Although only introduced into our local market a little under a year ago, the Hyundai i30 N has already received its first update, adding more power and an automatic transmission option.

Globally launched in 2017, the i30 N is the first performance car to be produced under Hyundai’s N division, shortly followed by the Veloster. Since then, more than 25 000 units have been sold in the European market and the badge has claimed a number of accolades.

With these tweaks, Hyundai promises that the i30 N will build upon the success of the outgoing model by offering a range of design and driving enhancements. The hatch and fastback duo also benefit from new weight-saving materials for improved handling and agility.

The i30 N retains its turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine which, in base guise, still produces 184 kW and 353 N.m of torque. This state of tune is available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance pack-equipped models, however, see an increase from 202 kW and 353 N.m of torque to 206 kW and 392 N.m. This uprated powerplant can now be coupled with Hyundai’s eight-speed N DCT wet dual-clutch transmission.

Both states of tune will reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h while the performance pack now boasts an improved 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5,9 seconds; 0,2 seconds faster than before.

With the N DCT, three new N performance functions have been added; N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift. N Grin Shift releases the performance car’s maximum power output of the engine and transmission for 20 seconds. During this time, a countdown shows on the cluster to indicate how much time this addedd performance remains. N Power Shift initiates when more than 90 per cent of the throttle is applied and mitigates any loss of torque by upshifting to deliver maximum power to the wheels. N Track Sense gathers readings from the surface conditions to optimise driving dynamics.

With the update, the i30 N retains both the electronically controlled suspension damping and, for performance pack owners, an electronic front limited-slip differential and a set of 360 mm front brake discs.

Design-wise, the i30 N boasts a widened centre grille with a sharp mesh inspired by aeroplane wings, which optimises airflow to the engine bay for more efficient cooling. The front also hosts a new LED headlamp cluster with V-shaped DRLs and aerodynamic fins on the outer corners of the bumpers to improve airflow along the vehicle's sides and reduce turbulence in the wheel housings.

At the rear, the Fastback remains unchanged but the hatch receives a larger wing and a distinctive N triangular brake lamp. The taillamps have been updated with a new signature LED design and a pair of exhaust pipes at either end of a diffuser integrated into the rear bumper round out the cosmetic treatments aft. In standard trim, the i30 N ships with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, but when the Performance Package is specified a newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheel with a dark satin grey matte finish, reducing overall mass by 14,4 kg, is equipped.

When the Performance package is selected, the i30 N wears a set of Pirelli P-Zero tyres while the standard 18-inch wears the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

Original article from Car