Sleek new Hyundai i30 Fastback N unleashed

Hyundai has released more details and images of what it describes as a more 'elegant' and 'sophisticated' version of its ferocious i30 N hot hatch.

Despite being based on a sleek i30 body derivative that is not sold here, the new Hyundai i30 Fastback N has already been confirmed for Australia.

In contrast to the new Hyundai Veloster, which arrives here next month in standard and Turbo forms (but not N guise because it's not produced in right-hand drive), the i30 Fastback will only be available Down Under in hot N spec.

Now due on sale locally early next year, the Hyundai i30 Fastback N is claimed to be the only five-door 'performance coupe' in the C (small-car) segment.

Featuring the more rakish rear-end design of the Hyundai i30 Fastback released in Europe about a year ago,the N version adds a more aggressive front bumper design with F1-inspired triangular fog lights, prominent ducktail rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets and gloss black detailing.

Under the bonnet, the Fastback N is mechanically identical to the regular i30 N hatch.

That means it too comes with the punchy 202kW/378Nm twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Even with a slight weight penalty, the i30 Fastback should hit 100km/h in the same 6.1 seconds as the hatch and have an identical top speed of more than 250km/h.

Previously seen testing at Hyundai’s European Test Centre at the Nurburgring, the more stylish Fastback N will be at home on track, with a powertrain, brakes and tyres that can cope with serious circuit work.

Rumour has it the i30 Fastback N was not originally planned for production but was introduced after the sales success of the i30 N hatch and customer demand for a Fastback-based halo model.

It's thought pricing and full details of Hyundai's newest N model will be announced when the hot i30 Fastback makes its official debut at the Paris motor show next week.

If, as it's hoped, the price premium for the i30 Fastback N follows the European model, the sleeker N model will cost just $800 more than the i30 N hatch.