Test drive Hyundai i30N Fastback: Can it be a good daily driver?

Our test of the Hyundai i30N Fastback has made it clear that this is a car with a distinctly sporty character. However, can it become a daily driver? Let’s find out.

Hyundai surprised the world in 2018 by presenting the hottest version of its compact model. It was called Hyundai i30 N , and its second name referred to the Nürburgring circuit, so the intentions seemed clear.

Not everyone trusted that the Korean brand could launch a product good enough to compete in a segment as crowded as that of the compact GTI hot hatches. Established models such as the Renault Megane RS, Seat León Cupra and, above all, the Volkswagen Golf GTI were going to make things difficult.

The challenge was therefore clear: would the Hyundai i30N be able to match or surpass the handling and performance of the Volkswagen Golf GTI? On the first test drive of the Hyundai i30N we did, it became very clear that its potential was very high, which left an excellent impression. In addition, our colleagues at Paella Motor made a video showing that the Hyundai i30 N was the perfect rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. We leave it here so you can watch it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BlWOvyuwkA&t=179s

In 2019 the Hyundai i30N arrived in its Fastback body variant, with a three-box format but a very sporty line. The price difference compared to the Hyundai i30N in hatchback format is 4,000 euros: the Hyundai i30N has a starting price of 29,150 euros and the Hyundai i30N Fastback starts at 33,250 euros.

However, there is a catch, since the Hyundai i30N Fastback can only be chosen with the Performance pack. This means it adds to the standard version’s equipment items such as a limited-slip differential, more powerful brakes, 19-inch wheels and an exhaust system with a butterfly valve to regulate its sound. The most notable difference of the Performance pack, however, is its 25 extra horsepower, so the 2.0 TGDI engine goes from 250 to 275 CV.

Looking at the figures, it seems that practically all buyers opt for the Performance variant, since out of every 400 Hyundai i30N sold, only 14 are not Performance versions.

Therefore, the fairest comparison is with the Hyundai i30N Performance. If we do it this way, surprise! The price of the hatchback and the Fastback are exactly the same: 33,250 euros. The decision between one and the other will therefore basically come down to the car’s styling and, above all, the capacity of its boot: the Hyundai i30N Performance Fastback has a 450-litre boot, while the Hyundai i30N Performance has 395 litres.

However, another challenge for sporty compacts is to have a sporty character while also being usable day to day. So this is the aspect we are going to focus on.

Is the Hyundai i30N Fastback a good daily driver?

Before analysing this question, we must be clear about one thing: the Hyundai i30N Fastback is a car aimed at anyone who enjoys driving and truly appreciates a sports car. It is therefore not a car for everyone, so choosing it as a daily driver involves a series of compromises. The question is whether those compromises are worth it or, on the contrary, using it as a daily car becomes a madness.

How is the fuel consumption?

Yes, here we face one of the main drawbacks of the Hyundai i30N Fastback: it is a thirsty car. However, it depends a lot on how you use it day to day: if you are used to city trips, get your wallet ready, since before you know it you will see a terrible 12 litres per 100 kilometres on the on-board computer.

If, on the other hand, the car is mostly used on motorways at relaxed cruising speeds, it will let you breathe, since by being careful with the throttle you can get figures close to 7.5 litres.

Obviously it is a car for those who like to drive, so more than one weekend you will choose to get up early, make a coffee and tackle a good mountain pass. In that case, try to hide the petrol receipts from your partner, since going above 15 litres per 100 kilometres is a piece of cake.

Can you go grocery shopping with it?

The space in the boot of the Hyundai i30N Fastback is big enough (450 litres) and has very regular shapes, so it makes good use of the space. In this respect, the only thing that can be a nuisance when loading large items is the roof bar, because if you plan to visit the Swedish furniture giant, it is not the ideal car.

Is it a comfortable car for a long trip?

Undoubtedly, yes. One of the advantages of the Hyundai i30N Fastback is that it offers very wide possibilities to adjust the settings. So if you put the suspension in “Eco” mode, you get a fairly comfortable ride. Be careful about leaving it in normal or sport mode, since your tailbone will feel every crack in the road.

It is also important, for a long family trip, to close the active exhaust valve so that you barely hear anything thanks to its good soundproofing. There are two other exhaust modes that offer a hoarser sound and bangs similar to a Valencian Mascletà, so if you don’t want your passengers to stop talking to you, we recommend you forget about them.

Is it practical for putting children in?

Although under the bonnet we have an enraged 275-horsepower beast, the interior space of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback is practically identical to that of a conventional Hyundai i30 Fastback. Therefore, you get rear doors with a good opening angle, although the downward slope of the roof can cost you more than one bump on the head when buckling a child seat. Despite this minor drawback, yes, it can perfectly well carry your children.

Is it an easy car to drive or does it make you work?

Depending on how you use it, it can feel similar to a normal car, although it is true that the manual gearbox has very short, direct throws that betray its sporty character.

The steering also has a very direct feel, although depending on which of the three driving modes we choose, the firmness varies considerably. So if we set it to the most assisted mode, it is perfectly usable in town or for parking manoeuvres.

The Hyundai i30N Fastback has very good grip, so you have to be very aggressive with the throttle to make it lose traction and oversteer. It therefore has a very neutral and obedient behaviour to what we ask of it with the steering wheel.

Conclusion: Is it feasible to use an Hyundai i30N Fastback as a daily driver?

The answer lies in the Spanish proverb: “sarna con gusto no pica” (an itch that you enjoy doesn’t bother you). What we mean by this is that the Hyundai i30N Fastback is not the best daily car: its consumption is not the lowest, it is not the most comfortable on the market, nor does it have the best interior space.

However, few cars offer a better power/fun/price ratio than the Hyundai i30N Fastback. So if you can accept and take on those small limitations imposed by its sporty character, it can undoubtedly do the job as a daily car.