The article was originally produced on February 19, 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

There are many recipes for building fun cars. One of the more difficult in my opinion is when you choose front drive on the car. Hyundai has just presented their hatchback version of the i30 N model and Enliven test drove this hot Korean in Gran Canaria.

All car brands with some self-respect have a sportier line of their models. Hyundai is of course no worse and introduced its N line with a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. The first model to roll out on the roads was the Golf GTi challenger i30 N. Now it has released a new version of the same model with a hatchback body.

The recipe is simple: turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive and manual gearbox

A recipe that, in my opinion, is difficult to achieve so that you really enjoy yourself behind the wheel. Mainly because front-wheel drive cars with powerful engines suffer from so-called ”tourqe steer”. In Swedish, it means that the car pulls forward at full acceleration because it is difficult for the car to distribute the power down the hill in a controlled manner. A yardstick for a car that has really succeeded with this recipe is the Renault Megan RS. Incredibly nice balance, steering and virtually no tourqe steer at all.

The engine in the Hyundai i30 Fastback N is a turbocharged two-liter machine with 275 horsepower. There is also a weaker version of 250 horses, but now it is the stronger one, with the Performance add-on, that applies. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox. The i30 Fastback N is not offered with an automatic or dual-clutch transmission, as many competitors do. Another reason why it’s so much fun. Of course, it would be convenient to have a dual-clutch gearbox with it, but the sporty feeling of driving a car with a good manual gearbox cannot be compared.

In addition, Hyundai has been kind enough to include a function that provides intermediate throttle during downshifts to keep the engine at the correct rpm. Something you would otherwise have to require the toe-and-heel technique, which few drivers know today, as almost everyone drives cars with automatic transmissions and never learns that technique.

In addition to the fact that we get to drive the i30 Fastback N on a small but very fun track adjacent to the airport, a private road has also been canceled at our disposal. Here you can really let the car show its color. On the winding roads up along the cliff side and then down towards the water again, we get the opportunity to feel what the car is doing, without worrying about other traffic or the police. And it is really impressive what Hyundai has managed, the car is incredibly nice and well balanced, it really invites you to dance. That it is this nice is no coincidence, however, the i30 Fastback N is equipped with an electronic diff, so-called E-LSD, which helps to distribute the power between the wheels.

Hyundai has a large stake in racing which has given them valuable experience

For maximum driving experience, there are, as on so many other cars, different driving programs. Hyundai calls its Grind-Control system. On the button on the steering wheel, you can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. In the latter, you get access to the maximum driving pleasure of the i30 Fastback N.

If I had a passion for sporty and fun cars with front wheel drive, the choice between a Megan RS or the i30 Fastback N would have been really difficult. The fact that Hyundai is seriously entering that competition feels extremely fun because you see less and less of this type of car!

Hyundai i30 Fastback N

Hyundai i30 Fastback N	From SEK 324,900
Engine	2-liter four with turbo, 275 hp. Torque 335 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, 6-speed manual, front wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 6.1 sec
Top speed	250 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	0.71 l/mile
Weight	1,509 kg
Guarantees	New car 5 years
Web	www.hyundai.se