2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance Review

2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance Review

We got hold of the keys to the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance to see what driving this stylish high-performance car is really like.

What is the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance about?

Hyundai launched its i30N hatchback in 2017 amidst hype and popular acclaim. We reviewed the hatch and loved the overall experience.

This year, the South Korean carmaker launched another iteration of the car with further improvements, and they are calling it the Fastback.

First things first, what I love about the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback is the new roof line. It looks very mature and sophisticated compared to the hatchback. It’s been a while since a car manufacturer has had the confidence to add a sloping roofline in a car as sporty as the i30N. At first glance, the Fastback reminds you of the Mercedes CLA, which is a great compliment for the Hyundai design team.

With the 2019 Fastback, you don’t lose the visual additions of the i30N: it has the same side skirts and the same 19 inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber tyres. Up front is the same large honeycomb grille sitting above that sporty red line at the bottom, working as a front splitter. The Fastback just adds that beautiful rear design.

Digging into the specs, the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance is sporting a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol engine that emits 271hp and 353 Nm of torque, this increases to 378 Nm on over-boost. If you go for the more subdued i30N without the performance pack, you can expect around 246 hp and the same amount of torque.

How does the 2019 Hyundai i30 Fastback Performance drive?

So what’s the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance like to drive? It won’t be much of a shock to learn that in many ways, it drives much like the i30N performance hatch. This model for me is without a doubt one of the most fun cars to drive. It has set the bar high for its alternative body style offering, and we are pleased to report that it does not disappoint!

While some consumers may argue that cars should have a fast automatic gearbox, for the purists, an excellent 6-speed manual transmission like this feels divine.

One of the elements that makes the i30N and the i30N Fastback so much fun is the tremendous sounding exhaust. The noises coming out of the exhaust system sound perfect! They sound loud, natural and unpredictable, unlike some models.

The 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and tops the speedometer at 155mph. So, it is not the fastest car in this category, but the way it puts down each bhp to the road is so enjoyable. Straight line drags are a dream and you will have endless fun when cornering: working through the gearbox, balancing the car and pulling it back out the other side. It is so rewarding to drive.

Safety is paramount as every consumer expects these days. This vehicle is packed with features such as AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), which uses sensors to help prevent a collision. It alerts the driver both visually and audibly, before applying the brakes to avoid a front collision.

The Lane Keep Assist system helps centre the car in the motorway lane, by steering when necessary centring the car in its lane. This is ideal for long journeys. When driving at night with the headlights on, the Smart High Beam technology will detect vehicles ahead and switch to low-beam to prevent the driver from being dazzled. The car then switches back to high-beam when no more vehicles are detected.

What is the 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance like inside?

Inside, this model is identical to the i30N Hatchback. If you have an eye for detail, you will notice there is now red stitching around the steering wheel, the shift boot, the seats, and even red highlights around the outer air vents.

The speed dials are classic and neat with red arms and a black background. The speedometer and RPM are separated by a small driver information screen showing mileage, fuel economy etc. The i30N Fastback, like all Hyundais, has an interior that looks simple and is easy to use.

The 8-inch multimedia touch screen works excellently; it has navigation, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto: all the options a consumer would expect as standard from a 2019 vehicle. It has a fast-charging USB port under the A/C panel, two cupholders between the seats and a tray that doubles as a storage compartment. Very practical, I’m sure you’ll agree.

The seats are very comfortable and the thigh extenders make it ideal for drivers of any shape and size. The seats give the right level of support and remain comfortable even after driving for several hours straight. Hyundai have maintained their high quality but kept the price tag low.

The experience

The 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance maintains the front wheel and 6-speed manual gearbox configuration from the hatch. The suspension is forgiving and helps apply the power effectively, which makes it great for daily use. The suspension changes significantly when it is bumped up to the Sport or Sport Plus mode, focusing the car for maximum attack.

One of the best things about this vehicle is the customisation of dynamics that it offers. From within the touch panel, you can also choose how responsive the engine is and enable rev-matching on downshifts and decide how much the e-LSD bites, amongst other things. The amount of customisation at your fingertips is just incredible.

Verdict

The 2019 Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, which also covers the car for track use, justifying its £29,995 price tag, as the competition doesn’t offer this.

There is so much to love about this car! All the customisation options allow you to find the sweet spot that is right for you and the road at any point in time. I found myself using the Individual mode with everything turned up, but the suspension at its softest setting.

I really enjoyed driving the i30N Performance. For the price I think it is a great deal and the Fastback version gives the i30N an adult look, for those that don’t want to be caught in a hot hatch.

Specification

Hyundai i30N Fastback Performance Specs

  • Price: £29,995
  • Engine: 2.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged direct-injected inline-4
  • Power: 271bhp
  • Torque: 353 Nm
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • 0-62mph:  6.1 seconds
  • Top speed: 155 mph
  • Weight: 1429 kg
  • Economy combined:  39.8 mpg
  • CO2: 163 g/km