i30 N 2021 i30 N

[Tomrh]

Some thoughts on my PW manual hatch after 9 days of ownership. First i30N I have owned although test drove the first one in 2018. Coming from 2 years in a Leon Cupra dsg. The Cupra was a very good car, almost too good if that makes sense. Was fantastic on motorways, quiet and quick - just a very sterile driving experience given it was meant to be a hot hatch.
Anyway, the N is just brilliant - the main thing is it's FUN! Even running in with the rev limit it's fun and playing with the different set-ups is easy. Main things I have noticed are: the steering is very communicative and way better than the Cupra. It's good to be back in a manual and like the short throw of the gear lever and the feel of the action. Tyres - too soon to push them but no complaints so far. Wheels are just awesome. The info available such as tyre pressures etc really handy and well thought out. The infotainment system is nice and clear and works well, decent sound system. Obviously the pops and bangs are great and appeal to the inner child in me but definitely add to the driving experience. The car has a very 'chunky' feel to it which is what I like and missed in the Cupra.

No real complaints - the turning circle is taking some getting used to and the smaller fuel tank will mean more stops for V-Power but no big deal.

Overall really happy with my choice and looking forward to hitting the 600 miles

Also interested in the manual i30N. Would appreciate if you could upload an exhaust clip once its run in. All the content is on the DCT.

Car looks awesome in white!

 

[Doomers]

Spoke to my dealer here in Melbourne this morning. Kicked off about the bullsh*t hold up for releasing cars. Given them 2 weeks to give me my car or I’m withdrawing my purchase. Serious about that too (atm at least).

Also had some comms from a corporate contact at Hyundai. Apparently the hold up is regarding stock levels that have arrived and equity between Hyundai dealers. Said this is bullsh*t too as those of us who placed orders early should just be given our cars. Not our fault that other dealers didn’t get as many (or any) orders in early on.
Hyundai makes one decent car and now thinks it’s some kind of big shot. Pissing me off. Fed up of the wait now and losing interest in the brand. Anybody else feeling the same?

 

[Hayden120]

Anybody else feeling the same?

Yes on all counts. This launch has sucked from start to finish and has left me feeling like an idiot. I'm starting to associate the car with negativity and doubt now, which is upsetting.

I've been hyped for the DCT for years, but it seems that Hyundai Australia are committed to killing my interest in the car. I can handle a few delays (I originally expected the DCT in late 2019), but I'm beyond tired of the lack of communication. It comes across as rude and smug.

I deliberately shopped around early in order to be part of the first shipment. Seems that doesn't matter now – we're all being forced to wait arbitrarily. I'm also losing interest. Not sure how much more of this I can stomach.

 

[Doomers]

Glad to hear I’m not the only one. Time to get serious with the alternatives for me

Yes on all counts. This launch has sucked from start to finish and has left me feeling like an idiot. I'm starting to associate the car with negativity and doubt now, which is upsetting.

I've been hyped for the DCT for years, but it seems that Hyundai Australia are committed to killing my interest in the car. I can handle a few delays (I originally expected the DCT in late 2019), but I'm beyond tired of the lack of communication. It comes across as rude and smug.

I deliberately shopped around early in order to be part of the first shipment. Seems that doesn't matter now – we're all being forced to wait arbitrarily. I'm also losing interest. Not sure how much more of this I can stomach.

 

[Xcelr8]

Yes on all counts. This launch has sucked from start to finish and has left me feeling like an idiot. I'm starting to associate the car with negativity and doubt now, which is upsetting.

I've been hyped for the DCT for years, but it seems that Hyundai Australia are committed to killing my interest in the car. I can handle a few delays (I originally expected the DCT in late 2019), but I'm beyond tired of the lack of communication. It comes across as rude and smug.

I deliberately shopped around early in order to be part of the first shipment. Seems that doesn't matter now – we're all being forced to wait arbitrarily. I'm also losing interest. Not sure how much more of this I can stomach.

