Hyundai i30 N Fastback returns

Hyundai has announced the return of the i30 N Fastback, in the form of a faster, more expensive limited-edition that will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year – around the same time as the all-new i30 N sedan that will effectively replace it.

On sale now priced at $49,000 plus on-road costs for the manual version and $52,000 plus ORCs for the auto, the 2022 ‘Hyundai i30 Fastback N Limited Edition’ commands a big price premium over the previous manual-only i30 N Fastback ($42,910 plus ORCs), stocks of which were exhausted several months ago.

But Hyundai says improved equipment levels including new interior features, plus increased performance, bigger brakes and a lower kerb weight make up for that.

Both the special i30 N Fastback and new i30 N sedan will join the facelifted 2021 Hyundai i30 N hatch range that’s heading into showrooms within weeks priced from $44,500 plus ORCs.

Just 500 units of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Limited Edition, which will be offered for the first time with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), will be available to order in Australia until September 31.

The special i30 N Fastback now accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds with the DCT, thanks to its in-built launch control system and an uptick in power and torque courtesy of a new turbocharger and intercooler.

Peak power and torque rated at 206kW and 392Nm – up 4kW and 39Nm respectively.

With a top speed of 250km/h, the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Limited Edition also features updated suspension geometry with a unique tune developed for Aussie models.

More robust 19-inch forged alloy wheels are fitted, reducing unsprung weight by 14kg compared with the previous i30 Fastback N’s cast alloy wheels, says Hyundai. They’re shod with Hyundai-specific Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The i30 Fastback N Limited Edition also comes with bigger 360mm front brake discs (up from 345mm), clasped by red N callipers.

Interior upgrades include body-hugging ‘N Light’ front seats, which are 2.2kg lighter than the standard front seats. They feature leather and Alcantara upholstery, blue stitching and even an illuminated N logo in the headrest.

A wireless phone charger that was previously part of a luxury pack and a larger 10.25-inch central touch-screen (up from the 8.0-inch unit) are also new.

The high-performance front-drive Hyundai i30 Fastback N is the only i30 Fastback model sold in Australia, and the Czech-sourced coupe-like hatch is set to be replaced by the Korean-built i30 N sedan.

“With the all-new i30 Sedan N due in Q4 this year, we have no current plans to make the i30 Fastback N part of our core N model range in Australia,” said Guido Schenken, Hyundai Australia spokesperson.

“The i30 Sedan N will also appeal to customers who want a four-door coupe design like the Fastback, but with the added benefit of being built on newer platform offering more performance potential.”

However, the Korean car brand hasn’t closed the door on a ‘final edition’ i30 Fastback N model just yet.

“We’re not entirely ready to close the book on i30 Fastback N; there is always the potential for another chapter, but nothing is confirmed. This might not be a last hurrah for the i30 Fastback N in Australia.”

The Hyundai i30 Fastback N Limited Edition is available in seven exterior colours and with just two options: metallic paint ($495) and a panoramic glass sunroof ($1500).

In addition to its range of i30 N models, including hatch, sedan and fastback, Hyundai is expanding its high-performance N portfolio with two more vehicles set to arrive this year.

The Hyundai Kona N also launches this month in Australia, while the smaller Hyundai i20 N is due around November 2021.