Hyundai i30 N Fastback

The Hyundai i30 N Fastback is praised by customers and experts alike for not one but several reasons. Accredited to hassle-free maintenance, punchy drive, and competitive pricing, the Hyundai i30 N Fastback is a complete package. The Fastback is the latest edition to Hyundai’s popular model, which offers the comfort of a hatchback with the styling of a coupe and luggage storage space of a sedan. While it resembles the standard model visually, there is a slight difference in the suspension set-up that has been tweaked at front. Priced at $41,990 (MSRP), the Hyundai i30 N Fastback pumps power from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a manual gearbox. 

The coupe-like design has received a mixed response from the enthusiasts that masks the hatchback within. A raked in windshield in front meets seamlessly with the roof, which rolls down smoothly into the boot. The lines on the low slung bonnet lend it character, while the sharp headlamps at font add agility to the sports hatchback. There is also Hyundai’s signature pentagon mesh grille with a thin chrome surround. Side skirts in front and a prominent shoulder line running across the length of the hatchback infuse a sporty flair to the hatchback. The multi-spoke alloys wrapped around chunky tyres seem to fit perfectly under the round arches, while the wraparound tail-lamps, an elevated lip spoiler bordered by a black strip round up the finishing at the rear. 

 The cabin of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback is well laid-out with 979 mm headroom at the front and 905 mm at the rear. At 1073mm, the legroom for front passengers is generous, whereas it is slightly less at 875 mm at the rear end. A seemingly roomy cabin, it offers 1427 mm shoulder space at the front and 1367 mm at the back. The cargo space is quite impressive at 436-litre which can be transformed to 1337-litre by folding the rear seats completely. Keeping with its sporty character, it features red stitching and inserts around the steering wheel, air vents, seats, gear knob, front armrest and gearshift boot. There are a host of optional features available at an additional cost as part of the luxury pack that can be availed to further enhance the already fun to drive sports hatch. 

 An integrated memory system, rain-sensing wipers, smart key with push-button, leather4 appointed seats, 12-way adjustable power passenger seats with 4-way lumbar support, wireless charging pad on the console, etc. are some of the bits that can be added to the standard kit on the hatchback. As for standard feature list, it comprises Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, SUNA live traffic updates, 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming and a lot more. 

Mechanically, this machine gets a 2.0-litre, 4 in-line engine from the Theta-II engine family tuned to pump out 202 kW at 6,000 rpm against 353 Nm torque between 1450 to 4700 rpm with overboost figures jumping to 378 between 1750 to 4200 rpm. This unit comes paired to a six-speed manual transmission. On the safety front, it gets ABS, BAS, EBD, hill start assist control, traction control, vehicle stability control, Hyundai SmartSense, lane keep assist, the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and a lot more.