2022 Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition confirmed for Australia

This hot hatch has been a popular choice for driving enthusiasts for a number of years. A new limited edition model helps it stand out from the competition.

Australia’s best small performance car has just gotten better.

Hyundai has revealed a new special edition of its award-winning i30 N hot hatch.

Dubbed the i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition, it brings styling and interior specification upgrades.

Hyundai is bringing 180- examples of it i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition to Australia.

Just 800 examples will be built worldwide and the local market will receive 180 of them.

Prices start at $53,200 (before on-road costs) when equipped with a six-speed manual or $56,200 if fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.

This is about $2500 more than the i30 N Premium it is based on.

The special edition features special numbered build plates in the centre console with Australian editions numbering from 620 through to 799.

It is mechanically the same as the regular i30 N but brings styling and equipment upgrades.

Exterior styling tweaks include the addition of matt dark bronze Drive-N Limited badges with the geographic coordinates to the brand’s testing facility at the Nurburgring in Germany.

It also scores side decals in bronze and red, matt dark bronze 19-inch alloy wheels and black Hyundai badges. It’s only available with white or black pearlescent paint.

Contrast matt bronze touches work well with the pearlescent black paint.

Inside, Hyundai has ditched the leather upholstery covering the seats, steering wheel, gear lever, armrest and handbrake in favour of Alcantara faux suede with red accents.

The red theme continues across the seat belts, N performance buttons on the steering wheel and other areas.

Alcantara is used widely through the entire cabin.

Manual versions have a speed limit assist function that limits engine power when the driver’s set speed limit is reached. If the driver exceeds the limit a warning will sound.

Hyundai applies the finishing touches with a special welcome box that includes a Drive-N key ring.

Mechanically it remains the same as the standard i30 N, using a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 206kW and 392Nm.

There are multiple driving modes that control the throttle response, suspension firmness and exhaust note.

Big brakes and Pirelli P-Zero tyres add to the car’s performance.