Hyundai i30 N hatchback - Practicality & boot space

​​There’s no three-door version of the Hyundai i30 N, so potential buyers won’t be faced with the dilemma of extra style versus extra practicality. And although the i30 N’s boot is fractionally smaller than the standard i30’s due to extra stiffening materials, it’s still reasonable in size. If you were looking for a reason not to buy an i30 N, you won’t find it in this section.

Hyundai i30 N interior space & storage

The hot-hatchback formula involves taking a sensible family car and adding more power without compromising practicality. The i30 N has the same sensibly sized glovebox as the i30, supplemented by a storage area under the front armrest, decent door bins and a further storage area ahead of the gearlever with USB, 12-volt and aux-in sockets.

Boot space

At 395 litres, the normal i30 doesn’t have the biggest boot in the class – that honour goes to the Skoda Octavia. And while the i30 N has a stiffness bar that drops outright capacity down to 381 litres when the N Performance pack is fitted, we’ve a feeling few will begrudge the lost space.

Transitioning a family hatchback into a hot hatchback can have far worse penalties, as seen in the Ford Focus RS. True, the Focus RS is equipped with four-wheel drive, but the extra parts associated with this reduce the Focus’ already-small 316-litre boot to a city-car-like 260 litres. It’s a similar story with the four-wheel-drive Audi RS3 and its 315-litre boot – down 65 litres on the standard A3.

Towing

In the unlikely event you’re considering using the i30 N to tow a caravan, trailer, horsebox or similar, we advise you to think again. While this is pure speculation, we’d be surprised if the i30 N is available to order with a tow bar, partly because its deep, bespoke rear bumper would have to be reconfigured to accommodate one. Go for a diesel i30 instead and you’ll be able to tow up to 1,500kg.