When Hyundai took the wraps off its new i30 N hot hatch back in July 2017, some onlookers were surprised that it made use of a six-speed manual gearbox only, with no mention of a two-pedal alternative. Now, however, a Hyundai executive Down Under has confirmed plans to give the hatchback a new dual-clutch transmission.
Speaking to CarAdvice, Bill Thomas, communications boss for Hyundai Australia, confirmed that the new eight-speed dual-clutch ‘box was likely to arrive in “late 2019”. The report added that Hyundai was well aware of the “sales limitations” of offering only a manual gearbox in the i30 N at launch.
Of course, with this new dual-clutch transmission destined to do duty in the i30 N, we can safely assume it’ll also eventually make its way into the new Veloster N, which was unveiled earlier in 2018 with a short-throw six-speed manual.
The i30 N is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (complete with an overboost function) that Hyundai says delivers 202 kW and 353 N.m in the case of the Performance Package model. The standard i30 N, meanwhile, makes 184 kW and the same peak torque figure.
Both models top out at 250 km/h, with the standard derivative accelerating to 100 km/h in a claimed 6,4 seconds and the 202 kW version taking a claimed 6,1 seconds. We’d expect the upcoming dual-clutch version to improve slightly on these figures.
So, what about a local introduction? Well, last year Hyundai South Africa confirmed to CARmag.co.za that while the local distributor would certainly look at compiling a business case for the i30 N, being able to import it at the right price would be the key. And we’ve unfortunately heard nothing since then…
