This is a ridiculous comparison, I know. But, despite the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N costing double the price of the i30 N, both Korean-born performance cars are more similar than you may think.
Hyundai’s Namyang division has launched its first electric sports car – the ~$125K drive-away Ioniq 5 N with simulated engine noises and gears – signalling the first step into an all-electric high-performance future.
It’s a bold (and forced) move from a sub-brand that has been rooted in bringing a reasonably affordable, but loud, petrol-engined small sports cars since its inception in 2018 with the i30 N.
Is the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a viable spiritual successor to the facelifted i30 Sedan N? Not really…
NOTE: The press vehicles were provided by Hyundai Motor Company Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation each. We have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.
I30 Sedan N.
+ Authentically loud exhaust and shifter
+ Nimble chassis and steering
+ Suitably sportier design
Ioniq 5 N.
– Guilt-free dual EV-ICE personality
– Newer tech
– More family-friendly size
Vehicles tested:
| Model | i30 Sedan N | Ioniq 5 N |
| Variant | Premium | N/A |
| Starting price | $52,000 (before on-road costs) | $111,000 (before on-road costs) |
| Exterior colour | Performance Blue (no cost extra) | Ecotronic Grey (no cost extra) |
| Interior colour | N interior with black leather seats | N interior with Alcantara and leather seats |
| Options | Sunroof ($2000) | Panoramic Vision Roof ($4000) |
| Country made | South Korea | |
READ MORE: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N review: Fresh cut.
READ MORE: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review: Ridiculous.
Design and quality.
The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N has a suitably more sporty design inside and out than the Ioniq 5 N.
Both Hyundais are based on regular non-performance models – yet the i30 Sedan N (also called the Elantra N or Avante N overseas) has a naturally sleeker sedan body style design.
It has a low and long stance, strong side profile creases, and a noticeable rear spoiler that complements the full-width H-shaped tail-lights, prominent black rear bumper and dual exhaust pipes.
Similarly, the i30 N’s interior cocoons the driver with a low seating position, centre console divider, and triple-line Performance Blue door stitching with a thin ambient lighting dashboard strip.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
Meanwhile, the Ioniq 5 N EV still has sporty bits, but feels more forced on a futuristic and avant-garde looking medium crossover SUV.
The hot EV gains lowered suspension, larger wheels, orange accents with a sports body kit, and a blacked-out interior – yet it also appears more wide, tall and bulbous than the sleek-looking i30 Sedan N.
Inside, the Ioniq EV’s signature pixel motifs are scattered throughout the cabin, but adapted to appear as a race flag design on the N. Other than the Alcantara N Light seats, redesigned centre console and darkened buttons, it’s the same as the regular model.
Yet, while the Ioniq 5 N has the slight edge for interior material quality, it doesn’t feel like it’s worth double the asking price of the i30 Sedan N with the presence of some scratchier plastics and firmer vinyl material.
It’s an easy win for the i30 Sedan N – which looks and feels more naturally sporty.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N
Practicality.
Dimensions and space:
| i30 Sedan N | Ioniq 5 N | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length x width x height | 4710 x 1825 x 1415mm | 4715 x 1940 x 1585mm | +5 x +115 x +170mm |
| Wheelbase | 2720mm | 3000mm | +280mm |
| Ground clearance | 135mm | 142mm | +7mm |
| Boot space (min / rear seats folded) | 464 litres / N/A | 480 / 1540 litres | +16 litres / N/A |
| Rear seat split fold | N/A – single bench fold | 60:40 | |
| Child seat anchors | 2x ISOFIX + 3x top tethers | ||
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N EV is undoubtedly more family-friendly with a bigger boot and spacious rear seats.
That’s no surprise given it’s classed as a medium SUV, whereas the Hyundai i30 Sedan N is a small sedan.
While the Ioniq 5 N only has 16 litres more boot space versus the i30 Sedan N on paper, it’s more usable thanks to a larger hatchback-style door opening.
Another limitation of the i30 Sedan N is the fixed strut brace, which gets in the way when folding the rear seats, and there’s no split fold either.
The electric crossover adopts Hyundai’s dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which provides plenty of rear seat space, with amenities such as a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders and manually-retractable window sunblinds.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
In comparison, getting in the i30 Sedan N is harder due to the lower sloping roofline, with adequate legroom and tighter headroon. It also has a more constricted feeling with smaller windows, dimmer halogen interior lights, and the lack of a panoramic glass roof (it only has a standard sunroof as an option).
Both are capable as a family car, but you’ll find the Ioniq 5 N much more liberating.
