Hoondai i30n Performance
Discussion
So as requested here will be the diary of my I30N Performance..........
After the BMW 325d E91 (Great car went well but I spent a fortune on that replacing / repairing things) I inherited my mums Leon 1.4 150bhp FR. Fantastic car, did everything I wanted / needed and was brilliant on fuel. I didn't need another car but I was looking, with the mrs diesel Astra being well boring (Its a Astra after all) I heard the odd rattle from the gear box area and thought right she can have the Leon as she does do a fair few miles and it will do her well.
This left me looking for a new car..................
Criteria -
- 5doors
- Large boot
- Family ready
- Must be kept minimum 5 years
- Fun to drive
- Not cost a fortune to run / maintain ( I didn't want another BMW scenario )
I went and looked at a few cars like 1 series bmw's but didn't like the space or servicing costs, Civic type R's again, Megane Rs's, Focus ST's & Seat cupras basically hot hatches with the odd estate
I kept coming back to the I30N as I had seen them testing at the ring when I was over and something really appealed (and Hyundai did take the head of engineering at M division off BMW to develop it)
I went to the local dealer and got no where with them. Went to a few other dealers, test drove a fastback (basically a coupe) which felt sluggish and you couldn't see a thing out the back so booked a test drive elsewhere with a hatch. With the hatch you could see loads and it went bloody well (think the fastback was a bit of a lemon)
Placed the order with a view to get it on a 69 plate but to collect once i was back from my honeymoon mid September.
The car -
I30N
Polar White
271bhp
eDiff
Launch control
Several Driver modes
5 year warranty
5 year TRACK warranty
etc
etc
(The ‘N’ in Hyundai N stands for Namyang, home to Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre & also Nurburgring for the testing )
Collected it 16th September arrived at the dealer - Hadn't prepped it at all was disgusting. Didn't activate a few things I had asked for to be done and when they removed the sticky film from transporting it left residue all over it - oh well.
Car is booked in for a check up in 6 weeks, while in to activate said functions & fix a few issues like melted rear window trim, all the wheels marked & they have said looking to replace them all foc before all of that though I am driving it to Germany and hiring a car while I am there to lap the ring as we booked the trip before I ordered this.
So far done 200 miles in it and I need to do 600 before I press the "N" button which gives me full fun mode.
First impressions
Will add pictures later when I get some off my phone
To be continued .........
After the BMW 325d E91 (Great car went well but I spent a fortune on that replacing / repairing things) I inherited my mums Leon 1.4 150bhp FR. Fantastic car, did everything I wanted / needed and was brilliant on fuel. I didn't need another car but I was looking, with the mrs diesel Astra being well boring (Its a Astra after all) I heard the odd rattle from the gear box area and thought right she can have the Leon as she does do a fair few miles and it will do her well.
This left me looking for a new car..................
Criteria -
- 5doors
- Large boot
- Family ready
- Must be kept minimum 5 years
- Fun to drive
- Not cost a fortune to run / maintain ( I didn't want another BMW scenario )
I went and looked at a few cars like 1 series bmw's but didn't like the space or servicing costs, Civic type R's again, Megane Rs's, Focus ST's & Seat cupras basically hot hatches with the odd estate
I kept coming back to the I30N as I had seen them testing at the ring when I was over and something really appealed (and Hyundai did take the head of engineering at M division off BMW to develop it)
I went to the local dealer and got no where with them. Went to a few other dealers, test drove a fastback (basically a coupe) which felt sluggish and you couldn't see a thing out the back so booked a test drive elsewhere with a hatch. With the hatch you could see loads and it went bloody well (think the fastback was a bit of a lemon)
Placed the order with a view to get it on a 69 plate but to collect once i was back from my honeymoon mid September.
The car -
I30N
Polar White
271bhp
eDiff
Launch control
Several Driver modes
5 year warranty
5 year TRACK warranty
etc
etc
(The ‘N’ in Hyundai N stands for Namyang, home to Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre & also Nurburgring for the testing )
Collected it 16th September arrived at the dealer - Hadn't prepped it at all was disgusting. Didn't activate a few things I had asked for to be done and when they removed the sticky film from transporting it left residue all over it - oh well.
Car is booked in for a check up in 6 weeks, while in to activate said functions & fix a few issues like melted rear window trim, all the wheels marked & they have said looking to replace them all foc before all of that though I am driving it to Germany and hiring a car while I am there to lap the ring as we booked the trip before I ordered this.
