HYUNDAI i30 N FASTBACK

Just when you were thinking, “When was the last time I saw a hunchback?”

LATE LAST year, Wheels gave the Hyundai i30 N the nod over the benchmark Renault Megane RS. Not bad for the Koreans’ first proper hot hatch. Now comes the follow-up: the i30 N Fastback. Essentially it takes the hatchback, drops the roof 21mm and flows it into a tail some 120mm longer. It’s like the relationship between the Mercedes-amg CLA45 and A45 hatch, only the price gap between Fastback and hatch is is much less. Aussie pricing is TBC, but European pricelists suggest it’ll be barely two percent more expensive than the hatch, so probably a shade under $41K.

The Fastback might look more sensible, but it hasn’t lost its puckish fun because the important stuff remains much the same; namely a 202kw 2.0litre turbo engine, slick-shifting manual gearbox and a front-drive platform with multi-link rear suspension.

There is 12kg extra over the rear wheels, and minor tinkering to chassis settings, namely five percent softer front springs, slightly less aggressive bump stops, a 0.8mm thinner front antiroll bar, and a new rear camber-control bar. Don’t think this positions the Fastback as a softer kind of proposition, though, because these changes will soon carry over to the hatchback.

Perhaps the steering feels a tad lighter (it’s still weighty), the suspension slightly less gnarly (it’s still firm), but fundamentally this remains an excellent steer.

Plentiful power means you can exploit the balance, and the 2.0-litre’s delivery always feels juicy and willing, whether it’s boosting from 2000rpm or revving past 6000rpm. More power wouldn’t hurt, except there’s already some torque steer and scrabble under heavy throttle from hairpins.

Other demerits include sports seats that perch you up like a toddler at mealtime, and a large space between the brake and throttle to stop grandma confusing the pedals rather than encouraging heel-and-toe.

The Fastback’s boot is 55 litres larger, however traffic behind is less easily seen through the raked rear screen, and tall passengers might grumble about rear headroom. Otherwise, choosing between the i30 N duo is really down to personal preference, rather than one being markedly superior.