Pictures of the new Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line

Verdict The Hyundai i30 N Line Fastback certainly adds a little more excitement to the compact family car class, but behind the looks is a car that falls short in key areas. The sluggish dual-clutch gearbox and overly firm ride compromise the overall package and its ability as a family car. More sensibly-priced options lower down the range make for better family transport, while those wanting the looks and performance should try to find the extra cash for the fully-fledged N model.   Despite having been around for over 13 years - now half way into its third generation - the Hyundai i30 has never really gained the notoriety of its class rivals, such as the VW Golf or Ford Focus. It’s a competent, comfortable and affordable family car but remains a slightly left field choice in its class.  Hyundai has attempted to address that as part of the car’s mid-life update by introducing a new 158bhp 1.5-litre Fastback model that only comes in the firm’s racy N Line trim. The visual updates are minor but certainly go some way into making what was a rather forgettable-looking family car into something a bit more striking. SEE MORE New Hyundai i30 N Line review A new LED lighting signature and reshaped bumper sharpen up the front end, while gloss black trim on the lower edge of the bodywork and new 18-inch alloy wheels give a more purposeful look to the car. As a Fastback, the N Line makeover really does look the part. The engine is also new; the previous 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo has been ditched in favour of a new 1.5-litre T-GDi that develops 159bhp and 253Nm of torque. Performance figures are brisk if not blistering, with Hyundai claiming an 8.8-second sprint from 0-62mph and a top speed of 130mph.  image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image In our test car, the engine drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Hyundai’s six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission is also available, which brings with it a £1,200 saving.  Opting to pocket that extra cash and go for the manual is probably a good idea, as on this evidence, the seven-speed DCT is one to avoid. Whether pulling away from a junction, accelerating to overtake on a dual carriageway or even if you’re just dawdling around town, the gearbox is sluggish and laboured at making changes. Despite being an N Line model, there are no steering wheel-mounted paddles for you to operate the gearbox with yourself, either.  The engine is smooth enough, assisted by the integrated 48-volt mild hybrid technology, but always hampered by the gearbox. However, it’s pretty efficient, nudging above 40mpg over a mix of roads on our test.  There might not be lots of power, but the chassis lets you make the most of it. The steering is part of a responsive front-end that resists understeer well and allows you to maintain momentum through a series of bends. image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image However, another gripe is the ride quality - or lack of it. Hyundai has seen fit to match the car’s racy new exterior with an equally sporty ride, but this i30 N Line doesn’t possess anywhere near the level of performance necessary to justify such a stiff suspension setup.  The car constantly fidgets and fights with the surface as you drive along, crashing over bumps that it really should soak up. The dampers are also passive - unlike the proper N model - so even as you cycle through the driving modes, there’s no improving the quality of the ride.  Inside, there have been some welcome tech updates, Hyundai adding a new 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment to the dash that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s new Bluelink telematics system, which beams real-time traffic and weather data to the car, have also been added. A sticking point for most buyers, and what’s likely to make this i30 N Line quite a rare sight on UK roads is its price. At almost £27,000 tested here it’s only a few thousand short of the fully-fledged N car, which has the performance to match its looks. Over a three-year PCP deal, that’s likely to equate to only a few pounds extra per month.  Model:Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line 1.5 T-GDi Price: £26,645 Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl turbo Transmission: Seven-speed DCT, front-wheel drive Power/torque: 156bhp/253Nm 0-62mph: 8.8 seconds Top speed: 130mph Economy: 47.1mpg CO2: 136g/km On sale: Now 

Fiat has followed up the facelited Panda city car with an updated version of its budget-friendly family car - the Tipo.  The arrival of a new, taller-riding Fiat Tipo Cross model is the big news, on top of styling and technology updates across the range. SEE MORE Best hatchbacks to buy now 2020 The standard Tipo line-up has been updated with a subtle new look, with the facelift focusing on changes to the front of the car. New full LED headlights appear, while the front bumper has been updated with a new chromework section. The grille is new and more imposing with a chrome pattern, while the nose features the latest version of the brand’s badge - the Tipo becoming the second model to use the updated logo following the new all-electric 500.  The design changes are applied to both the hatchback and the estate variant of the company’s Skoda Scala rival. image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image Inside, updates are limited in comparison with the exterior refresh, comprising a new steering wheel and some new trim for the climate control panel. However, an important technology update arrives in the form of a new partially digitised instrument panel with a seven-inch central driver information display.  Alongside the hatchback and estate versions of the new Tipo, the Tipo Cross injects a bit of SUV desirability into the line-up. It gets a tougher appearance with black plastic protective cladding on the bumpers and wheel arches, unique alloy wheels, and roof bars, while it rides on a different suspension setup, with an additional 7cm of ground clearance.  An updated engine line-up has not been revealed, but further information, such as the powertrain selection, options and UK pricing for the updated Tipo range will be revealed in November.  Do you like the look of the facelifted Fiat Tipo? Let us know in the comments section below...

Pictures of the facelifted Fiat Tipo

The Mercedes A-Class line-up has expanded with the arrival of two new trim-levels, called Exclusive Edition and Exclusive Edition Plus. They’re based on the car’s existing AMG Line Executive and Premium Plus specifications and they’re available to order now, with first deliveries expected to arrive in November. The new Mercedes A-Class Exclusive Edition is priced from £31,305 and features special edition floor mats, unique badging, a new black radiator grille, black faux-leather upholstery and privacy glass. On top of this, there’s a panoramic sunroof and a 64-colour customisable ambient lighting system. SEE MORE Best hatchbacks to buy now 2020 Like the standard A-Class AMG Line Executive, buyers of the new Exclusive Edition model will also get 19-inch titanium grey alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument panel and voice control. image image image image image image image Mercedes’ new Exclusive Edition Plus variant is priced from £37,320. It features the same level of equipment as the Exclusive Edition, along with illuminated tread plates, keyless go and multibeam LED headlights. There’s a few technology upgrades too, such as an augmented navigation system, front memory seats and an improved stereo system. The Exclusive Edition is available with either a 187bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine or a 161bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The former comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the latter can be specced with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. Mercedes’ more expensive A-Class Exclusive Edition Plus variant is also available with the same 2.0-litre diesel, although buyers can also have the firm’s more potent A 250 petrol powertrain. The latter engine uses the same 2.0-litre block as the 161bhp, but power rises to 221bhp – enough for a 0–62mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. What do you make of the Mercedes A-Class Exclusive Edition range? Let us know in the comments section below…