So far done 200 miles in it and I need to do 600 before I press the "N" button which gives me full fun mode.
First impressions
- Fuel tank is tiny - 44 ltrs to fill it from 0 range (50 litre tank)
- Really really comfy place to sit when driving
- Apple car play is fantastic
- Drives great & wants to pull all the way but I haven't gone over 5k yet
- Shift lights & engine temp lights are a nice touch
- lots of room inside
- Exhaust note is lovely
Will add pictures later when I get some off my phone
To be continued .........
Edited by Kev_Mk3 on Sunday 26th January 10:15
Collection day. Looks clean its not. I arrived early and before the Sales person got in and they where really upset and apologised (not her fault TBH) -
Nice place to sit, Easy on the eyes dials
Looked good in the car park
Pictures from having a deep clean and front end PPF fitted
I went for white as I love white cars its also very understated, where i park it at home you would walk past without realising as you just see the nose of the car. I don't like the blue that everyone seems to get and I wasn't going to pay £600 for a colour I didn't like.
Get the car back in the morning then its off to the new office to cringe at the utter lack of parking / quality of what we have.
Road trip to Milton Keynes Saturday to see our new nieces so be nice to see what its like on a long drive
Nice place to sit, Easy on the eyes dials
Looked good in the car park
Pictures from having a deep clean and front end PPF fitted
I went for white as I love white cars its also very understated, where i park it at home you would walk past without realising as you just see the nose of the car. I don't like the blue that everyone seems to get and I wasn't going to pay £600 for a colour I didn't like.
Get the car back in the morning then its off to the new office to cringe at the utter lack of parking / quality of what we have.
Road trip to Milton Keynes Saturday to see our new nieces so be nice to see what its like on a long drive
So after living in the car for a few days I thought I'd put my thoughts across.
Last Friday morning me and the wife got up early and headed for the Nurburgring. Trip was planned and booked before I even thought about buying this car but thought what a good way to break it in.
Cruised down UK's motor system we only got stuck once thankfully and arrived at Dover with plenty of time. I did have to fill up in Dover as I wasn't going to trust we could make it to Belgium with the dash saying 55 miles remaining as we had already done 302 on this tank. Filled it up wit 37ltrs of juice and off we went. Once over it was a nice steady drive to the ring.
Saturday we got up and headed to the boulevard. Now I had been rough all week with some bug and we where both booked in for a tattoo each, I didnt get mine done in the end as I was really sick still but Ellie had hers and we cant fault the tattoo studio for how professional they are. While she had hers I was watching the old merc DTM cars on the GP track out the window.
I filled the car up ready for TF and once the lights went green got on at half way to warm the car up taking it steady. Once at the gate again we let rip and the car was absolutely fantastic the ediff blew me away and the power wow. Only negative was the brake fluid boiled within half a lap so just took it easy from then on. I did 2 and a half laps saturday then called it a night, while I got a coffee Ellie went out with Dale in Project 8 for a lap, to say she loved it was a understatement. We then headed to PK for a steak on the stone.
Sunday TF was from 8am - 7pm. We woke up early but as we spotted fog went back to bed for a hour. We rolled up to the track about 10am and went for a lap it was greasy and foggy still. I did 1 and didnt feel comfortable at all driving in the conditions as it was so slippy, Once back to the car park it then shut till about 5pm due to the fog but opened for about 20 minutes which I managed to get out with Dale myself. Sadly I had to tell him to back off part way round as my stomach went as I was sick still, I did love it and hope to go out again with him once its dry next year. Incredible car.
Here is the Video of my lap with him -
https://youtu.be/ltei5TOj1YM
Monday we went to Cocham and relaxed browsing the town and enjoy a break. Headed back to the evening of TF by sitting on the back of a Porsche on the autobahn at 150mph, Car felt so stable and didn't realise I was going that quick.
Starting with a half lap to get a feel for the track. It was wet, monsoon wet which meant more grip than drizzle or a drying track. I cruised round enjoying the views and the track ended up doing 6.5 laps (I noticed that the fuel had gone also) Was interesting passing some exotic cars like Ferrari's then them follow you as your taking the wet lines, he came over and thanked me for showing him a better wet way to drive the ring (I am no expert, just going off what I was taught early in the year by a tutor)
Time to head home Tuesday first thing, So with a full tank of the good stuff we cruised to Dunkirk to fuel up again before heading back over on the ferry. I always stop at Auchan which is on the way to the ferry, about 3-5 miles away as its cheap fuel.
