SPY PICS: New Hyundai i30 N's inner sanctum

Hyundai has virtually let the cat out of the bag with its upcoming i30 N, which is intended to compete with the likes of Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS. Now comes a set of spy photos showing the front-drive turbocharged hatchback's interior.

What do the photos have that will further enlighten us other than details of the all-new dash architecture?

Well, there's the auto gearshift, which is undoubtedly there to control the hot Hyundai's dual-clutch transmission, and dash detail showing a tacho with what looks like a 6750-rpm red line, a mode control switch in the centre console, alloy floor pedals, shift paddles and stitched leather seats, as well as various safety technology functions including blind-spot warning and lane-keep assist.

A supersize, iPad-style GPS screen sits above the central horizontal air vents (currently vertical), while the outer vents also have a new shape. The steering wheel is new, too, and gets paddle shifters with multi-function controls now tightly grouped on the two upper spokes, rather than stretching down towards the lower rim. Heating/ventilation controls are arranged differently too.

When it confirmed earlier this year that a new, 3rd-generation i30 was on the way (it will be introduced locally early in 2017), Hyundai said it would also be producing a hot "N" version in time for introduction at the Paris motor show in September 2016. The company said Australia, expected to be one of the car's biggest markets, would also receive the i30 N in 2017.

The i30 N's 2.0-litre turbo engine is anticipated to produce around 200kW – and more with an optional performance pack.