Hyundai's 2021 i30 N-Line hatchback model slammed with a hands-on review

The Korean automaker Hyundai has expanded its i30 range with the introduction of the i30 N-Line, a top-tier variant that offers a blend of comfort and performance.

The i30 N-Line's engine is a 1.6-litre direct-injected turbocharged unit, delivering 150kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm across a wide band from 1500-4500rpm. This powertrain propels the i30 N-Line from 0-100km/h in an estimated 7.9 seconds. The vehicle has a weight of 1315kg, making it agile and responsive on the road.

The six-speed manual transmission in the i30 N-Line is considered slick, offering smooth gear changes. The clutch is light and easy to use, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The suspension seems to have had the hard edges knocked out, making it more compliant, providing a comfortable ride for passengers.

The i30 N-Line comes with a host of safety features, including seven airbags, traction and stability controls, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane following and lane-keep assist, reversing camera, and rear parking sensors.

In terms of design, the i30 N-Line features 18-inch alloys, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, a six-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, auto LED headlights, a fake leather interior, wireless charging, power windows and mirrors, auto wipers, and requisite external body kit and interior N branding.

The i30 N-Line's boot has a capacity of 395 litres with the seats in place, which can be expanded to 1301 litres by folding the rear seats. This provides ample space for luggage or other cargo.

Interestingly, Albert Biermann, previously from BMW M, joined Hyundai to spearhead the development of the i30 N. Biermann's expertise in performance vehicles is evident in the i30 N-Line's handling and power delivery.

While Hyundai has a World Rally Championship (WRC) history, the i30 N-Line does not seem to capitalise on this heritage. However, the i30 N, a more performance-oriented variant, was a critical and sales success, and it's possible that Hyundai may build on this success with future models.

The i30 N-Line comes in four distinct variants, with a choice of manual or dual-clutch transmission. The rear seat is more suited for shorter trips if there's an adult squeezed in.

The i30 N-Line's suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. The brakes are 305mm ventilated disc at the front and 284mm solid disc at the rear. The tyres are 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4, and it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels (space-saver spare).

The i30 N-Line's engine is happy on 91 RON with an official combined cycle figure of 7.5L/100km and a real-world figure of 8.4L/100km. This makes it a practical choice for daily commuting while still offering performance when needed.

In conclusion, the i30 N-Line is a compelling offering from Hyundai, providing a comfortable ride, strong performance, and a host of features. With its competitive pricing starting at $29,420 before on-roads, it's an attractive option for those seeking a balance between comfort and performance in a hatchback.