Me Three! I have had my rant in the past about the launch and unsatisfactory level of communications from Hyundai (I will not extend this annoyance to my dealer, they have been very accommodating). The lack of any real alternative in Australia is the biggest issue, and I believe Hyundai know this. Funny thing, I was only just talking to my Dad about this less than an hour ago, I told him that I was looking for alternatives. I might call Hyundai directly myself for an update, and give them a piece of my mind.

 

[NickC]

Also interested in the manual i30N. Would appreciate if you could upload an exhaust clip once its run in. All the content is on the DCT.

Car looks awesome in white!

Will have a go, away for a few days now so it will be run in I can say though that it already sounds great even at low revs. Particularly in Custom mode with the rev matching. I think you can actually feel the bangs in the car. God knows what it will sound like when I'm really on it

 

[Hayden120]

Australian news!
View attachment 17240

It's interesting that nothing in this bulletin, which was provided to Australian dealerships on the 11th of June, has come to fruition.

Wholesale and delivery before the end of the month (June) did not happen. Specification audits, a full product bulletin, and wholesale release in the "coming week or so" did not happen and have still not happened.

What is going on at Hyundai Australia HQ? It does not inspire confidence. I wonder what after-sales service will be like if any of us need to make a warranty claim.

 

[Bri167]

I have a PB dct on order (uk) was a tough decision as I liked the bmw 128ti too......outwardly no competition, i30n wins
but on the inside, same, no competition the 128ti wins...............................is there anything I can do to make my car better on the inside, ambient lighting? ways to make interior more plush? I look forward in the future to seeing what you guys may or may not do about this or hear any ideas.......................I want my car to be good on the inside as well as the outside.

 

[Doomers]

It's interesting that nothing in this bulletin, which was provided to Australian dealerships on the 11th of June, has come to fruition.

Wholesale and delivery before the end of the month (June) did not happen. Specification audits, a full product bulletin, and wholesale release in the "coming week or so" did not happen and have still not happened.

What is going on at Hyundai Australia HQ? It does not inspire confidence. I wonder what after-sales service will be like if any of us need to make a warranty claim.

I wonder if they keep going at this rate they’ll have the whole range of N cars arriving in Oz before they give us our i30 . . .
I might even change to a Kona N if that’s the case. I am on the edge of middle age after all

 

[Doomers]

I have a PB dct on order (uk) was a tough decision as I liked the bmw 128ti too......outwardly no competition, i30n wins
but on the inside, same, no competition the 128ti wins...............................is there anything I can do to make my car better on the inside, ambient lighting? ways to make interior more plush? I look forward in the future to seeing what you guys may or may not do about this or hear any ideas.......................I want my car to be good on the inside as well as the outside.

Having seen how easy it is to put an amp behind the dash, upgrade the speakers, put a sub on the side of the boot and then some cosmetic stuff like the coloured piping on the doors and dash, better interior lights and covers to get rid of the excessive plastic, it seems there’s a fair few mods that can be made. Guess we need to look back at the i30n pioneers who bought the first series I’d have had one a while ago if it had the dct. Just can’t bring myself to change gears anymore. Too old

 

[Bri167]

Having seen how easy it is to put an amp behind the dash, upgrade the speakers, put a sub on the side of the boot and then some cosmetic stuff like the coloured piping on the doors and dash, better interior lights and covers to get rid of the excessive plastic, it seems there’s a fair few mods that can be made. Guess we need to look back at the i30n pioneers who bought the first series I’d have had one a while ago if it had the dct. Just can’t bring myself to change gears anymore. Too old

thanks for that great reply, I'm out of my depth in doing these things by myself but hopefully I can track down a company or individual who can do my interior upgrade incorporating a lot of the things you mentioned, sounds like for maybe an additional 5% of purchase price I can have a car that competes with the bmw 128ti interior or maybe even better?...........................much as I love the look if the i30n, the interior left me questioning my choice.

