Can a sports activities sedan be front-wheel drive? Many automotive fanatics in all probability don’t assume so, noting {that a} correct sporty sedan must be rear-wheel drive or on the very least, all-wheel drive. Let these detractors drive the brand new Hyundai i30 Sedan N, nonetheless, and we suspect most will agree that it must be seen as top-of-the-line sports activities sedans available on the market.

It has been roughly 12 months for the reason that automotive was first unveiled and in most markets outdoors of Korea, it is called the Elantra N. In Australia, it’s badged because the i30 Sedan N however that’s purely for advertising and underneath the pores and skin, it is rather like the Elantra N bought abroad. We just lately spent every week with one and have been left very impressed.

An distinctive base

Discovered beneath the pores and skin of the i30 Sedan N is the automaker’s K3 platform. This makes it the primary N mannequin to make use of this platform and likewise offers it with an extended wheelbase than the i30 N hatch. It’s 4,675 mm (184 inches) lengthy, 1,825 mm (71.8 inches) large, and 1,425 mm (56 inches) tall whereas the wheelbase sits at 2,720 mm (107 inches).

Powering the sedan is Hyundai’s acquainted 2.0-liter T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder with 206 kW (276 hp) between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) of torque from 2,100 to 4,700 rpm. This engine has a 9.5:1 compression ratio and is identical unit as discovered within the i30 N hatch.

Two transmissions are provided to clients. The primary, as featured in our press automotive, is a six-speed guide whereas the second is an eight-speed moist dual-clutch. Each drive the entrance wheels by way of an electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential. Once more, identical to the hatchback.

There are some necessary mechanical elements that distinguish the i30 Sedan N from the hatch. Probably the most vital is the inclusion of Hyundai’s new Built-in Drive Axle (IDA) that mixes the wheel hub, driveshaft, and wheel bearing right into a single unit. This setup reduces unsprung mass by 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) per nook, permits for the fitment of a 59 per cent bigger diameter wheel bearing, and is 55 per cent extra inflexible than different N fashions.

Hyundai has additionally outfitted the i30 Sedan N with a novel set of 19-inch alloy wheels which can be stiffer than these discovered on different N fashions and are wrapped in a bespoke model of Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S tires, measuring 245 mm large in any respect 4 corners.

One of the best Hyundai inside at this value level

All i30 Sedan N fashions bought in Australia are available ‘Premium’ guise and have an inside loaded with good options. The apparent spotlight of the cabin is the ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the ten.25-inch infotainment display screen. Housed inside this display screen are all of the customization choices for the assorted totally different driving modes. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can also be supported.

As talked about, the driving place is superb and much superior to the hatch. We have been notably keen on the spherical steering wheel that doesn’t comply with so many different efficiency vehicles in adopting a flat-bottom design. Fashions outfitted with the six-speed guide have a vivid crimson button on the wheel to allow or disable the Rev Matching perform whereas these with the dual-clutch have a crimson button for the N Grin Shift (NGS) mode.

One factor that the i30 Sedan N misses out on when in comparison with the facelifted hatch is the provision of the N Sport seats. These seats, which can be found within the U.S., are slimmer and extra aggressive than the usual ones and could be a welcome inclusion on the Sedan. As it’s, the usual seats are good and provide sufficient bolstering for all however probably the most aggressive of driving. They’re additionally very snug.

The second row is surprisingly spacious however it’s the boot that’s the actual pièce de résistance of the i30 Sedan N’s enchantment. With the rear seats folded up, the automotive can assist 464 liters (16.3 cubic-feet) of bags and cupboard space solely grows additional when the seats are folded down (Hyundai doesn’t quote a determine), though admittedly, the rear strut brace does eat up some room. To place the boot area into perspective, the i30 N hatch can swallow up 381 liters (13.4 cubic-feet).

All i30 Sedan Ns bought in Australia come commonplace with the Hyundai SmartSense bundle. That brings with it Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Help, Driver Consideration Warning, Ahead Collision-Avoidance with Metropolis/City/Pedestrian performance, Excessive Beam Help, Lane Following Help, Lane Protecting Help, Lead Automobile Departure Alert, Rear Cross-Visitors Collision-Avoidance Help, Rear Occupant Alert, and Protected Exit Warning. One factor it does miss out on is radar cruise management.

Sufficient with the specs, how concerning the drive?

I’ve had the prospect to drive all of Hyundai’s N fashions over the previous three years and each certainly one of them is nice. From the pint-sized i20 N with its buzzy engine and tenacious grip by way of to the high-riding Kona N with its consolation and poise, Hyundai’s N division has been on a roll since 2018. The i30 Sedan N takes issues to a brand new degree.

Slide into the driving force’s seat for the primary time and you might be welcomed by an inside far superior to another N mannequin. The cabin is basically an identical to the ‘common’ i30 Sedan fashions and importantly, means that you can sit a lot decrease than you do within the i30 N hatch. With the seat set to the proper place and the steering wheel positioned shut and excessive, we set off. Or tried to, at the least.

