Hyundai has turned the heat up on the local hot hatch segment by launching the highly-anticipated i30N Performance in Malaysia.
However, national distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is only bringing in 20 units for the time being, and keen buyers can reserve their units online exclusively via the Lazada app.
To refresh your memory, the i30N takes the fight directly to the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane RS280. It does so by packing a two-litre four-pot turbo, good for 275PS and 353Nm (up to 378Nm on overboost) fed to the front wheels exclusively via a six-speed stick shift.
Other noteworthy racy bits in this spicy Korean number, which is based on the current-gen i30 not sold in Malaysia, include launch control, rev matching, variable exhaust, electronic LSD, 19-inch Pirelli P-Zeros and a torrent of N branding, inside and out.
However, none of the other hot hatches are as exclusive as the i30N Performance, for now at least. Like what you're reading and seeing? Well, there's a specific process you'll need to do to get your hands on one...
To secure one of the 20 units designated for Malaysia, buyers need to place a RM1,000 deposit on Lazada between 2 to 11 December, and pay another RM1,000 between 12-14 December to complete the full booking fee before finalising their purchase at a Hyundai dealership of choice.
It sounds affordable and relatively straightforward, but there’s still the full price of the fully-imported i30N Performance to settle later on: RM298,888 sans insurance. Pricey, but all 20 successful buyers will be treated to a track day in Korea.
Are you emptying your pockets and packing your bags yet?
