The Hyundai i30 Fastback N was only unveiled 13
months ago and already, the South Korean car manufacturer has started work on a
facelifted version. We’ve know about Hyundai developing an update to the regular i30 for
quite some time so it only makes sense that the upgrades set to be enjoyed by
lesser models will also find their way onto the i30 N hatchback and Fastback
variants.
This particular prototype spied near Hyundai’s
facility at the Nurburgring is clad in thick camouflage to hide its design. The
usual array of re-designed exterior parts are expected to feature, including
revised headlights, a bespoke grille, and tweaked bumpers. Much larger dual
tailpipes are also featured on this tester.
Current Hyundai i30 N hatchback and Fastback models
are all sold with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers
246 hp in standard guise and 271 hp when the Performance Package version is
purchased. Both models have 353 Nm of torque on tap that increases
to 378 Nm with overboost. We suspect Hyundai will tweak the
engine of the facelifted i30 N models to give it a little extra grunt. However,
it’s unlikely that power will be increased to match the 306 hp of the Honda
Civic Type R.
Inside, the current i30 N model feels very much the
same as a lesser i30. In fact, the most significant changes include some red
stitching, two additional buttons on the steering wheel, and a shifter for the
six-speed manual transmission that comes standard. We would like to see Hyundai
make the cabin of the i30 N feel more special than it currently does with more
premium surfaces. Some carbon fiber wouldn’t go astray, for example. The facelifted Hyundai i30 N will
probably be unveiled before the end of 2020 and hit the market soon after.
