The Hyundai i30N is the third best-selling hot hatch in Europe, according to data compiled by Jato Dynamics’ analyst Felipe Munoz.

In the first half of 2020, Europe’s performance/hot hatch segment remains overwhelmingly dominated by the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which sold 5,640 units in the first six months of 2020.

Following far behind is the Mercedes-AMG A35, with 3,611 units delivered. Trailing closely behind the A35 is the Hyundai i30N, with 3,425 units delivered.

The BMW M135i and Ford Focus ST, 3,165 units and 2,641 units respectively, rounded up the top five.

Debuted in September 2017, the Hyundai i30 N is the first of Hyundai’s N line models, with N short for Namyang, the location of Hyundai’s global R&D centre, as well as Nurburgring, where the i30N’s chassis was honed.

Hyundai’s N division is headed by the former head of BMW M, Albert Biermann.

Honed at the Nurburgring circuit, the i30N is produced exclusively at Hyundai’s plant in the Czech Republic.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 275 PS and 353 Nm, driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. It comes with launch control, adaptive suspension, and goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The optional Performance Package adds red N brake calipers, electronic limited slip differential (N Corner Carving Differential) and a variable exhaust valve system.

The Hyundai i30N was launched in Malaysia last year at RM 298,888, but only 20 units are available - as of August 2020, not a single unit has been sold, nine months after its launch.