2019 Hyundai i30 Fastback N revealed

Hyundai has revealed its highly-anticipated second ‘N Performance’ model, the 2019 Hyundai i30 Fastback N.

The primary difference between the Hyundai i30 N hatch and the Fastback is the body style, as many of its other key features are shared.

The i30 Fastback N uses the same 2.0-litre turbo four as the hatch, producing 202kW and 353Nm (or 378 on overboost) in ‘Performance’ trim. Performance is the only trim level offered here in hatch form, and is what we expect will be the only version of fastback offered here.

Hyundai claims the Fastback N will match the hatch for a run to 100km/h, which Hyundai says will take 6.1 seconds. A 6-speed manual gearbox is the only option for shifting, as with the hatch.

Though the press announcement from Hyundai doesn’t mention a limited-slip differential for the Fastback N, it’s expected the car will be equipped with one just as its hatch sibling is.

In terms of the exterior design, the car is primarily the same as the hatch from the front to about halfway along the car, where the differences between the Fastback and hatch become obvious.

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The N grille, and N front and rear bumpers are shared with the hatch, though the use of lip-spoiler along with its other rear design features looks decidedly European.

Inside, the Fastback is much the same as the hatch, though with a differently-shaped rear luggage compartment due to the liftback body-style.

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Hyundai Australia says local pricing and specifications for the Fastback N will be confirmed prior to the vehicle’s local launch, which is expected to be held during the first quarter of 2019.