Driving Hyundai’s performance skewed i30 N-Line Premium sedan today. As I said earlier not inexpensive at $38,190 but very highly equipped – N-Line Hyundai’s performance moniker and the i30 N-Line Premium sedan is sporty in character with larger front ventilated disc brakes and a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.

The model gains a 1.6-litre 150kW turbo engine and 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifted manual mode – the package lively and eager with the choice of four drive modes Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual, each of which changes the driving character of this small sedan.

Hyundai Australia’s local suspension tune developed over thousands of kilometres of Australian road surfaces really shows in a very well sorted suspension package with impressive handling and ride control despite low profile 40-series tyres. Hyundai claim NVH, or noise vibration and harshness levels have been improved through enhanced door glass sealing and better sound absorbing and sound insulating however on course road surfaces I was surprised there was still a lot of noise intrusion fed into the cabin from poor wheel arch insulation – a point that shows up on many small cars today. But surprising on this i30 N-Line model with its dearer price tag pushing towards $40,000.

However, its comfort, convenience, safety and added performance features more than make up for it.

I’m David Berthon.

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