This gorgeous 2023 Hyundai i30 N Performance manual version is widely considered the enthusiast's choice because it offers a more involving and rewarding driving experience than the automatic alternative. While the dual-clutch transmission is technically faster, the 6 speed manual gearbox provides a level of engagement and rugged rawness that many reviewers feel better suits the car's rebellious character. The manual transmission in the i30 N is designed specifically for performance, featuring a ball-type gearshift with short travel that enables fast, sporty gear changes in everyday driving. Internally, the gearbox is built to handle the engine's 280 PS output through the use of carbon-faced synchroniser rings for smoother, crisper shifts and an uprated gearset for improved durability. One of its standout technical features is a dedicated rev-matching system that automatically blips the throttle during downshifts to perfectly synchronise engine speed with road speed. Unlike many competitors that tie this feature to specific safety settings, Hyundai allows drivers to toggle rev-matching on or off independently using a dedicated button on the steering wheel, giving them full control over their driving style.