However, the i30 Sedan N’s N Sport bucket seats are more bolstered and comfortable for longer trips than the Ioniq 5 N’s N Light seats. It also has the advantage of electric driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar support and two-stage memory – despite costing much less.
I also prefer the hot sedan’s physical two-zone climate controls with clear buttons and large dials, as opposed to the electric car’s fiddly and small touch-sensitive panel which requires digging into the touchscreen to adjust the heated/ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.
Yet, when it comes to overall space, the Ioniq 5 N is undeniably the larger car.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Technology.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N uses newer tech, but the i30 Sedan N is functionally similar.
The EV runs on the South Korean automaker’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) software with two joined 12.3-inch displays, while the facelifted petrol sedan still adopts older software called the Standard Gen5W Navigation.
CcNC has a more modern user interface and has faster performance with the key convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ioniq 5 has a head-up display projected onto the windscreen, too.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
However, the Hyundai i30 N’s Standard Gen5W is still provides similar functionality, with more unique driver instrument cluster themes – albeit on smaller dual 10.25-inch screens.
Both now include Hyundai Bluelink services, which enables over-the-air (OTA) software updates and mobile app connectivity. Don’t expect the i30 to be upgraded to ccNC due to hardware limitations, though.
Despite the Hyundai i30 Sedan N just receiving a facelift, the older software means the Ioniq 5 N has the edge on the tech front.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Safety.
The Ioniq 5 N EV has a suite of active safety assistance systems, whereas the i30 Sedan N still lacks some safety features in facelifted form.
Both boast front auto emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot assist, rear-cross traffic assist, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, a rear-view camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
However, the facelifted Hyundai i30 Sedan N still lacks a front radar sensor in Australia, resulting in no adaptive cruise control (even with the dual-clutch transmission), in addition to no 360-degree camera system, and no blind-spot view cameras – all of which are available on the cheaper standard N Line Premium.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
The i30 N’s reversing camera is also noticeably lower resolution and isn’t as accurate for colour temperature compared to the Ioniq 5 N.
In contrast, the i30 Sedan N offers better LED headlight performance at night than the Ioniq 5 N’s slimmer and weaker units, even though the latter benefits from LED rear turn indicators and reversing lights.
Both models haven’t been tested by the The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Range and consumption.
Fuel/energy and efficiency specs:
| i30 Sedan N | Ioniq 5 N | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claimed driving range (combined) | 553km | 448km | -105km |
| Claimed fuel/energy efficiency (combined) | 8.5L/100km | 21.2kWh/100km | |
| Fuel tank/battery size | 47 litres (minimum 95 RON premium unleaded petrol) | 80kWh usable est. (84kW gross) lithium-ion battery |
While the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is more efficient, the petrol-powered i30 Sedan N offers more real-world driving range in our testing.
The petrol-powered Hyundai i30 Sedan N indicated a real-world fuel consumption of 9.6L/100km in our week driving a mix of urban and highway speeds.
This yields 490km of driving range from its 47-litre fuel tank. The sports sedan requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
In comparison, the battery-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N returned a real-world energy consumption of 21.9kWh/100km. This equates to 2.4L/100km when converted.
Therefore, the EV provides about 365km of range on a full 100 per cent charge, which isn’t recommended everyday for the health of lithium-ion batteries.
In our Ioniq 5 N charging test, we found that it could recharge from 18 to 80 per cent in just 17 minutes on an ultra-fast 350kW DC charging station. The session averaged 174kW with an impressive 261kW peak.
While the EV is more efficient and cost-effective to run than an ICE vehicle, the i30 Sedan N simply provides more range and the freedom to drive almost everywhere without planning where to stop and refill – which is important for a driver’s car.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N
Driving.
Powertrain specs:
| i30 Sedan N | Ioniq 5 N | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine/Electric motor | 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine | Dual permanent magnet synchronous motors | |
| Power | 206kW @5500-6000rpm | 448kW (standard) / 478kW (N Grin Boost) | +272kW |
| Torque | 392Nm @2100-4700rpm | 740Nm (standard) / 770Nm (N Grin Boost) | +378Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Single speed auto | |
| Drive Type | FWD | AWD | |
| Tare weight | 1440kg | 2230kg | +790kg |
| Towing (unbraked / braked) | 700kg / 1600kg | N/A |
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N electric car offers trick simulated engine sounds and gears, but there’s no beating the authenticity and engagement of the i30 Sedan N.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing up to 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque to the front wheels only, the i30 Sedan N feels more nimble with a well-weighted steering rack and 790kg lighter weight.
Combined with the notchy and ergonomic six-speed manual transmission shifter, the driver engagement is on another level compared to the Ioniq 5 N.