Pushed: 2021 Hyundai i30 N DCT Is Even Higher Than The Six-Pace

As talked about, the press automotive we examined was outfitted with the usual six-speed guide. I used to be initially stunned by the lightness of the clutch and stalled the automotive immediately. Not solely is the clutch mild however it may be just a little tough to really feel the engagement level. However, after another try, I drove off.

Instantly, I entered into the N customization mode and turned all the things as much as its highest setting, albeit for the steering which is greatest left in Regular mode. The very first thing that impressed me was the journey high quality.

The i30 Sedan N is provided with the Electronically Managed Suspension and fashions bought in Australia profit from an area suspension tune within the Regular and Sport settings. Within the authentic i30 N hatchback, Regular was just about the one appropriate choice for on a regular basis driving as Sport was too agency and Sport+ would go away you with a tweaked again and in determined want of a therapeutic massage. Not so with the Sedan.

The firmest Sport+ suspension setting within the automotive is completely appropriate for on a regular basis driving duties. The elongated wheelbase, revised geometry, and different trickery leads to a much more snug and composed journey than another N mannequin. No matter how poor the highway floor could also be, the i30 Sedan N feels at dwelling.

Grip for days

The improved journey, ferocious electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential, and the aforementioned Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires additionally imply that is simply the best-handling N mannequin. In actual fact, it has higher dealing with than any efficiency automotive within the section, together with the outgoing FK8-generation Honda Civic Kind R, thought of by many as the recent hatch king since its launch.

Flip-in feels instantaneous and no matter whether or not the highway is bone dry or just a little slippery, the automotive feels prefer it has infinite quantities of grip. Attempt as we would, we by no means skilled even the slightest trace of understeer nor have been we capable of get the tires to screech just a bit bit. The i30 Sedan N turns so nicely which you can simply take tight corners at half and even three-quarter throttle, permitting the e-LSD to do its job and pull you into the apex. For a automobile at this value level, it beggars perception.

The engine is simply as robust as it’s in different N fashions. For probably the most half, the two.0-liter mill is identical because the hatch, though Hyundai’s engineers have outfitted it with a brand new high-flow air consumption that’s barely bigger than present in different fashions. Energy and torque is superb, though you do should hold the engine above 3,000 rpm to really feel a noticeable kick. Drivers that achieve this will probably be rewarded with a powertrain that roars all the best way to the redline. Hyundai claims it’ll sip simply 8.2 l/100 km (28.6 mpg) over the mixed cycle however we averaged 12.6 l/100 km (18.6 mpg). On the freeway, it’s straightforward to get gasoline consumption to drop to as little as 6.4 l/100 km (36.7 mpg).

A Launch Management system is featured on each the six-speed guide and DCT fashions. This technique generally is a little finicky to allow and even when it’s engaged, it’s not notably efficient with the six-speed. You see, whereas Hyundai says the automotive wants simply 5.5 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) with the guide and 5.3 seconds with the DCT, it’s very tough to launch it with out experiencing a heap of wheelhop on the high of first gear. The one means round it’s to both feather the throttle or hold the ESC system in its Regular mode, permitting it to work out the best way to greatest put the facility to the bottom. Pin the throttle by way of first gear within the Sport or ESC Off settings and the wheelhop can get fairly violent.

And the gearbox? It’s nice, albeit not as glorious because the six-speed of the Civic Kind R, although few are. It did take a few hours to get used to the clutch and with a view to draw back shortly and easily, it’s important to really feel as if you might be barely using the clutch. Studying curve apart, we’ve got nothing however constructive issues to say concerning the transmission.

The shift knob is properly weighted and the brief throws between the gears make shifting very pleasurable, as does the notchy really feel of the system.

The brakes are additionally excellent, as they’re in all N fashions. Moderately than sourcing brakes from a 3rd occasion like Brembo, Hyundai developed them in-house and no matter how exhausting you push, they by no means appear to fade. The Sedan additionally advantages from a Brake Prefill perform that primes the braking strain as you ease off the throttle.

The competitors must play catch up

Hyundai has priced its new efficiency weapon very competitively, beginning at AU$49,000 ($33,832) earlier than any on-road prices and no matter whether or not you go along with the six-speed or the DCT. This makes it AU$4,000 ($2,761) dearer than an equal i30 N hatch and AU$1,000 ($690) greater than the Kona N. It additionally undercuts the likes of the Toyota GR Yaris, Honda Civic Kind R, Renault Megane R.S., and VW Golf R, although these are hatches reasonably than sedans. Maybe its closest rival is the 2023 Subaru WRX, ranging from $44,990 ($31,063).

So, simply how good is the i30 Sedan N? Properly, not solely is it one of the best efficiency sedan at this value level however it’s also top-of-the-line efficiency vehicles underneath AU$100,000 ($69,000), combining thrilling efficiency with on a regular basis practicality, consolation, and flexibility. That’s how good it’s.

Photograph Credit: Brad Anderson/CarScoops