Once in England the fun starts and the M2 was shut with me on it for a crash. We eventually got home after many hours.
So the car..........
Nearly 40mpg on the run to Dover at normal speeds, then about 37.5mpg on the continent, I don't think that is that bad. I didn't let the light come on as I was lapping but it was about 300 miles between fill ups and it had around 30-60 miles range left. Usually it was 37-38 ltrs to brim it. The car clicks off but you can then add another 5 ltrs after
Lapping 15-20mpg
I have to say the drive is fantastic, really progressive power delivery. N mode is super solid suspension so I have sent it to be softer, Pops and bangs for ever its great lol Saying that flick a switch and its quite and sedate. Seats are bloody comfy and hug you.
Negatives -
[LIST]
[*]Tank size is crap imo
[*]Build quality you can see where they cut costs with a solid cheap plastic handbrake, my shoes have scuffed and marked the drivers door card they are that soft & the load holders for attaching to in the boot are not metal, thin cheap plastic so can snap easy.
[*]Passenger door handle has snapped clean off, apparently known fault but reports say not covered under warranty. (I have already got them to agree it will be as the car is so new)
[/LIST]
Over all I am really pleased with it, does exactly what I want just need the few issues sorting. Next its in for the PPF to be re done next week then once back its off to the dealer to fix all the issues raised. They offered to collect it and drop a courtesy car off to me but I declined as I will drop the car off and collect the courtesy car after reports of dealers ragging cars :angry:
Few pics -
Last Friday morning me and the wife got up early and headed for the Nurburgring. Trip was planned and booked before I even thought about buying this car but thought what a good way to break it in.
Cruised down UK's motor system we only got stuck once thankfully and arrived at Dover with plenty of time. I did have to fill up in Dover as I wasn't going to trust we could make it to Belgium with the dash saying 55 miles remaining as we had already done 302 on this tank. Filled it up wit 37ltrs of juice and off we went. Once over it was a nice steady drive to the ring.
Saturday we got up and headed to the boulevard. Now I had been rough all week with some bug and we where both booked in for a tattoo each, I didnt get mine done in the end as I was really sick still but Ellie had hers and we cant fault the tattoo studio for how professional they are. While she had hers I was watching the old merc DTM cars on the GP track out the window.
I filled the car up ready for TF and once the lights went green got on at half way to warm the car up taking it steady. Once at the gate again we let rip and the car was absolutely fantastic the ediff blew me away and the power wow. Only negative was the brake fluid boiled within half a lap so just took it easy from then on. I did 2 and a half laps saturday then called it a night, while I got a coffee Ellie went out with Dale in Project 8 for a lap, to say she loved it was a understatement. We then headed to PK for a steak on the stone.
Sunday TF was from 8am - 7pm. We woke up early but as we spotted fog went back to bed for a hour. We rolled up to the track about 10am and went for a lap it was greasy and foggy still. I did 1 and didnt feel comfortable at all driving in the conditions as it was so slippy, Once back to the car park it then shut till about 5pm due to the fog but opened for about 20 minutes which I managed to get out with Dale myself. Sadly I had to tell him to back off part way round as my stomach went as I was sick still, I did love it and hope to go out again with him once its dry next year. Incredible car.
Here is the Video of my lap with him -
https://youtu.be/ltei5TOj1YM
Monday we went to Cocham and relaxed browsing the town and enjoy a break. Headed back to the evening of TF by sitting on the back of a Porsche on the autobahn at 150mph, Car felt so stable and didn't realise I was going that quick.
Starting with a half lap to get a feel for the track. It was wet, monsoon wet which meant more grip than drizzle or a drying track. I cruised round enjoying the views and the track ended up doing 6.5 laps (I noticed that the fuel had gone also) Was interesting passing some exotic cars like Ferrari's then them follow you as your taking the wet lines, he came over and thanked me for showing him a better wet way to drive the ring (I am no expert, just going off what I was taught early in the year by a tutor)
Time to head home Tuesday first thing, So with a full tank of the good stuff we cruised to Dunkirk to fuel up again before heading back over on the ferry. I always stop at Auchan which is on the way to the ferry, about 3-5 miles away as its cheap fuel.
