Wraps Off Hyundai's Golf GTI-Baiting i30 N

247bhp in standard model 155mph top speed claimed

- James Brodie

FOLLOWING our brief stint behind the wheel of a prototype version earlier this year and countless teaser images, Hyundai has finally revealed the new i30 N. It’s the Korean manufacturer’s first attempt at a fully fledged hot hatch and fires the starting gun on a range of new N-badged high-performance models from Hyundai.

Hyundai touted the idea of a hot hatch at last year’s Paris Motor Show with the RN30 Concept, while the company’s involvement in the World Rally Championship since 2014 has delivered the impetus to develop new performance models.

Albert Biermann, executive vice-president of Hyundai’s high-performance vehicle division, told us that the manufacturer is aiming to deliver “an accessible high performance package”, hinting that it could undercut key rivals on price.