i30 N Line - Down Under spec
Discussion
Have just picked up a new Hyundai i30 N Line, which is apparently a bit different to that which is sold in the UK.
Some details, cos they probably matter...
Engine is 1.6T with 150kW/200bhp @ 6000rpm and 265Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
Independent suspension all-round, and ride tuned for Aus roads - which are really quite crap
18" alloys with Michelin PS4 as standard, 225/40 flavour
Performance gives 0-100kmh in around 7.2s
Weight is around 1315kg
Gearbox is a 6-sp manual
The only option fitted is the Intense Blue metallic paint, which I think looks great
Price AU$26k delivered to my front door, which is around GBP13k today.
I looked at the full-fat N but that was another AU$8k or so for an 18-month old car, or additional AU$13k'ish for a new one. Out of range for me this time.
Its been bought to replace MrsPB's Golf 6 GTI as it was (a) quite boring for what it was, (b) looked and felt quite tired at 8 years old, and (c) looked like it was going to get expensive soon. In just about every dimension and performance the i30 is nigh the same as the Golf. It does however ride miles better, and have a brake pedal with feel - something of which the Golf probably couldn't even dream.
First impressions are of a spacious, comfortable, swift and almost mature warm hatch - to think that 200bhp is now only warm... The engine note is a bit uninspiring but all the touch points are good, ergonomics spot on, and the driving position is perfect. The Golf always forced me to sit slightly upright, as if on the car, but the i30 feels much more inviting.
And it also feels more fun on the road. Its a hard thing to describe, but the ride and handling seem to be enjoyable at all speeds so far. The Golf was always a bit aloof - fun if you tried, but always felt as if it needed to be egged on, whereas the i30 is ready when I am. The engine is smooth and torquey and the steering is direct and faithful, if a little numb, such as is the modern electric way. Its not bad, its just not hydraulic.
Kit inside is probably short of what the average PH'er would expect - no blind spot monitoring, or doing the braking for you, or keeping you in the lane, or any of that sh!te. Cruise control, rear camera, Apply Carplay, wireless charging, supportive leather seats, and proper keyless entry/start are all there though. Its also got red seat belts, because, well, why not!
The only things missing, which is a bit of an omission as they're standard on others in the range, just not this particular spec, are the rear air vents. Otherwise, we don't feel like we're missing out.
Anyway, I'll pop a couple of photos up in a mo, and see if it keeps us entertained over the next few years...
Some details, cos they probably matter...
Engine is 1.6T with 150kW/200bhp @ 6000rpm and 265Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
Independent suspension all-round, and ride tuned for Aus roads - which are really quite crap
18" alloys with Michelin PS4 as standard, 225/40 flavour
Performance gives 0-100kmh in around 7.2s
Weight is around 1315kg
Gearbox is a 6-sp manual
The only option fitted is the Intense Blue metallic paint, which I think looks great
Price AU$26k delivered to my front door, which is around GBP13k today.
I looked at the full-fat N but that was another AU$8k or so for an 18-month old car, or additional AU$13k'ish for a new one. Out of range for me this time.
Its been bought to replace MrsPB's Golf 6 GTI as it was (a) quite boring for what it was, (b) looked and felt quite tired at 8 years old, and (c) looked like it was going to get expensive soon. In just about every dimension and performance the i30 is nigh the same as the Golf. It does however ride miles better, and have a brake pedal with feel - something of which the Golf probably couldn't even dream.
First impressions are of a spacious, comfortable, swift and almost mature warm hatch - to think that 200bhp is now only warm... The engine note is a bit uninspiring but all the touch points are good, ergonomics spot on, and the driving position is perfect. The Golf always forced me to sit slightly upright, as if on the car, but the i30 feels much more inviting.
And it also feels more fun on the road. Its a hard thing to describe, but the ride and handling seem to be enjoyable at all speeds so far. The Golf was always a bit aloof - fun if you tried, but always felt as if it needed to be egged on, whereas the i30 is ready when I am. The engine is smooth and torquey and the steering is direct and faithful, if a little numb, such as is the modern electric way. Its not bad, its just not hydraulic.
Kit inside is probably short of what the average PH'er would expect - no blind spot monitoring, or doing the braking for you, or keeping you in the lane, or any of that sh!te. Cruise control, rear camera, Apply Carplay, wireless charging, supportive leather seats, and proper keyless entry/start are all there though. Its also got red seat belts, because, well, why not!
The only things missing, which is a bit of an omission as they're standard on others in the range, just not this particular spec, are the rear air vents. Otherwise, we don't feel like we're missing out.
Anyway, I'll pop a couple of photos up in a mo, and see if it keeps us entertained over the next few years...
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