Likes

  • For the money, very few other cars offer such a broad range of skills.
  • Exceptional driving experience.
  • Loaded with features and equipment.
  • Retaining value well and overall very reliable.

Dislikes

  • Interior build quality arguably doesn’t match the price tag.
  • A few minor mechanical gremlins being reported.
  • Plenty on the used market have had tough lives.
  • Maybe not as practical as you might assume.

Stuff you should know

While the i30 N hatch made all the noise when it launched, the i30 N Sedan, also known as the Elantra N overseas, has quietly become one of the most unique performance offerings in Australia. It’s a small, front-wheel drive sedan that manages to blend real performance with everyday usability, sharp styling, and a heap of standard features, all without breaking the bank. And in a market where affordable, practical performance sedans are nearly extinct, that’s seriously rare.

Under the bonnet is Hyundai’s proven 2.0-litre turbo four, mated to either a proper 6-speed manual or a rapid-fire 8-speed dual-clutch auto, both powering the front wheels. But don’t let the layout fool you, with an electronic limited-slip diff, adaptive suspension, and a brilliantly sorted chassis, it’s genuinely engaging and seriously quick on a twisty road or on track (where Hyundai will cover non-competitive track excursions).

Launched locally in mid-2022, the i30 N Sedan sits on a different platform to the i30 N hatch, the newer and slightly more refined K3 architecture, giving it a longer wheelbase and a more planted, mature feel. Aussie buyers get just one fully-loaded trim level, with the only choice being which gearbox you prefer. Standard kit includes dual 10.25-inch displays, heated and ventilated seats, a decent stereo, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and loads of safety tech like AEB, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise.

While there haven’t been major mechanical updates yet, from 2023 local received a substantial facelift with some cosmetic and equipment tweaks.

In terms of where it sits, the i30 N Sedan is slightly more premium than the hatch, yet still far more affordable than anything from the Euro brands. On the Aussie market, it’s a bit of an outlier, very few small sedans offer this much performance, practicality and equipment at this price point. And it’s proving popular too, holding its value exceptionally well on the used market.

But it’s not perfect. A few owners have reported a range of common issues (detailed in our “what goes wrong section” below) and with the i30 N becoming a favourite among tuners, there are plenty of used examples out there that have been thrashed, poorly modified, or treated with very little mechanical sympathy. Definitely do your homework and get a proper inspection if you’re buying used.

Still, if you’re after a practical, fun, affordable performance car that stands out from the crowd, the i30 N Sedan is absolutely worth a look. It’s a properly sorted little weapon that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice daily comfort for weekend thrills, and that’s becoming a very rare thing indeed.

What goes wrong?

Exterior:

  • If you’re considering an early example, specifically the pre-update models from around 2021, it’s worth paying close attention to the panel alignment. Owners have pointed out inconsistencies with the panel gaps, which, while not quite as poor as what’s occasionally seen from Tesla, still left something to be desired. The positive news is that from approximately 2023 onwards, Hyundai appears to have resolved this. In fact, many owners of post-update models have remarked that panel alignment is now impressively precise, with some even comparing the accuracy to Lexus standards.
  • Paint quality, however, continues to be a recurring concern. As with a number of contemporary vehicles, from Mazda through to Mercedes-Benz, many owners report that the paint is relatively thin and soft, making it prone to stone chips, scratches and swirl marks. The general recommendation among the owner community is to invest in paint protection film (PPF) early on.
  • There have also been frequent reports of condensation forming inside the headlight and taillight units, especially on earlier models. While this often clears on its own, in some cases it has led to roadworthy inspection failures. Hyundai has replaced these light units under warranty for many owners, but others have faced dealership pushback, with the issue dismissed as “normal behaviour”. That explanation doesn’t hold up when replacement lights have been quoted at over $4000, condensation in a sealed light unit simply shouldn’t occur.

Interior:

  • A common complaint form owners within the cabin relates to the quality of some of the plastics, which can develop creaks and rattles over time. Reports from owners frequently mention noises emanating from inside the doors, the centre console, and the lower dashboard.
  • One area that receives particular attention is the passenger-side grab handle, often referred to as the “Jesus bar” due to passengers’ grabbing it during enthusiastic driving and emoting various levels of blasphemy. While a fun detail, it can become squeaky, which detracts from the otherwise solid feeling of the cabin.
  • Although the overall interior design is well-executed, and features a driver-focused layout, there is a general feeling that some of the materials used don’t quite live up to the car’s $50,000 price tag. And as with many modern vehicles, the glossy piano black plastic trim, a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, draws consistent criticism.
  • Storage and practicality are also mixed. While rear-seat door pockets are often awkward in many sedans, in the i30 N Sedan, the front door pockets are similarly difficult to access, which can be frustrating in day-to-day use.
  • That said, the car’s electronics have proven largely reliable, which is impressive considering many similarly priced (or more expensive) European

