New Hyundai i30 N - Spy shots of performance hatchback's winter testing revealed
HYUNDAI took their new high-performance i30 N to Sweden for winter testing with rally driver Thierry Neuville.
Hyundai Motor's first HIGH PERFORMANCE model - the Hyundai 130n
Hyundai Motors has taken its first high-performance model - the i30 N - to Sweden to test it out.
The development stage motor was put through its paces by Hyundai’s World Rally Championship driver Theirry Neuville.
Due for release in the latter half of 2017, the third member of the i30 family combines motorsport experience and high-performance road car development to make the N.
Spy shots of the Hyundai i30 N driving across a frozen lake in Sweden have been released
Hyundai i30 N will look to compete with high-performance hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Golf R, when it is released in the UK.
The purpose of the winter test was to receive feedback from the rally champion, to improve the car’s development.
“So many people have been looking forward to this car, so it’s a pleasure for me to be testing it,” said Thierry Neuville.
“The engineers have done a great job on the gearbox and the differential.
A normal driver should get a sensation similar to that of a racing car
“There is good traction and good stability in the slippery testing conditions.
“And it’s very easy to handle. A normal driver should get a sensation similar to that of a racing car.”
Hyundai is focusing the winter testing in Arjeplog, Sweden to tune the car’s dynamic systems.
This is Hyundai Motors first high-performance model
The Electronic Stability Control, the Limited Slip Differential, the steering, shock absorbers, suspension and tyres are all being tested under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Alexander Eichler, Head of High-Performance Vehicle Test and Development at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre, outlined the objective for the i30 N as follows: “The main target for us is to ensure driving enjoyment.
"Symbolising a chicane, the ‘N’ logo embodies this aspect - an agile vehicle that is fun to drive.”