 

[Howy]

thanks for that great reply, I'm out of my depth in doing these things by myself but hopefully I can track down a company or individual who can do my interior upgrade incorporating a lot of the things you mentioned, sounds like for maybe an additional 5% of purchase price I can have a car that competes with the bmw 128ti interior or maybe even better?...........................much as I love the look if the i30n, the interior left me questioning my choice.

Can't comment on the interior of the bmw but with The N Lite seats and N mats don't think you really need anything else as after all when you are driving you are looking out of the windscreen

 

[Bri167]

Can't comment on the interior of the bmw but with The N Lite seats and N mats don't think you really need anything else as after all when you are driving you are looking out of the windscreen

I disagree, with a car that looks so good on the outside, I think no harm in making improvements on the inside, the i30n does not have a "premium interior", I wish my car to feel and look special on the inside as well as out.

 

[asdf144]

I disagree, with a car that looks so good on the outside, I think no harm in making improvements on the inside, the i30n does not have a "premium interior", I wish my car to feel and look special on the inside as well as out.

They should have made the Interieur like the one in the i20n looks way better and less plastic

 

[Tom Vanlimbergen]

thanks for that great reply, I'm out of my depth in doing these things by myself but hopefully I can track down a company or individual who can do my interior upgrade incorporating a lot of the things you mentioned, sounds like for maybe an additional 5% of purchase price I can have a car that competes with the bmw 128ti interior or maybe even better?...........................much as I love the look if the i30n, the interior left me questioning my choice.

You should read a few tests on the 128ti, than your doubts would soon be gone.
To sum it up for you: it looks good, but the driving really sucks: very hard suspension and not composed at all.
That is litterally the opposite of the i30n.
And, in the end, what is the most important? Driving a car that makes you smile everytime you drive it, or driving one that has a nicer interiour but isn't nice to drive?
I must say, I've been driving my N for over 80k now and I never looked at my interior. To busy enjoying myself

 

[Xcelr8]

I wonder if the delay is due to unforeseen technical issues with the vehicle, similar to that being experienced with the new Tucson 1.6 DCT variant? Irrespective, an update from HMCA to all the "patiently" waiting owners of these vehicles would be just good customer service.

I did call HMCA yesterday afternoon requesting an update, and I was told. "some one will call you back in the next two days", last time they said that it was about 4 weeks!

 

[Hayden120]

I wonder if the delay is due to unforeseen technical issues with the vehicle, similar to that being experienced with the new Tucson 1.6 DCT variant? Irrespective, an update from HMCA to all the "patiently" waiting owners of these vehicles would be just good customer service.

Agreed. A bit of transparency and honesty would be much appreciated. The Tucson 1.6L DCT issue and delay was very vaguely communicated to dealers and customers, and it also caused a lot of frustration. Seems to be a consistent theme with this company.

I did call HMCA yesterday afternoon requesting an update, and I was told. "some one will call you back in the next two days", last time they said that it was about 4 weeks!

I also called them yesterday and surprisingly got an update this morning. Apparently head office are undergoing final discussions regarding the launch and should be making a decision before the end of the week.

I'm fully expecting that "decision" to be a delay, though. Or perhaps a paper launch on the 31st of July just so they can say they nominally "released" the car in July. Would love to be proved wrong, though!

 

[Doomers]

I wonder if the delay is due to unforeseen technical issues with the vehicle, similar to that being experienced with the new Tucson 1.6 DCT variant?

Is this an old issue that’s been resolved? I ask as Hyundai are now selling these. See Essendon Hyundai’s Instagram page. Last post was a sale of one of these

 

[Hayden120]

Is this an old issue that’s been resolved? I ask as Hyundai are now selling these. See Essendon Hyundai’s Instagram page. Last post was a sale of one of these

Partly resolved, I believe. It delayed first deliveries of that variant by about two months. I think only about half of the stock was affected by the issue, so they started releasing units that have been inspected.

 

[rogalike]

First time with 2021 I30N 8DCT on the track best lap was 1:03:004, for comparison Nissan GTR (600HP) best lap was 1:03.000... just 0.004 faster than me