The i30 N is the high-performance version of the Hyundai's compact i30 hatchback. Now that it has a competitor for the popular Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai is launching an N-prepped version of the i30 Fastback model, basically creating a new niche on the affordable performance car market.

Essentially identical to its hatchback sibling, the i30 N Fastback employs the same aerodynamic package on the outside and the same extra features on the inside. Even the engine is identical, so you will benefit from both tunes if you want a sedan instead of the hatchback. The good news here, besides the diversity factor, is that there's a chance that the i30 N Fastback might come to the U.S. Until that happens, let's find out more about its features and performance.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hyundai i30 N Fastback.

2019 Hyundai i30 N Fastback Exterior

And it looks just as good, despite not having that WRC-inspired appearance that comes with a hatchback rear end.

Up front, we can see the revised bumper with enlarged intakes a red line across the splitter. Hyundai’s familiar cascading defined the nose and adds sportiness thanks to its honeycomb mesh. Down below, we can see the bigger vents from the hatchback model, as well as the revised opening above the splitter. The blacked-out headlamps complete the mean look of the front fascia.

Moving to the sides, we find sportier side skirts, gloss-black mirror caps, and black window trim. The N model sits a few millimeters closer to the ground and rides on bigger, lighter wheels. Hyundai offers a selection of 18- and 19-inch rims, depending on which trim you choose. Of course, for an extra fee, you can have the bigger 19-inch rollers on any of them.

Around back, the Fastback model stands out thanks to its sleeker design compared to the hatchback. However, it boasts similar upgrades. The lower bumper has a more aggressive design with intakes on each side and a red stripe atop the diffuser.

Color options should be the same for the Fastback and include Clean Slate, Polar White, Micron Grey, Phantom Black, Engine Red, and the exclusive and cool Performance Blue.

2019 Hyundai I30 N Fastback Interior

Inside the cabin, N looks very similar to the standard model, but a few upgrades set it apart from the regular Fastback. Obviously, they're identical to those seen in the i30 N hatchback.

There's blue contrast stitching and an N logo on the steering wheel and blue striping on the gearshift boot. Upholstery options are just as varied as on the regular model and include suede, leather, and cloth. The dark metal trim on the dashboard and door panels contributes to the interior's premium look.

It also has an LED tachometer to make sure you’re hitting those shift points just right. A lap timer is also included so you can set your own benchmarks on the Nurburgring or any other racing circuit around the world. The eight-inch infotainment display provides additional information on performance, including readouts on G-Force, torque levels, boost pressure, lap timers, and acceleration timers. A 5-inch screen comes as standard.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for smartphones is standard, but you'll have to pay extra for the wireless charging feature.

Of course, the sporty interior design doesn't compromise the everyday usability of the car. Luggage capacity remains generous with 450 liters (15.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats up and 1,351 liters (47.7 cubic feet) when the seats are folded flat.

2019 Hyundai i30 N Fastback Performance

Just like the hatchback version, the i30 N Fastback is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering two levels of tune. Hyundai calls the base drivetrain the Standard Package. In this setup, the four-banger cranks out 250 PS (246 horsepower) and 353 Nm (260 pound-feet of torque).

The drivetrain also includes an overboost function that adds eight percent more torque and as much as seven percent quicker acceleration, while also engaging the variable exhaust for a louder engine note. Power travels exclusively to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Good news for you three-pedal enthusiasts, right?

So how quick is the Fastback? Floor it in the base model, and you'll get from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds. That's just as quick as the hatchback model. The i30 N also boasts modern sports car technology like rev-match on downshifts, which can be toggled using a button located on the steering wheel, and Launch Control to maximize off-the-line sprints.

We already know that i30 the "loves corners” from the hatchback and the fastback should retains this characteristic. That's because it's equipped with the same stiff roll bar mounted behind the rear seat to keep the chassis rigid and an Electronic Controlled Suspension system that reduces roll dynamics.

All of them are selectable from the steering wheel and enable you to use the i30 N Fastback as a regular car or a full-fledged sports car on the track.

Stopping power comes from large 18- and 17-inch rotors and track-ready calipers. The 19-inch wheels offered on the Performance Package are wrapped in Pirelli tires, while the 18-inch rollers feature Michelin rubber.

2019 Hyundai i30 N Fastback Pricing

Pricing information is not yet available, but the Fastback shouldn't cost more than the hatchback. In the U.K., the latter retails from £25,010, which accounts for an £8,010 premium over the standard i30 five-door. Expect the Fastback to fetch less than £27,000 before options. While the hatchback isn't available in the U.S., the Fastback could cross the pond to North America at some point.

2019 Hyundai i30 N Fastback Competition

Kia Stinger

I know – we’re way out in left field here. But, in fairness, that’s also right where the Hyundai i30 N Fastback resides. It doesn’t really have any direct competition in price, size, or power. It’s just kind of in a niche all its own. I could compete with the Mercedes-AMG A45 sedan if that ever comes to light, but that will be significantly more expensive. So with that said, we’re looking at the entry-level Kia stinger. That model comes with a 2.0-liter four-banger that’s good for 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. And can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive too. It should be able to make the sprint to 60 in about 6.2 seconds, so that’s right on par with the i30 N and it comes in at an entry-level cost of $31,900 as of the time of this writing. Sure, it’s a little bigger, but the power and price point are close enough for it to count.

Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Stinger.

Honda Civic Si Sedan

Where the Kia Stinger is a bit larger and pricier, the Civic is right around the same size and far less powerful. In fact, the Civic Si, which is the most powerful version of the Civic you can get in sedan form, comes with just 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque on tap. It’s delivered from a 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-banger, and a six-speed manual transmission. With that in mind, the Civic is actually pretty light, and it has a lot of Type R cues going on inside and out, so it certainly looks the part. It’s also priced significantly cheaper at an entry-level cost of $24,100. It won’t win a straight-line race against the i30 N in any way, but it might be able to outmaneuver it on the right track. Either way, you’ll look good and feel good – you just won’t get there as fast or empty the bank quite so much. Is it a fair tradeoff, though?

Read our full review on the 2018 Honda Civic Si Sedan.

Final Thoughts

With almost 3,000 units sold in the first half of 2018 in Europe and the 100 units of its First Edition sold out in Germany in just 48 hours, the i30 N is off to a great start on the market, despite stiff competition from carmakers like Ford and Volkswagen. But while the hatchback is certainly going up against some pretty stiff competition, the N Fastback will reside in a niche all its own. You actually have to give praise to Hyundai for even considering it during a point in time when automakers are largely abandoning the sedan market altogether. Most automakers wouldn’t even consider a high-performance or sporty compact sedan, let alone bring one to market. Yet, here we are looking at the cool car that Hyundai has thrown into this empty market. And, since there’s nothing else that really competes directly, it could put the automaker in a position to make some serious headway as far as sales are concerned. It will be interesting to see what happens once the i30 N Fastback comes into dealerships.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 N.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 Fastback.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30.