Until now only seen in a number of spy and teaser images, the Fastback retains the same basic shape as its standard sibling, but adds a number of bespoke N touches such as a model specific bodykit, N-badged grille, red striping at the base of the bumpers, black door sills, an integrated rear diffuser with dual exhaust outlets and a gloss black boot spoiler.
Inside, the Fastback receives red stitching, the N sports steering wheel also with red stitching and N sport seats trimmed in a combination of suede, leather or cloth. Despite its newfound performance, Hyundai claims that the Fastback has not skimmed on practicality with a total boot volume of 450-litres, or up to 1 351-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
As with the standard i30 N, the Fastback N is offered in two models; standard and Performance with the latter swapping the 18-inch alloy wheels for bigger 19-inch rollers, and further gaining an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, red N badged brake calipers and a variable exhaust valve system with two settings.
Providing motivation, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol produces 184kW/353Nm, although in the Performance, the former figure jumps up to 202kW and the latter to 378Nm as part of an overboost function. While top speed is limited to 250km/h, the standard Fastback will complete the 0-100km/h dash in 6.4 seconds with the Performance taking 6.1 seconds.
Until development finishes on the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Fastback is only available with a six-speed manual ‘box, in addition to a five mode drive selector (Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom) and Launch Control.
Heading for European dealerships next year, there are currently no plans in place to bring the i30 Fastback N to South Africa.