Exterior:

  • If you’re considering an early example, specifically the pre-update models from around 2021, it’s worth paying close attention to the panel alignment. Owners have pointed out inconsistencies with the panel gaps, which, while not quite as poor as what’s occasionally seen from Tesla, still left something to be desired. The positive news is that from approximately 2023 onwards, Hyundai appears to have resolved this. In fact, many owners of post-update models have remarked that panel alignment is now impressively precise, with some even comparing the accuracy to Lexus standards.
  • Paint quality, however, continues to be a recurring concern. As with a number of contemporary vehicles, from Mazda through to Mercedes-Benz, many owners report that the paint is relatively thin and soft, making it prone to stone chips, scratches and swirl marks. The general recommendation among the owner community is to invest in paint protection film (PPF) early on.
  • There have also been frequent reports of condensation forming inside the headlight and taillight units, especially on earlier models. While this often clears on its own, in some cases it has led to roadworthy inspection failures. Hyundai has replaced these light units under warranty for many owners, but others have faced dealership pushback, with the issue dismissed as “normal behaviour”. That explanation doesn’t hold up when replacement lights have been quoted at over $4000, condensation in a sealed light unit simply shouldn’t occur.

Interior:

  • A common complaint form owners within the cabin relates to the quality of some of the plastics, which can develop creaks and rattles over time. Reports from owners frequently mention noises emanating from inside the doors, the centre console, and the lower dashboard.
  • One area that receives particular attention is the passenger-side grab handle, often referred to as the “Jesus bar” due to passengers’ grabbing it during enthusiastic driving and emoting various levels of blasphemy. While a fun detail, it can become squeaky, which detracts from the otherwise solid feeling of the cabin.
  • Although the overall interior design is well-executed, and features a driver-focused layout, there is a general feeling that some of the materials used don’t quite live up to the car’s $50,000 price tag. And as with many modern vehicles, the glossy piano black plastic trim, a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, draws consistent criticism.
  • Storage and practicality are also mixed. While rear-seat door pockets are often awkward in many sedans, in the i30 N Sedan, the front door pockets are similarly difficult to access, which can be frustrating in day-to-day use.
  • That said, the car’s electronics have proven largely reliable, which is impressive considering many similarly priced (or more expensive) European rivals are known for electrical gremlins. The one exception is a peculiar issue where, in warmer climates, the horn may intermittently stop functioning. Owners have identified simple aftermarket fixes, and various online communities have shared guides to address it.
  • One of the more divisive aspects of the interior is the audio system. It’s branded as a Bose unit, it doesn’t quite deliver the premium experience the badge suggests. Many owners recommend upgrading the speakers or adding an amplifier and subwoofer, changes that can significantly improve the system’s performance.

Mechanically:

  • Mechanically, the i30 N Sedan has so far proven to be largely reliable. Hyundai’s confidence is evident in the inclusion of a non-competitive track warranty, which is relatively rare and suggests a level of durability in the drivetrain.
  • That said, some issues have been reported. A small number of owners experienced problems with cam phasers, though these were typically addressed under warranty. Similarly, some early builds encountered high-pressure fuel pump failures, again mostly rectified by Hyundai.
  • One recurring concern is related to what owners refer to as “octane learning”. This is part of the engine’s adaptive knock control system, which temporarily reduces performance by lowering boost pressure and ignition timing until it confirms that high-octane fuel has been used. This self-learning process usually resolves itself within 5–10 minutes of spirited driving, but some owners feel the power restoration takes too long, or doesn’t fully return. For those particularly affected, some reputable tuning specialists offer the ability to disable this feature.
  • The exhaust valve can also develop a light rattle on cold start. Fortunately, it’s an inexpensive and simple fix, with plenty of community resources available for those who’d prefer to sort it themselves.
  • Manual transmission-equipped cars have shown some synchro wear, particularly when shifting from fifth to sixth. It’s not a dealbreaker and can be mitigated with smoother driving, but it’s something to check on a test drive. The dual-clutch transmission performs well overall, though like all DCTs, it can feel abrupt at low speeds. Hyundai has released several software updates to improve shift quality and resolve minor control logic issues.
  • On track, some owners have reported elevated DCT transmission temperatures, prompting a recommendation to service the DCT fluid every 50,000 km if the car is being used enthusiastically.
  • The most significant mechanical risk with used examples is the potential for poor maintenance or improper modifications. While the drivetrain is known to be strong when maintained correctly, heavily tuned cars that have been driven hard without mechanical sympathy can become problematic over time.

