Fastback N On Track To Be Hit For Hyundai

● We get taste of next model in hot N sub-brand’s line-up

- Jonathan Burn

HYUNDAI’s N brand, headed up by former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, is wasting no time in getting its second model into UK showrooms. Following the successful launch of the i30 N hatch, the firm is applying the final touches to the new i30 Fastback N.

To see what’s in store, we were invited to drive a camouflaged version of the four-door coupé at the Nürburgring, before it arrives early next year.

While the standard i30 N clearly casts itself as a rival for the likes of VW’s Golf GTI and the Renault Mégane R.S., the Fastback sits in a rather more exclusive market. The closest thing it has in terms of a direct rival is Skoda’s Octavia vRS, although the Hyundai is significantly more focused and packs more power.

As expected, the basic look and setup of the i30 Fastback N shares much of its DNA with the hatch. The camouflage applied to the prototypes masks many of the details, but it’s clear Hyundai is continuing with a more modest approach when it comes to styling.