Hyundai i30 Fastback – performance and pleasure

THE latest hot coupe from Hyundai, the i30 Fastback N, was developed for one reason and one reason only.

It was to deliver maximum driving pleasure in an accessible high-performance package.

The secret to this model is that letter ‘N’, used to namecheck the two pillars of the car’s development – Namyang and the Nurburgring.

Designed in Korea and exhaustively tested on the legendary German racing circuit, even the shape of the N is meant to symbolise a chicane, that part of the track where the car has maximum traction, precision and feeling.

The i30 Fastback N is actually unique in its area of the new car market in that it is the first fiery five-door coupe.

It follows on from the successful i30 N hatchback launched early last year and, not to put too fine a point on it, is an absolute cracker.

With a  four-cylinder 2.0-litre T-GDI turbo petrol engine delivering 275PS and 378 Nm of torque – with overboost function – it can blast from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.

But impressive acceleration figures only tell a small part of the story – the Fastback’s handling is a revelation, its formidable cornering ability aided by the electronic limited slip differential.

And the Hyundai’s electronic controlled suspension further adjusts the performance during cornering, accelerating and braking while 19-inch Pirelli performance N tyres help guarantee maximum grip.

The Korean manufacturer describes the car’s traction and stability control as being ‘like a good co-pilot’ – helping when necessary but otherwise keeping quiet. And if desired, it can be switched off completely for that full-on racetrack feel.

There’s a choice of five distinct drive modes at the push of a button – Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom, which alter the car’s throttle response, suspension stiffness, revs and steering weight.

You can also select a Rev Matching button on the steering wheel to boost the revs when shifting from a higher to a lower gear.

And if that’s not enough the i30’s launch control set-up ensures maximum traction for the fastest possible lift-off by monitoring the amount of torque sent to the front wheels.

No surprise then that the i30 N is a truly engaging coupe to drive, as well as looking the part too.

Long and lean with striking silhouette and sporty stance, the model gets a unique front bumper with large air intakes and black bezel headlamps, while a red ‘character line’ is a stand-out feature.

Nor can you miss the bright red brake calipers and lowered body with its black side sill.

Inside, the leather and brushed suede sports seats come with red stitching and a seat extension. You also get drilled alloy pedals, a chunky leather steering wheel and short-throw six-speed manual gearshift.

As for accommodation everything is fine up front, surprisingly spacious in the back – though the centre rear position is slightly perched – and there’s a large, deep boot.

All the driving performance settings are visible on the centre screen and on top of the console – specifically for passionate drivers – high performance track data is displayed.

Needless to say, the i30 N Fastback is an exhilarating car to use – it’s aggressive, issues a throaty growl, looks terrific yet can be driven sedately through suburbia.

Stay light on the throttle and you might even top 30 miles per gallon.