Video: WRC Driver Thierry Neuville Pushes the Hyundai i30 N to the Limits

Hyundai’s first proper high performance model; the i30 N was recently pushed to its limits by the manufacturer ain Arjeplog, Sweden by FIA World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville.

The winter testing was part of Hyundai’s final development program for the car which is set for launch in the second half of 2017.

Engineers at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Center conducted the winter test on the edge of the Arctic Circle, focusing on the i30 N’s performance and handling characteristics, adjusting the set-up to ensure it will be a performance vehicle for everyone.

Working with Neuville, the team developed and tuned the i30 N’s dynamic systems, testing the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), LSD (Limited Slip Differential), steering, dampers, suspension and tires.
 
“So many people have been looking forward to this car, so it’s a pleasure for me to be testing it,” Thierry Neuville said. “The engineers have done a good job on the gearbox and the differential. There is good traction and stability in the slippery testing conditions and it’s very easy to handle. A normal driver should get a sensation similar to a race car.” Neuville has reviewed the new model’s performance on a frozen lake in temperatures as low as minus 30 °C (minus 22 °F).
 
The i30 N will be the third member of the i30 family, joining the five-door i30 and the i30 Wagon, which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.
 
Hyundai first showcased its high performance N line-up in 2015 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.