In case you hadn't noticed, Hyundai is deadly serious about its new 'N' performance brand. Not only did it go to the trouble of prising Albert Biermann from BMW M to run the division, it laid the foundation for its success many moons ago by re-entering WRC - a competition it currently leads thanks to Thierry Neuville and his factory-backed i20.
Of course for now the tip of the spear among road cars is the i30 N, a car we like so much that it almost convinced Matt it was better than the latest Renault Sport Megane 280 Cup; a car with four-wheel steer, hydraulic bump stops and the full weight of Dieppe's experience behind it. In some ways - chiefly those to do with the engine - it is better.
Still, Hyundai isn't silly enough to assume you'll take our word for it, so it has gone to the trouble of organising some driver experience days at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. These will run on consecutive weekends in August - specifically 11/12th and 18/19th, and are completely free to attend.
Best of all, it sounds like you'll have the run of the site, with the event broken down into four driving routes which highlight the 'performance, technology, control and handling ability' of the i30 on Millbrook's various test tracks. Hyundai has laid on some pro drivers, too, with the intention of mildly terrifying you on the famously unforgiving outer handling circuit.
Moreover, to keep things interesting, Hyundai will be awarding points throughout the day so that it can crown a winner at the end of each session. Said victim, flushed with victory, gets a WRC co-drive experience over an actual Rally GB stage. The winner overall at the close of play on each day gets a full weekend at Rally GB, including grub and digs!
Not bad for half a day's work, we'd venture - and you'll probably only have to endure a minimal amount of Hyundai soft-selling. If that sounds like just the ticket for a long summer's afternoon, you can register here. Alternatively, if you're already convinced about the i30 N's appeal as a driver's car, you can peruse the ten low mileage examples already on sale in the classifieds here.
1 / 3
