Australia has long been the envy of global car enthusiasts, with our market being one of the only to receive access to Hyundai’s full N model range; i20 N, i30 N, i30 Sedan N, and the IONIQ 5 N. For 2025, the i30 N gets minor exterior design revisions, improved safety, and updated interior tech.
Whether you’re a manual purist or an auto devotee, we have spent a week with each so we can bring you the top 5 pros and cons of both forms.
2025 Hyundai i30 N: Pros
1. Revamped exterior:
Striking your attention is the i30 N’s refreshed external design. Hyundai has applied subtle but impactful tweaks that enhance the car’s sporty appearance. The matte grey 19-inch forged alloy wheels, from the sedan, are a standout feature, providing a modern, aggressive touch.
These wheels are complemented by a reworked radiator grille and the addition of red detailing on the side skirts and front bumper inserts, which not only create a sharper look but also emphasise the car’s performance-oriented nature. The flat-style ‘H’ badge at the front and matte black badging at the rear pull it in line with Hyundai’s latest theme.
The main thing, though, is that is continues as a good-looking, well-proportioned, muscular little hatch. And one that is distinctive, with subtle race-inspired highlights without going over the top.
2. Enhanced interior tech
Inside, Hyundai has made the right moves to bring cabin technology in line with current market trends. The i30 N now boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, working in tandem with the existing 10.25-inch multimedia touch-screen.
Together, they create a technology-rich cabin with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety features. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates have also been added, as well as an electrochromic mirror, and USB-C charge points for both front and rear passengers.
3. Still exhilarating performance
At the heart of the i30 N’s appeal is its punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 206kW and 392Nm, which delivers a heart-pounding experience whether you’re on the open road or tearing through corners. Available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), the i30 N offers a versatile performance package that caters to every kind of driver.
The DCT’s quick-shifting nature ensures rapid acceleration, while the manual allows driving purists to remain in full control. The inclusion of the N Grin Shift (NGS) button – inherited from the i30 Sedan N and IONIQ 5 N – adds a fun and exciting touch to DCT models. With a simple press, the NGS button unlocks a burst of power, maximum torque, and aggressive upshifts, ensuring your grin gets even wider, for 20 seconds. All the while, an active variable exhaust system reveals an explosive soundtrack according to which drive mode you’re in.
4. Improved safety features
Hyundai has brought the i30 N’s active safety systems in line with 2025 standards, ensuring that you can enjoy all the fun while staying protected. The forward collision-avoidance assist now covers pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Intelligent speed limit assist, rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and multi-collision braking have also been added.
5. Handling
The i30 N has always been about corner-carving, and the 2025 model keeps that heritage alive. Electronic-controlled suspension continues with three modes; Normal, Sport, and Sport+ to cater for the situation. All are tuned to offer a more dynamic and responsive driving experience, so you can tackle tight corners and apply aggressive driving without losing composure.
The updated seat design, now featuring suede-leather and Alcantara materials, helps to keep you firmly planted during spirited driving sessions as well.
2025 Hyundai i30 N: Cons
1. Ride comfort for daily use
While the i30 N excels in delivering thrilling driving dynamics, its firm suspension and sport-tuned handling may not be to everyone’s liking for everyday use.
If you’re looking for a balance between performance and everyday usability, it’s a given that the i30 N may feel too uncomfortable for some. The i30 N sedan does seem to offer a slightly more pleasant ride, perhaps due to its longer wheelbase (2720mm vs 2650mm), with more room inside over the hatch. It’s also slightly cheaper for some reason.
2. Fuel economy
While the i30 N’s official fuel consumption figures are reasonable for a hot hatch, at 8.5L/100km for the auto and manual, real-world driving under enthusiastic conditions will see your consumption rise, and you’ll likely find yourself at the pump more often than you’d like. If you’re planning on using the i30 N as a daily driver, fuel costs could become a consideration, especially if you have a heavy foot.
3. No wireless app connection
With all the great updates the i30 N received for 2025, it did not score wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This feature is a must in modern times. It means you need to connect your phone with a messy cable each time you want to use your phone apps.
4. Manual loses some features
If you like to be in full control and opt for the manual transmission, keep in mind you lose out on that iconic NGS N Grin Shift function, active rear collision avoidance assist, and climate control remote start.
5. Auto isn’t as exciting
Opting for the DCT auto gearbox means you lose that sense of full control and connection to your i30 N. There is nothing more engaging and exhilarating than controlling the timing of gears and throwing the shifter into position as fast as you can. You also have automatic rev-matching working on your side.
2025 Hyundai i30 N Premium: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 206kW@6000rpm / 392Nm@2100-4700rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×8.0, 235/35
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1511kg
Power-to-weight: 7.33:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.5L/100km
Our consumption: 9.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 50L/95 RONPower efficiency: 24.23kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.91 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.36 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.25 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.69 seconds at 171.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.846g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.17m in 2.96 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.148g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 46/51*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 90*
Starting price: $53,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Hyundai i30 N: Video
The 2025 Hyundai i30 N remains a thrilling performance hatch with an updated design and modernised tech just enough to have it continue to be a standout choice for driving enthusiasts.
Hyundai has done wonders in preserving an outstanding mix of driving dynamics, engine performance, and an inspiring soundtrack to match. If you’re like us, your biggest hurdle will be deciding whether to choose the DCT auto or manual. Either options are offered for a respectable price, too.
