PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Hyundai confirms extreme i30 N on way

Hyundai's N division boss, Albert Biermann, has revealed the manufacturer's forthcoming i30 N will be available in both Road and more extreme Track version when it goes on sale next year in 2017.

Speaking exclusively to Australian journalists at the Paris motor show, Biermann explained why the hot hatch would be available in Road and Track spec.

Biermann: "For me it was important to have a track version of the i30 N - a car that just doesn't die after two laps, a car that can be consistent when driven very hard."

Hyundai's high performance boss says that instead of dealer-fit options the track-suited i30 N will be a derivative of the i30 N range.

Biermann didn't confirm how the track version of the i30 N would differ from the base model but did admit the i30 N Track would be "less useable on the road", hinting it would have a unique, stiffer suspension set-up to cope with circuit work.

The former BMW M boss also revealed that during the i30 N's development he tasked his team of engineers based in Korea and at Germany's Nurburgring with making the i30 N as fun to drive as possible, rather than focusing on lap times.

"I've never cared about a Nurburgring lap time. I still don't. When I drive there I just want to have fun.

"It might not be perfect the first time, but I don't care, sure it must be fast, but first of all it must be fun", remarked Biermann who also said the i30 N will be "very affordable".

"The i30 N has to be very affordable – it is a Hyundai – it has to have a strong value for money and be very robust, so you can push it on the track".

To create the i30 N the biggest change over the standard i30 hatchback is the front axle, which is completely new. The sportiest Hyundai ever will also come with adjustable dampers, different engine modes and a dual-stage stability control system with specific track mode.

Finally, it's likely the performance hatch will come with a rev-match system for perfect six-speed manual down-changes. The firm's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will also be offered.

As well as the i30 N Biermann was keen to talk about the RN30 concept (pictured) that was revealed earlier that day.

Confirming that a more powerful Ford Focus RS-rival was being considered, Biermann was quick to stress nothing has yet been confirmed despite testing on the RN30's 280kW 2.0-litre turbo had already begun.

"We can't go from zero to 100 instantly, we need to go step-by step.

"Such a high-powered car is too much to put out now. I think we first need to grow a performance base with the i30 N. That's why we'll offer two versions: a road version and a more track-orientated model. Then we need to see how the demand for the N is going. If demand grows we can provide more," added Biermann.