RE: Hyundai i30 N Performance: PH Fleet

[Omega1987]

This is the first article I've only given one star two because you've got your facts and figures totally wrong in with a bias of making the Hyundai look good and as Hyundai pay for many features on Piston heads it calls into question your integrity.

[Limpet]

I really liked this car when I drive it. Apart from the engine running out of puff at the top end (the last 500 rpm felt very strained to me), and the so-so steering (which applies to almost every car in production today), I thought it was a lot of fun. It sounded good, had a lovely sense of balance to the chassis, decent outright performance, all the controls felt nicely weighted and precise, and I could get comfy in it.

I personally feel it's biggest problem is the badge. Most will dismiss it on those grounds alone, and many of the rest will call out things they'd just accept or not notice on a RenaultSport, BMW or VAG product.

[kharma45]

densil101 said:

Are they updating the i30N next year? When is it due to land?

Haven’t seen a date yet but 2019 cars are getting the updated and easier to live with damping from the fastback i30 N.

[Track_Cit]

Can't beat science, weight vs power is EXTREMELY important.

I currently have a Trophy R and a 172 Cup, and they both feel alive and go like stink even at higher speeds. They react immediately and the turn in and feel of both cars is great. The Megane is clearly faster but sometimes the Clio feels more alive as it's NA and it reacts as soon as you touch the throttle. I am surprised by how quick the Clio is especially coming from the Megane, and it is as quick in real world pace terms as most of these new fandangled hot hatches. On a windy back road I would suggest that not many new cars could outrun it by much.

Renault should make a lightweight version of the new Clio. Yes most people want creature comforts but there is definitely a market for those who care more about dynamics and fun. I've not tried the i30n but I bet it's a hoot. Regarding the Trophy R, i'd suggest anyone tries it if they haven't already, it's just so good to drive, and always provides a good buzz after a brisk run.

[Derek Chevalier]

Track_Cit said:

I am surprised by how quick the Clio is especially coming from the Megane, and it is as quick in real world pace terms as most of these new fandangled hot hatches. On a windy back road I would suggest that not many new cars could outrun it by much.

I have a Civic Type R (latest eyesore version) and a half share in a 182 Cup - the Clio would be slaughtered unless the road was very narrow.

Edited by Derek Chevalier on Wednesday 7th November 19:33

[Track_Cit]

Derek Chevalier]rack_Cit said:

I am surprised by how quick the Clio is especially coming from the Megane, and it is as quick in real world pace terms as most of these new fandangled hot hatches. On a windy back road I would suggest that not many new cars could outrun it by much.
quote]

I have a Civic Type R (latest eyesore version) and a half share in a 182 Cup - the Clio would be slaughtered unless the road was very narrow.

The civic is a very quick car, the top of it's class but it depends how well you can drive. You also have turbo lag to think of, whereas keeping an na engine on the boil gives you good pull with minimum loss. I've seen guys on track days get rinsed by clios depsite having more power so i'm not sure I agree! I was more referring to things like the Hyundai and Golf GTI which are more mid range rather than the civic and trophy r.

[Derek Chevalier]

Track_Cit said:

You also have turbo lag to think of, whereas keeping an na engine on the boil gives you good pull with minimum loss. I've seen guys on track days get rinsed by clios depsite having more power so i'm not sure I agree!.

I'd argue that both cars suffer lower down - the Clio needs over 5000rpm to really pull hard whereas the Civic needs 3000 rpm to really start to boost, and after that lag isn't too much of an issue. Agreed on track the Clio in the hands of a half decent driver can keep up with some impressive machinery - I've had some great fun on numerous circuits in ours.

[df76]

VeeFource said:

df76 said:

I was really hoping that this would appear, but think the project’s been canned..

That's a shame. Seems the Fiesta ST will rule alone once again in which case.

Seems that all hope isn't lost! Autocar reporting today that the i20N project is back on and they are expecting the car in early 2020. I'll be very tempted (or by the Fiesta).