Driving:

  • On the road, the i30 N Sedan’s dynamics are a standout. The standard limited-slip differential up front is highly effective and plays a significant role in the car’s engaging, composed handling. However, to protect the differential during low-speed manoeuvres, Hyundai has restricted the steering angle, resulting in an unusually wide turning circle. Tight city car parks can become genuinely challenging, requiring multiple adjustments to slot the car into tight spaces.
  • Another common suggestion from owners, particularly for those using the car daily on less-than-perfect roads, is to replace the standard 19-inch wheels with lighter 18-inch aftermarket alternatives. Not only does this reduce unsprung mass — improving ride comfort and response — it also allows for a taller tyre sidewall, which helps soften impacts and makes full use of the adaptive suspension’s comfort mode.
  • Another common complaint is the pronounced wheel hop, or axle tramp, that can occur when launching the car aggressively from a standstill. It can feel quite severe, but thankfully, it’s easily addressed with a pitch mount or bushing upgrade, often costing under $300, and widely regarded by owners as a worthwhile improvement.

Exterior:

  • If you’re considering an early example, specifically the pre-update models from around 2021, it’s worth paying close attention to the panel alignment. Owners have pointed out inconsistencies with the panel gaps, which, while not quite as poor as what’s occasionally seen from Tesla, still left something to be desired. The positive news is that from approximately 2023 onwards, Hyundai appears to have resolved this. In fact, many owners of post-update models have remarked that panel alignment is now impressively precise, with some even comparing the accuracy to Lexus standards.
  • Paint quality, however, continues to be a recurring concern. As with a number of contemporary vehicles, from Mazda through to Mercedes-Benz, many owners report that the paint is relatively thin and soft, making it prone to stone chips, scratches and swirl marks. The general recommendation among the owner community is to invest in paint protection film (PPF) early on.
  • There have also been frequent reports of condensation forming inside the headlight and taillight units, especially on earlier models. While this often clears on its own, in some cases it has led to roadworthy inspection failures. Hyundai has replaced these light units under warranty for many owners, but others have faced dealership pushback, with the issue dismissed as “normal behaviour”. That explanation doesn’t hold up when replacement lights have been quoted at over $4000, condensation in a sealed light unit simply shouldn’t occur.

Interior:

  • A common complaint form owners within the cabin relates to the quality of some of the plastics, which can develop creaks and rattles over time. Reports from owners frequently mention noises emanating from inside the doors, the centre console, and the lower dashboard.
  • One area that receives particular attention is the passenger-side grab handle, often referred to as the “Jesus bar” due to passengers’ grabbing it during enthusiastic driving and emoting various levels of blasphemy. While a fun detail, it can become squeaky, which detracts from the otherwise solid feeling of the cabin.
  • Although the overall interior design is well-executed, and features a driver-focused layout, there is a general feeling that some of the materials used don’t quite live up to the car’s $50,000 price tag. And as with many modern vehicles, the glossy piano black plastic trim, a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, draws consistent criticism.
  • Storage and practicality are also mixed. While rear-seat door pockets are often awkward in many sedans, in the i30 N Sedan, the front door pockets are similarly difficult to access, which can be frustrating in day-to-day use.
  • That said, the car’s electronics have proven largely reliable, which is impressive considering many similarly priced (or more expensive) European rivals are known for electrical gremlins. The one exception is a peculiar issue where, in warmer climates, the horn may intermittently stop functioning. Owners have identified simple aftermarket fixes, and various online communities have shared guides to address it.
  • One of the more divisive aspects of the interior is the audio system. It’s branded as a Bose unit, it doesn’t quite deliver the premium experience the badge suggests. Many owners recommend upgrading the speakers or adding an amplifier and subwoofer, changes that can significantly improve the system’s performance.

Mechanically:

