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Best sports car under $62,000

The Hyundai i30 N reigns supreme.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am

Hyundai’s hot hatch was able to fend off the competition for a repeat win – a respectable feat when you look at the quality of the finalists.

Winner: Hyundai i30 N Performance

Variant: N Performance
Engine: 2.0 litre petrol turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars

The i30 N rates highly compared to some of its hard-riding Euro rivals.
The i30 N rates highly compared to some of its hard-riding Euro rivals.

Runners up

Second place went to the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf GTI placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest

Hyundai Australia knows our unique road conditions don’t suit Euro-developed suspension set-ups, and they have spent countless hours fine-tuning and recalibrating settings, focusing on providing a more forgiving ride.

This has paid dividends and the i30 N rates highly compared to some of its hard-riding Euro rivals in the category. The compliant ride doesn’t compromise the i30 N’s handling attributes, where it remains one of the best.

Its rack-mounted electric steering, multi-adjust suspension, electronic limited slip differential and sticky performance tyres work in harmony, delivering a precise, balanced feel through corners, which road irregularities or mid-corner bumps fail to upset.

Key features

  • Suspension specially tuned for Australian roads
  • A grunty 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine
  • Sporty feel with menacing exhaust note
  • Hyundai’s renowned value for money
  • A class-leading factory warranty
  • Exceptional overall performance

What it’s like to drive

Providing the necessary grunt is a 2.0 litre turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 202kW and 353Nm, with an extra 25Nm available with overboost. Maximum torque is made from a low 1450rpm and the engine’s power delivery is seamless in building all the way to 5000rpm.

The i30 N comes to life when you choose the more aggressive drive mode option, and the exhaust delivers the mechanical cacophony enthusiasts love.

While many hot hatches are increasingly equipped with dual clutch transmissions and paddle shifts, the i30 N’s 6-speed manual is a stellar performer. It’s quick to shift between gears with the aid of a short throw lever and lightly weighted feel, which the clutch also shares in its operation.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

Sports cars under $62,000Hyundai i30 N PerformanceHonda Civic Type RVolkswagen Golf GTI
Pricing524
Cost of depreciation ($)825
Running & repair costs314
Fuel consumption326
Warranty & dealer access877
Insurance637
Standard features564
Safety987
Environment667
Seating comfort788
Ergonomics877
Build & finish quality778
Performance8108
Ride878
Handling897
Braking898
Smoothness & quietness667
Overall average728714712

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

Check out the other winners of Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2019.

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See the full lineup

Check out the full list of sports cars under $62,000 we put to the test in 2019.

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