i30 Sedan facelift and features a new full-width lighting signature atop an entirely new front fascia designed to look wider, squarer and more imposing.
The whole arrangement makes the instantly recognisable US-oriented performance sedan look more European from the front, while the rear-end has been refreshed courtesy of an updated bumper finished almost entirely in black – WRX vibes anyone?
Rounding out the changes are some fresh standard alloy wheels and the apparent option of the i30 N hatch’s lightweight forged 19-inch rims.
The rest of the package is largely the same, with a contrasting fixed rear wing, large dual exhaust outlets, creased flanks and signature red N trim strips all making a return.
We’re yet to be shown the interior of the new i30 Sedan N, but odds are the cabin design will be largely the same as the current version given no major changes have been made inside the standard i30 Sedan – the car on which the N is based.
It’s a similar story with the powertrain: no changes have been confirmed so far and nor are there any expected given the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is already a class-leader for both performance and charisma, and will be retired at the end of the current generation’s lifecycle.
An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic will continue as the standard transmission choice, with the no-cost option of a six-speed manual also set to be carried given 45 per cent of all i30 N sales last year were three-pedal versions.
Exact timing for the new model is yet to be locked in but our sources have previously indicated the N will arrive in tandem with the rest of the facelifted i30 Sedan range.
Related: New 2023 Hyundai i30 sedan revealed
Related: Facelifted Hyundai i30 Sedan N spotted, here this year
Related: Hyundai N to axe its 2.0-litre turbo four
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