Hot hatches are by definition just that: hatchbacks.
But not everyone likes the aborted roofline inherent in the bodystyle. And
automakers are beginning to recognize that, like Hyundai has with the i30
Fastback N.
A combination of the i30 N hot hatch and the i30
Fastback that’d make Dr. Frankenstein proud, this variant debuted today at the
2018 Paris Auto Show as a sort of best-of-both-worlds proposition.
Up front sits a 2.0-liter turbo four kicking out 271
hp and 353 Nm of torque – 373 Nm on
overboost – sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual. Further back,
an elegantly slanting roofline, lending it a rather more rakish, coupe-like
silhouette. Sort of like, the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 or CLS63, but positioned
at an altogether more accessible price point and market position.
The result is a five-door slantback that’ll run to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed quoted at 250 km/h. And with 13.5-inch (345-mm) brake discs up front and 11.8”
(300-mm) discs at the back, it has the stopping power to keep its forward
momentum in check. Plus it’ll carry you and three or four of your best friends
(or family members), along with 1,337 liters of stuff in the
back, all the while looking the part with similarly sporty touches to the i30 N
hatchback.
