Hyundai i30 N WILL get a dual-clutch 'box - but not until 2019

Hyundai i30 N WILL get a dual-clutch ‘box

The very appealing Hyundai i30 N will get its appeal widened in 2019 when Hyundai deliver a dual-clutch gearbox option for their very appealing hot hatch.

The naysayers said Hyundai couldn’t deliver a hot hatch to compete with the best from Ford and VW, but they’ve proved everyone wrong with the hugely likeable i30 N.

Even ‘New New’ Top Gear found the Korean hatch hugely likeable, and there have been almost no negative reports from anyone who’s spent any time with it.

But the one thing which might put many off is the absence of any sort of automatic – especially a dual-clutch ‘box – so limiting potential sales for Hyundai. But not for too much longer.

There were rumours when the i30 N was being teased that Hyundai’s intention was to roll out the i30 N in stages, with the standard car with manual gearbox arriving first and a DCT ‘box, 4WD and additional power to follow as the i30 N beds in. And now we get confirmation that the first of those is to happen next year.

Speaking to Car Advice, Hyundai’s Australian Communications boss, Bill Thomas, confirmed the DCT for the i30 N was on the way and would arrive late in 2019. Which could mean a chunk sooner in the UK and Europe. But we now know it’s coming.

All we need now is the confirmation the i30 N is getting four-wheel drive and a boost in power and the Golf R will have to start looking over its shoulder.