Similarly, the key highlight is its stock exhaust sound with satisfying genuine crackles and pops when bouncing off the rev limiter.
In comparison, Hyundai’s first electric N product is much faster in terms of straight-line acceleration with a ludicrous 478kW of power and 770Nm of torque from its twin electric motors in N Grin Boost mode – which goes to all four wheels instantly from zero revolutions per minute (rpm).
However, you can feel the Ioniq 5 N’s almost one tonne heavier weight when cornering zealously and its 115mm wider body.
i30 Sedan N (top) vs Ioniq 5 N (bottom)
While the Ioniq 5 N offers a clever N e-Shift mode with simulated engine sounds and gears to mimick an i30 N, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that the pops, crackles and jolts aren’t real.
The engine note is more muffled and the setting to pump the sounds through the exterior speaker is actually very quite on the outside – a significant difference to the raucous i30 N’s dual exhausts.
Yet, the key silver lining of the EV is the ability to be completely silent in a press of a button – which is ideal for long urban commutes.
Both sports cars have a firmer ride, but noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is slightly better on the i30 Sedan N thanks to its smaller 19-inch alloy wheels with its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, rather than the Ioniq 5 N’s 21-inch alloys with wider Pirelli P-Zero HN rubber.
The Ioniq 5 N also has a higher seating position even when in the lowest setting – despite the use of manual adjustment to offset the higher floor due to the battery pack.
While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a good first step for a sporty EV, the i30 Sedan N is simply the more authentic driver’s car – especially when mated with a manual transmission.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N
Warranty and servicing.
Capped-price servicing costs:
| 1 year/10,000km | 2 years/20,000km | 3 years/30,000km | 4 years/40,000km | 5 years/50,000km | |
| i30 Sedan N | $355 | $355 | $395 | $395 | $355 |
| 2 years/30,000km | 4 years/60,000km | ||||
| Ioniq 5 N | $625 | $625 |
Both Hyundais are backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty.
For the Ioniq 5 N EV, a separate eight-year/16,000km (whichever occurs first) battery warranty is included.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan N requires servicing every one year/10,000km (whichever occurs first), while the Ioniq 5 N only needs maintenance every two years/30,000km being an EV.
While each Ioniq 5 N service is pricey, it’s still overall cheaper than the i30 Sedan N due to longer maintenance intervals.
Roadside assistance is uniquely included for the lifetime of both vehicles, provided you service it with Hyundai each time.
Meanwhile, Bluelink connectivity is free for the first five years of both vehicles from the date of activation.
A temporary space-saver spare tyre is included on the i30 Sedan N, but not for the Ioniq 5 N.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Price.
Pricing (accurate as at the time of publication):
| i30 Sedan N Premium | Ioniq 5 N |
|---|---|
| $52,000 before on-road costs | $111,000 before on-road costs |
The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N costs $59K less than the Ioniq 5 N, as at the time of publication.
That’s a substantial premium for the EV – despite trying to target petrolhead converts.
Options on the i30 Sedan N includes a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for no cost extra, metallic paint for $595, and a standard sunroof for $2000 more.
Meanwhile, the Ioniq 5 N offers metallic paint for free, matte paint costs $1000 extra, and a panoramic fixed Vision Roof is an additional $4000.
The fact that the i30 Sedan N essentially costs half the price of the Ioniq 5 N while offering similar features mean it’s a clear cut win for the petrol-powered hot sedan.
🏆 WINNER: 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N
Which would I pick: Hyundai i30 Sedan N or Ioniq 5 N?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan N offers double the fun for half the price of the Ioniq 5 N.
While the high performance electric crossover is a better all-rounder for daily commutes, interior space and running costs, the petrol-powered sports sedan simply drives better, has authentic and engaging exhaust sounds, and looks the part better.
While both models may seem incomparable, both Korean-born performance cars are more similar than you may think – both target the hearts of petrolheads.
Unfortunately, the price delta for the Ioniq 5 N is simply too high and it’ll be a real shame to see ICE-powered Hyundai N’s eventually go.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan N is undoubtedly fantastic value for the amount of fun you get… while it still lasts.
Photographs by Henry Man
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i30 Sedan N pros:
- Authentically loud exhaust and shifter
- Nimble chassis and steering
- Suitably sportier design
Ioniq 5 N pros:
- Guilt-free dual EV-ICE personality
- Newer tech
- More family-friendly size
About the Author.
Henry Man is an independent content producer passionate about the intersection of technology and transportation.
The former automotive journalist is focused on producing critically-detailed vehicle reviews, and unique short-form content. Learn more.
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