KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai's N division debut model, the i30 N has arrived in the Malaysian market. Launched today by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HDSM), only 20 units of the 5-door hot hatch will be made available exclusively on Lazada Malaysia.

The N division honours Namyang and Nurburgring, specifically the Hyundai Namyang R&D Center in South Korea which is the birthplace of the i30 N and Nurburgring Nordschleife where Hyundai Motor European Technical Centre hosted numerous tests on the high-performance model.

The i30 N delivered for the local market is the N Performance Variant which features a 2.0 T-GDI turbocharged engine that delivers 275PS and 353Nm torque, front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Offering a top speed of 250km/h its powertrain is able to achieve a century sprint of 6.1 seconds.

Aerodynamically designed, the i30 N comes in Hyundai's Performance Blue colour set with red inserts and its overall look takes inspiration from Hyundai Motorsports WRC and TCR. Its physical make-up is completed with a dual muffler exhaust, 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake caliper with N logo.

The i30 N’s interior focuses on driver’s comfort and ease in handling. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.
The i30 N’s interior focuses on driver’s comfort and ease in handling. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.

Its interior is driver-focused with the addition of ‘N’ steering wheel along with electronic instrument cluster that includes shift timing and other key performance indicators. Encased in faux suede and leather, the driver and front passenger seat each comes with electric adjustments.

The i30 N claws the ground with its set of Pirelli high-performance Hyundai N tyres and brakes get extra cooling through the air intakes on the front bumper. Its rack-mounted motor-driven power steering offers high precision while its lowered body is rigid. With the Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), the combo works to reduce roll and enhance cornering speed, enabling the driver to adjust the dampers from comfort-oriented daily commuting to high-performance track-driving.

Active safety features included are the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) that operates in three stages using camera sensors, Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and High Beam Assist (HBA) system.

Priced at RM298,888 (Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance), Hyundai i30 N will officially go on sale on Lazada during its 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. However pre-order through Lazada’s Chup Dulu feature will start on Dec 2, 2019.

The i30 N marks the start of Hyundai’s N division. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.
The i30 N marks the start of Hyundai’s N division. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.

Chup Dulu allows for buyers to pre-order their Hyundai i30 N by paying a 50 per cent deposit on the booking fee of RM2,000 (RM1,000) via the Lazada app. Users then may check-out and pay the balance of the booking fee (RM1,000) from Dec 12 to 14 to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not completed.

Buyers will then be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed to purchase their vehicle at their preferred Hyundai showroom. The 20 shoppers who successfully complete payment of the full booking fee and receive loan approval for their vehicle will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience.

The i30 N packs a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. It is available for viewing at Sime Darby Auto Hyundai Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur. For more information, call 1-300-13-2000.

(From left) Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA), Luca Suino, director of Motors in Lazada, Low Yuan Lung, managing director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors and Andrew Basham, managing director of Sime Darby Motors Division at launch of the Hyundai i30 N held at Kuala Lumpur, Nov 28, 2019. Pic by NSTP/Siti Syameen Md Khalili
(From left) Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA), Luca Suino, director of Motors in Lazada, Low Yuan Lung, managing director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors and Andrew Basham, managing director of Sime Darby Motors Division at launch of the Hyundai i30 N held at Kuala Lumpur, Nov 28, 2019. Pic by NSTP/Siti Syameen Md Khalili
The i30 N marks the start of Hyundai’s N division. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.
The i30 N marks the start of Hyundai’s N division. Pic courtesy of Hyundai.