Hyundai is taking lessons from BMW. First they created their equivalent of BMW M, named the N Division, and now, they have added their own version of M Performance Parts in the form of the their N Option.
This new range of performance parts was showcased at the Paris Motor Show with the reveal of their i30 N 'N Option'. A car that sends out warning shots to all rivals in the hot hatch segment that Hyundai is on the warpath and taking no prisoners
The one-off matte white showcar is apparently intended to showcase the next wave of assault in terms of outright customization, and just how extreme Hyundai's N Division can get. The 'N Option' is said to feature 25 new parts fitted to the already great i30 N, with these including lightweight 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, a massive carbon rear wing carrying the N emblem, a carbon hood with integrated air vents, exaggerated side skirts, a purposeful diffuser and the N grille surrounded by a red character line. Even the brakes look larger than the ones on the standard i30 N.
The interior has also benefited from the 'N Option' too, and now features a carbon trim throughout the cabin, an Alcantara wrapped sports steering wheel and dash, and heavily bolstered sport seats. Hyundai did not disclose any engine modifications, so we can assume the motor is still the 2.0-litre turbo mill that produces 202kw as in the i30 N Performance, whilst being paired with a standard 6-speed manual.
No news on when these parts will be available to the public though, but considering how quickly Hyundai is working, it's likely to be very soon. While Hyundai South Africa initially said they were conducting feasibility studies to see if it would be viable to launch the i30 N locally, but it now seems that the i30 N will not be launched locally, with Hyundai apparently claiming that its selling price would be too high for South African motoring enthusiasts. A sad day no doubt….
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the Hyundai i30 N 'N Option' cost in South Africa?
The Hyundai i30 N 'N Option' is not available in South Africa, as Hyundai decided against launching the i30 N locally due to concerns that its selling price would be too high for local buyers, likely exceeding R600,000 with the performance upgrades.
Q: Is the Hyundai i30 N 'N Option' worth buying?
The i30 N 'N Option' would be worth buying for serious hot hatch enthusiasts who want track-focused performance, but unfortunately it's not available in South Africa and remains a concept showcase for Hyundai's N Division capabilities.
Q: What engine does the Hyundai i30 N 'N Option' have?
The i30 N 'N Option' uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the standard i30 N Performance, producing 202kW and paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, with no engine modifications mentioned by Hyundai.
Q: What performance upgrades does the i30 N 'N Option' include?
The i30 N 'N Option' features 25 performance parts including lightweight 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, carbon fibre rear wing and bonnet, larger brakes, aggressive body kit, and interior upgrades like Alcantara trim and carbon accents.
Q: Can I buy Hyundai N Option parts separately in South Africa?
Hyundai has not announced availability of N Option performance parts in South Africa, and with the base i30 N not being sold locally, it's unlikely these aftermarket upgrades will be officially available through local dealers.
Should You Buy It?
You can't buy the Hyundai i30 N 'N Option' in South Africa because Hyundai decided not to launch the i30 N locally, citing concerns over high pricing. If you're after serious hot hatch performance under R600,000 in SA, your best bet is the Honda Civic Type R at around R580,000, which offers similar track-focused thrills with genuine availability and local support. The i30 N 'N Option' remains a tantalising glimpse of what could have been, but sadly it's not coming to our shores.