Once in England the fun starts and the M2 was shut with me on it for a crash. We eventually got home after many hours.
So the car..........
Nearly 40mpg on the run to Dover at normal speeds, then about 37.5mpg on the continent, I don't think that is that bad. I didn't let the light come on as I was lapping but it was about 300 miles between fill ups and it had around 30-60 miles range left. Usually it was 37-38 ltrs to brim it. The car clicks off but you can then add another 5 ltrs after
Lapping 15-20mpg
I have to say the drive is fantastic, really progressive power delivery. N mode is super solid suspension so I have sent it to be softer, Pops and bangs for ever its great lol Saying that flick a switch and its quite and sedate. Seats are bloody comfy and hug you.
Negatives -
[LIST]
[*]Tank size is crap imo
[*]Build quality you can see where they cut costs with a solid cheap plastic handbrake, my shoes have scuffed and marked the drivers door card they are that soft & the load holders for attaching to in the boot are not metal, thin cheap plastic so can snap easy.
[*]Passenger door handle has snapped clean off, apparently known fault but reports say not covered under warranty. (I have already got them to agree it will be as the car is so new)
[/LIST]
Over all I am really pleased with it, does exactly what I want just need the few issues sorting. Next its in for the PPF to be re done next week then once back its off to the dealer to fix all the issues raised. They offered to collect it and drop a courtesy car off to me but I declined as I will drop the car off and collect the courtesy car after reports of dealers ragging cars :angry:
Few pics -
I thought I'd add this just for fun a video from the trip. First lap in the car and only dry lap (well damp lap) I got.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72RhC86ackA
[video=youtube;72RhC86ackA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72RhC86ackA[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72RhC86ackA
[video=youtube;72RhC86ackA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72RhC86ackA[/video]
So finally had a response from the dealer after I had to log a complaint with the customer care team.
In the meanwhile I dropped the car off to get ceramic coated. I explained about the handle and strip, also the ppf.
I have know Kev for a long time and trust his work. I gave him a few things to fit and requested a de-badge on the back as I hadn't done this as I hadn't had the car back from the dealer.
He cleaned the car and then gave it a full inspection sending me pictures of what is wrong and what he is doing.
"Hello Kev.
Just done a visual inspection on your i30.
There was a small dent in the n/s front door, dent man has all ready been and done it.
There is some staining and minor chips on your o/s/f brake calliper which I can sort.
There’s some etching (possibly bird droppings) to the n/s/f door and roof which I can sort.
The bits that I have found which I can’t do, a small bubble in the bumper ppf which has muck in it and there is a mark in the n/s/r door scraper moulding"
I knew about the ppf, wasnt happy but tough but the rest Kev can sort.
I then got this later on and knew it was in the right place. I cant wait to collect it next week.
Few more can be found on his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intimatedetail/
Alternatively his website - https://www.intimatedetail.co.uk/
In the meanwhile I dropped the car off to get ceramic coated. I explained about the handle and strip, also the ppf.
I have know Kev for a long time and trust his work. I gave him a few things to fit and requested a de-badge on the back as I hadn't done this as I hadn't had the car back from the dealer.
He cleaned the car and then gave it a full inspection sending me pictures of what is wrong and what he is doing.
"Hello Kev.
Just done a visual inspection on your i30.
There was a small dent in the n/s front door, dent man has all ready been and done it.
There is some staining and minor chips on your o/s/f brake calliper which I can sort.
There’s some etching (possibly bird droppings) to the n/s/f door and roof which I can sort.
The bits that I have found which I can’t do, a small bubble in the bumper ppf which has muck in it and there is a mark in the n/s/r door scraper moulding"
I knew about the ppf, wasnt happy but tough but the rest Kev can sort.
I then got this later on and knew it was in the right place. I cant wait to collect it next week.
Few more can be found on his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intimatedetail/
Alternatively his website - https://www.intimatedetail.co.uk/
Edited by Kev_Mk3 on Sunday 26th January 10:33
So while I went to Spa for a track day, I left my car with intimate detail to be ceramic coated.
He also added a few bits I had but left off until warranty work had been done.
Side skirt badges fitted -
Black Front and Rear badges fitted -
Also removed the 'Hyundai' & 'i30' badges -
Had the calipers etc coated also -
Then the finished item -
Totally made up with it now, It will also make cleaning it all alot easier in the future as the crap just rinses off.
Just hit 3000 miles in and really enjoying it. Roll on Oulton Park when I can test it a little more.