  • Mechanically, the i30 N Sedan has so far proven to be largely reliable. Hyundai’s confidence is evident in the inclusion of a non-competitive track warranty, which is relatively rare and suggests a level of durability in the drivetrain.
  • That said, some issues have been reported. A small number of owners experienced problems with cam phasers, though these were typically addressed under warranty. Similarly, some early builds encountered high-pressure fuel pump failures, again mostly rectified by Hyundai.
  • One recurring concern is related to what owners refer to as “octane learning”. This is part of the engine’s adaptive knock control system, which temporarily reduces performance by lowering boost pressure and ignition timing until it confirms that high-octane fuel has been used. This self-learning process usually resolves itself within 5–10 minutes of spirited driving, but some owners feel the power restoration takes too long, or doesn’t fully return. For those particularly affected, some reputable tuning specialists offer the ability to disable this feature.
  • The exhaust valve can also develop a light rattle on cold start. Fortunately, it’s an inexpensive and simple fix, with plenty of community resources available for those who’d prefer to sort it themselves.
  • Manual transmission-equipped cars have shown some synchro wear, particularly when shifting from fifth to sixth. It’s not a dealbreaker and can be mitigated with smoother driving, but it’s something to check on a test drive. The dual-clutch transmission performs well overall, though like all DCTs, it can feel abrupt at low speeds. Hyundai has released several software updates to improve shift quality and resolve minor control logic issues.
  • On track, some owners have reported elevated DCT transmission temperatures, prompting a recommendation to service the DCT fluid every 50,000 km if the car is being used enthusiastically.
  • The most significant mechanical risk with used examples is the potential for poor maintenance or improper modifications. While the drivetrain is known to be strong when maintained correctly, heavily tuned cars that have been driven hard without mechanical sympathy can become problematic over time.

Driving:

  • On the road, the i30 N Sedan’s dynamics are a standout. The standard limited-slip differential up front is highly effective and plays a significant role in the car’s engaging, composed handling. However, to protect the differential during low-speed manoeuvres, Hyundai has restricted the steering angle, resulting in an unusually wide turning circle. Tight city car parks can become genuinely challenging, requiring multiple adjustments to slot the car into tight spaces.
  • Another common suggestion from owners, particularly for those using the car daily on less-than-perfect roads, is to replace the standard 19-inch wheels with lighter 18-inch aftermarket alternatives. Not only does this reduce unsprung mass — improving ride comfort and response — it also allows for a taller tyre sidewall, which helps soften impacts and makes full use of the adaptive suspension’s comfort mode.
  • Another common complaint is the pronounced wheel hop, or axle tramp, that can occur when launching the car aggressively from a standstill. It can feel quite severe, but thankfully, it’s easily addressed with a pitch mount or bushing upgrade, often costing under $300, and widely regarded by owners as a worthwhile improvement.

Should you buy one?

Should you buy a used Hyundai i30 N Sedan (or Elantra N)? Well, we reckon you absolutely should.

Not just because it’s one of the very few cars that, for the money, offers such a broad and impressive range of abilities, but because overall, the i30 N Sedan is shaping up to be a solid, reliable performer. Values are holding up remarkably well, it looks absolutely sensational, it’s surprisingly easy to live with day-to-day, and thanks to Hyundai’s five-year warranty covering non-competitive track use, if you do feel like stretching its legs, there’s some factory support to back you up.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. Like any performance car, we’d be steering well clear of examples without a meticulous service history, and as always, modified cars come with a higher chance of trouble — especially if the mods have been done on the cheap or without proper care. But find a clean, well-looked-after one, and honestly, you’re getting a seriously fun, stylish, and well-rounded package that punches well above its weight.

Bloody hell, it’s a good thing.

Should you buy a used Hyundai i30 N Sedan (or Elantra N)? Well, we reckon you absolutely should.

Not just because it’s one of the very few cars that, for the money, offers such a broad and impressive range of abilities, but because overall, the i30 N Sedan is shaping up to be a solid, reliable performer. Values are holding up remarkably well, it looks absolutely sensational, it’s surprisingly easy to live with day-to-day, and thanks to Hyundai’s five-year warranty covering non-competitive track use, if you do feel like stretching its legs, there’s some factory support to back you up.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. Like any performance car, we’d be steering well clear of examples without a meticulous service history, and as always, modified cars come with a higher chance of trouble — especially if the mods have been done on the cheap or without proper care. But find a clean, well-looked-after one, and honestly, you’re getting a seriously fun, stylish, and well-rounded package that punches well above its weight.

Bloody hell, it’s a good thing.

Should you buy one?

Should you buy a used Hyundai i30 N Sedan (or Elantra N)? Well, we reckon you absolutely should.

Not just because it’s one of the very few cars that, for the money, offers such a broad and impressive range of abilities, but because overall, the i30 N Sedan is shaping up to be a solid, reliable performer. Values are holding up remarkably well, it looks absolutely sensational, it’s surprisingly easy to live with day-to-day, and thanks to Hyundai’s five-year warranty covering non-competitive track use, if you do feel like stretching its legs, there’s some factory support to back you up.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. Like any performance car, we’d be steering well clear of examples without a meticulous service history, and as always, modified cars come with a higher chance of trouble — especially if the mods have been done on the cheap or without proper care. But find a clean, well-looked-after one, and honestly, you’re getting a seriously fun, stylish, and well-rounded package that punches well above its weight.

Bloody hell, it’s a good thing.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

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Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of May 04, 2025.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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