Prices for the updated 2021 Hyundai i30 N in the UK have increased to sit alongside the likes of the Ford Focus ST and VW Golf GTI Mk8. Starting from £33,745, it comes with more equipment, more power and a new gearbox option.
The new starting price of £33,745 for the 2021 i30 N hatchback with a manual gearbox represents a £4000 price increase over the i30 N Performance RRP. The i30 N Fastback also gets a £4000 price increase and now is available from £34,495.
While that does represent a significant increase in price, you are getting more for your money. That 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot remains but now produces 5bhp extra (now 276bhp) but crucially gains 28lb ft of torque, taking that figure to 289lb ft. Crucially, that torque is now available across a wider range, peaking from 1950 to 4600rpm.
If buyers opt for the newly-developed N-specific DCT transmission, the 0-62mph is cut from 6.1 seconds to 5.4, while cars with the 6-speed manual option will have to make do with a 5.9-second dash, which still represents a 0.2 second improvement over the earlier cars.
The new eight-speed DCT gearbox is a £1950 option and gets a host of bespoke features including one called N Grin Shift mode, which sounds a bit silly. This essentially overboosts the turbo for 20 second periods and also shifts up through the gears without cutting torque.
Mechanically, not much else has changed. The chassis remains largely untouched, with just a quick retune of the damper and steering calibrations, while a new stabiliser bar joins the in-cabin strut bar at the rear.
Visually, the 2021 Hyundai i30 N uses new 19-inch forged wheels that again make use of Pirelli P Zero tyres; these save a total of 14.4kg over the regular 18-inch wheels found on the earlier cars.
Inside, there is now an option for N Light Sports Seats, which save 2.2kg over the regular seats and feature more prominent bolsters to keep you planted in your seat.
You can check out our review of the Hyundai i30 N Performance here. You can also check our i30 N fast mods guide here.
