New Straits Times

HYUNDAI i30 N READY TO THRILL

- SITI SYAMEEN MD KHALILI cbt@nst.com.my

HYUNDAI’S N division debut model, the i30 N has arrived in the Malaysian market. Launched today by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, 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 Centre 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 highperfor­mance model.

The i30 N delivered for the local market is the N Performanc­e Variant, featuring a 2.0 TGDI 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 in 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 calliper with the N logo. Its interior is driver-focused with the addition of “N” steering wheel, along with an electronic instrument cluster that includes shift timing and other key performanc­e indicators. Encased in faux suede and leather, the driver and front passenger seats 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 motordrive­n power steering offers high precision while its lowered body is rigid. With the Electronic­ally Controlled Suspension, 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 that operates in three stages using camera sensors, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System and High Beam Assist system.

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

Chup Dulu allows 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 the vehicle at their preferred Hyundai showroom. The 20 shoppers who successful­ly complete the full booking fee payment and receive vehicle loan approval 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.

 ??  ?? The new Hyundai i30 N.
The new Hyundai i30 N.

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