He also added a few bits I had but left off until warranty work had been done.
Side skirt badges fitted -
Black Front and Rear badges fitted -
Also removed the 'Hyundai' & 'i30' badges -
Had the calipers etc coated also -
Then the finished item -
Totally made up with it now, It will also make cleaning it all alot easier in the future as the crap just rinses off.
Just hit 3000 miles in and really enjoying it. Roll on Oulton Park when I can test it a little more.
CrippsCorner said:
Looks fantastic that, don't think I've seen one in white in the flesh yet. Not normally a fan of black badges but they definitely work on your car! I could never have such a mint car, I'd be so paranoid lol. One of my favourite hatches out there at the moment 
I do my best to pamper my cars, despite this its lapped the Nurburgring 10 times already lol I've other days booked next year for it and it will be used properly still. Just the coatings etc will make it a lot easier to maintain.
Warranty work completed.
Replaced the door handle section that broke and then they damaged when they originally replaced it. They also replaced the window trip that was never picked up on the PDI.
Other than that I've booked it in elsewhere for a brake fluid change to Motul RPF6600 in 2 weeks time and then if the brakes are no better its back to get new discs and pads at the dealer as i am getting a judder but they couldn't find a issue (well they did when they came out with me but doing the fluid change first)
Otherwise rinsed the salt off on the way back from the dealers, ceramic coats doing its things and its twin arrives next week.
My father in law liked it so much hes bought the same car in the same colour :lol:
Replaced the door handle section that broke and then they damaged when they originally replaced it. They also replaced the window trip that was never picked up on the PDI.
Other than that I've booked it in elsewhere for a brake fluid change to Motul RPF6600 in 2 weeks time and then if the brakes are no better its back to get new discs and pads at the dealer as i am getting a judder but they couldn't find a issue (well they did when they came out with me but doing the fluid change first)
Otherwise rinsed the salt off on the way back from the dealers, ceramic coats doing its things and its twin arrives next week.
My father in law liked it so much hes bought the same car in the same colour :lol:
Nice, considering how much you can pick one of these up for new or pre registered, they are a performance bargain, what other car can you get for 24k with 10 miles on the clock, though I don't think they sold any where near as many as they thought which is a shame, still, as an all round package its hard to beat
Like that a lot; the black badges really work on a white car (silver / chrome looks pants on white).
People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
tonyb1968 said:
Nice, considering how much you can pick one of these up for new or pre registered, they are a performance bargain, what other car can you get for 24k with 10 miles on the clock, though I don't think they sold any where near as many as they thought which is a shame, still, as an all round package its hard to beat
No not sold to many from what I think but most are in the smurf blue as I call it. Sadly I see a lot of owners buying them and selling within 12 months. Market is mainly blue so other colours are a rarity. df76 said:
Had a couple of friends looking at these, and the CarWow prices that they were quoting make them very appealing.
At Christmas they where doing them for around 22k it was madness.Trevor555 said:
Nice write up in the Evo mag Jan edition no. 268
It covers the history of the N models.
Yes I subscribe to Evo and have it stored away, I think over all the car is really liked by the pressIt covers the history of the N models.
Court_S said:
Like that a lot; the black badges really work on a white car (silver / chrome looks pants on white).
People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
Thanks, Yes the badges have really made a difference to the cars looks. I am shocked that no one in the uk has made them yet though and the guy in Germany we all get them from only drip feeds so he can charge what he wants in theory. People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
As I said in my last post my father in law has bought one the same as he loved it so much. He looked at the Mercedes, golf etc but value for money he couldnt beat the i30N so got a great deal and collects it next week. Will be like twins on his drive when we go to visit now.
Court_S said:
Like that a lot; the black badges really work on a white car (silver / chrome looks pants on white).
People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
Prices haven’t really moved too much in a year. Been keeping an eye on them since late 2018. £20k vs £22k then. They all seem to coalesce around £20k at the minute, whether it’s a hatch with 15k miles from 2018 or a 2019 Fastback with 5k miles. This seems good value relative to the rest that are for sale https://www.lookers.co.uk/nearly-new-car/hyundai/i...People bang on about the interior, but I don’t mind it at all. It’s perfectly fine to me, especially considering the cost, plus I don’t have a plastic fetish. They do sound bloody good for a four pot and are cracking value now (I looked last year and it wasn’t great).
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