Hyundai has come a long way. Like, a really, really, long way. Remember the old Hyundai Accent? It was a strangely underwhelming machine even when new. Last night I was strolling through the streets and suddenly came across the new Hyundai i30 (the Elantra GT.) It was dark outside, the car was black, and you know what, the new i30 did not look underwhelming. Not a bit. It’s a hatch I wouldn’t mind driving, owning or, in its most potent N form, racing. Now, the Europeans get a new version of the i30 to spice the things up a bit. The N Line! I did not use “spice up” only by chance. Hyundai actually titled the press release with “Spice up your driveway,” and I get them. With body additions inspired by the top of the line i30 N, the new i30 N Line feels lively and rambunctious. Especially in red.

2018 - 2018 The Hyundai i30 N Line Isn’t A Hot-Hatch, Yet It Looks Stimulating Like One

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 - 2018 The Hyundai i30 N Line Isn’t A Hot-Hatch, Yet It Looks Stimulating Like One
  • Horsepower: 45
  • Torque: 20
  • Transmission: 5

2017 - 2018 The Hyundai i30 N Line Isn’t A Hot-Hatch, Yet It Looks Stimulating Like One

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2018 The Hyundai i30 N Line Isn’t A Hot-Hatch, Yet It Looks Stimulating Like One
  • Horsepower: 45
  • Torque: 20
  • Transmission: 5

What Is New For The i30 N-line?

Considering the success of the Hyundai i30 in Europe, the introduction of the “warm” hatchback is only natural. After all, attractive makeup is all the rage among hatch producers in Europe (for example the ST line by Ford,) and Hyundai did it too. The add-ons are obvious. The silver paint line framing the front bumper gives the impression of a wide, hunkered down hatch. It fits well in conjunction with the blacked out front and muscled up back. The addition of 18-inch wheels (the first time they are available for the i30) considerably contributes to the “spice up” factor Hyundai is so keen on highlighting.

Hyundai Europe Marketing and Product boss Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said:

“Now we are extending that feeling to a wider audience with the new i30 N Line. We believe the comprehensive package of design and engineering enhancements will continue to attract more new customers to the Hyundai brand in Europe.”

The N Line Package Available Only With The Most Powerful Engines

Although rounded up with the add-ons inspired by the most potent version, the Hyundai i30 N Line does not add any major performance upgrades. The N Line Package is available with a 1.4-liter T-GDI that has 138 horsepower and a 1.6-liter CRDi with 136 horsepower. Obviously, neither is a performance king, Though the Koreans made some superficial changes trying to arouse niftier throttle response. Furthermore, the i30 N received double exhaust tips and, possibly slightly throatier mufflers. At least for the petrol version.

Hyundai Tweaked The Suspension And The Brakes

Sharper handling is another feature to appreciate. Achieved via stiffer dampers and springs, along with the PS4 Michelin Performance tires, the handling should be a tad more engaging. The brakes have been improved, too. A regular i30 features 15-inch brakes, with the N Line actually getting 16-inch brakes. This is a welcomed improvement.

Finally, buyers will be able to showcase their N Line goodies with a special steering wheel, optional suede seats, and N branded gear leaver.

Conclusion

While all the changes mentioned here do not actually transform the i30 into anything remotely similar to a hot hatch, the N Line did stimulate the i30 in the right way. The introduction of a package like this also proves that Hyundai has overgrown the familiar puberty problems of a new car company, now powerfully pushing to become one of the biggest in the world. It threads in the footsteps of the largest automotive conglomerates. It does it right too.

Apart from introducing the N Line to the i30, the package will be adapted for the rest of the lineup. America still does not have the Elantra GT N, and there is no word of the N Line package getting here either. At least, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N roams these streets.

References

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.

Read more Hyundai news.