Gama Hyundai N: the most racing family

With so much talk of ecology, the environment, pollution, electric cars and exaggerated efficiency, it is very welcome when a brand occasionally talks about performance, tuning and sporty versions. Cars that excite, that are not only carriers of a very attractive image but also convey sportiness and the magic of performance to their customers. Moreover, performance and technology go hand in hand.

And Hyundai has been doing it particularly well lately. It has an answer for everything, whether hybrid, electric or hydrogen, and in the sporting arena, which so many brands neglect, it is a true benchmark, with its presence at the World Rally Championship at the highest level, also in touring cars and electric touring cars, in addition to countless national and local categories. Those are the cars we tested on this occasion, though in their civilised road-going versions rather than competition specification: the N range of Hyundai. Incidentally, the “N” that identifies this racing family from Hyundai is taken from Namyang, home to the global R&D centre of the Korean brand. And, as they point out, it was born in Namyang and perfected at the legendary Nürburgring, which also begins with the letter N, the proving ground of all high-performance Hyundai models.

These are the road-going versions that take their image from competition cars, although in some cases they are so close to the real thing that they barely differ. That is precisely what Eugene Sullivan, product marketing director of Hyundai Spain and one of the people who knows most about racing in this country, told us, proudly noting that within the performance balancing system of the Spanish Touring Car Championship, CET, which the Spanish Federation is promoting and which is supported by Hyundai, the most handicapped model for containing its performance level is always the Hyundai, simply because it is so well made when it comes to achieving optimal traction and cornering performance. It is a good example of what this range really offers, and an interesting fact.

Hyundai i20 N: the smallest of the family

But let us turn to the cold data. The smallest member of the racing family is the Hyundai i20 N, which features a 1.6 T-GDI turbo engine producing 204 CV and 275 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to its light weight, one of the keys to its dynamism, it delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 171 CV per tonne. Inspired by the i20 Coupe WRC that represents Hyundai in the World Rally Championship, it carries gadgets derived directly from competition that guarantee driving fun, such as “Rev Matching” and “Launch Control”: the former so that the electronics deliver maximum performance for us, and the latter so that the electronics prevent the tyres from slipping. And we must not forget the N Grin Control system fitted to all N models, which offers five driving modes, from the basic ECO, Normal and Sport to the more sporting “N” and Custom N for selecting an exclusive set-up.

Compared with the conventional Hyundai i20, this one sits 10 mm lower, and the chassis, suspension, brakes and steering have all been tuned to optimise performance in sporty driving. In addition, twelve reinforcements at strategic points have been made that make the chassis considerably stiffer, which brings greater ease of handling and traction on any road. At the front, it features an oversized air intake, perfect for cooling the turbo engine. The N logo distinguishes it at every extremity, and a discreet rear spoiler increases downforce and improves the styling. It is offered in seven colours, but Performance Blue is the one characteristic of the N brand. Inside, both the N badge and the sport-cut, bucket-type seats stand out. Price: from €29,990.

HYUNDAI i30 N, heavyweight contender

In the case of the i30 N, the engine is a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder with 280 CV that can be specified with a six-speed manual transmission or the new high-performance eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides its flagship configuration, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel for added enjoyment. The entry version, with manual gearbox, is offered with 250 CV. It has all the gadgets of the i20 N, such as Rev Matching and Launch Control, and gets the most out of them thanks to its greater power.

It also incorporates the ECS electronically controlled suspension with a calibrated steering setup that conveys maximum driving pleasure and a particularly sporty feel. Without doubt, however, its best ally is the N Corner Carving differential, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that delights the driver and proves especially effective on track. Well equipped in performance with its 280 CV, and especially with the sequential dual-clutch gearbox with steering wheel paddles, the i30 N, in both its Fastback and Hatchback bodies, features sophisticated interior materials that give the cabin an elegant and sporty atmosphere, with metal inserts on the pedals, sporty black seats or artificial suede and leather, and many more details that make it especially sporty.

It already won us over in our test of the Hyundai i30 N when this version debuted, and now it has done so again. Prices start at €33,900 for the 250 CV version, and from €40,500 for the Performance.

The racing SUV: KONA N

It is not easy for an SUV to go so well that it almost puts its siblings in the range on the spot, which are lower, sportier and better suited to circuit driving and winding roads. It does not do so, yet it is genuinely surprising that, despite its greater height, it can hold its own without difficulty thanks to an exceptional chassis, an excellent limited-slip differential and a very powerful engine that never stops pushing. The KONA N uses the four-cylinder 2.0 T-GDI turbo engine with 280 CV and 392 Nm of torque, paired with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The overall package is sensational behind the wheel, thanks to its very sporty feel, the tightly controlled body roll and the great sense of stability and constant control it provides.

Compared with the standard KONA, the N version significantly improves aerodynamics and also sits lower, though without doubt the key to its composure on track and its optimal traction is the N Corner Carving differential, a limited-slip differential with perfect electronic control that tackles all kinds of bends with effectiveness and smoothness. The KONA N is available from €44,900.

The KONA N is a sports car for all kinds of use. It can be a sports car or a comfortable SUV thanks to the N Grin Control system, which electronically controls the suspension and adapts to all kinds of terrain, not only to the programmes found on the rest of the N models, namely ECO, Normal and Sport, plus N and Custom N. As an SUV, it also has traction control systems for moving over slippery surfaces such as snow or mud. A very complete family, with every body style to choose from and one common objective perfectly achieved: sportiness, driving pleasure and the smile that appears on the face of whoever is at the wheel.

Image gallery of the Hyundai N range