N for Namyang: The 2020 Hyundai i30N is a louder, faster Golf GTI

• Priced from RM 298,888
• Limited to only 20 units, only through Lazada
• 275 PS and 353 Nm (378 Nm with overboost)
• 6-speed manual, front wheel drive

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has launched the highly acclaimed Hyundai i30N in Malaysia. Priced at RM 298,888, imported from Korea.

The Hyundai i30N is the first Hyundai product in Malaysia to carry Hyundai’s high performance N badge. N for Namyang, the location of Hyundai Motor’s R&D centre in Korea, Hyundai’s N brand is analogous to BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG.

In fact, Hyundai N is headed by ex-BMW M Division’s Albert Biermann, who was formerly the Vice-President for Engineering at Munich’s finest go-faster brand. When he was poached by Hyundai, he took along with him several of BMW M Division’s finest engineers.

So if the Hyundai i30N drives and sounds more BMW M than today’s BMW M, you know why.

Currently, there are three core Hyundai N models – i30N, i30N Fastback, and Veloster N. There are also several more milder N-Line models – think of these as Hyundai’s version of M Performance or AMG Line, but with mild power and chassis upgrades.

Globally, the Hyundai i30N’s 2.0-litre transverse four-cylinder turbocharged and direct injected (T-GDI) petrol engine is available with two power output levels – 250 PS and 275 PS, both 353 Nm, driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

For Malaysia, we are getting the highest specifications 275 PS variant with the full Performance Package, which include:

• 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero 235/35 tyres
• Red N brake calipers
• Larger disc brakes (18-inch front and 17-inch rear)
• N Corner Carving Differential
• Variable exhaust valve
• Faux suede and leather seat
• Electric front seats
• 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

With 275 PS and being 6-speed manual front-wheel drive, the Hyundai i30N is actually positioned closer to the 310 PS Honda Civic Type R (last sold at RM 330,002) than the 230 PS, 6-speed automatic (DCT) Volkswagen Golf GTI (last sold at RM 247,662), or even the all-wheel drive 290 PS 7-speed automatic (DCT) Volkswagen Golf R (last sold at RM 305,562).

In fact, the Hyundai i30N has a similar selectable rev-matching function as the Civic Type R.

The Hyundai i30N also adds launch control, adaptive (active) suspension with selectable Normal or Sport mode. The engine and exhaust has three modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The headlamps are LED with LED daytime running lights.

Inside, the Hyundai i30N is just as polished as a Golf R, if not better. Interior trimmings and fit and finish are very Volkswagen-like. There’s even a panoramic sunroof.

The infotainment is an 8-inch touchscreen unit and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It even comes with cruise control, reverse camera, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning.

On top of the seven airbags, ADAS features include lane departure warning and assistance, forward collision avoidance (warning and assist).

Behind, the boot fits 381 litres of cargo (VDA method). With the seats down, cargo capacity can be expanded to 1,287 litres.

In Malaysia, the Hyundai i30N will be offered exclusively only on Lazada, as part of the online shopping platform’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale.

Customers can purchase the Hyundai i30N through Lazada by paying a 50 percent deposit (RM 1,000) of the RM 2,000 booking fee through Lazada’s app, between 2-11 December. Customers who purchased the i30N will also get a complimentary Hyundai N Track Day experience in Seoul.

The Hyundai i30N is covered by a 5-year/300,000 km warranty. The vehicle is only available for viewing at Hyundai’s 3S Centre in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.