Australia to wave goodbye to n engines: hyundai’s final hurrah
Hyundai australia is pulling the plug on its high-performance N models, signaling a dramatic shift towards full electrification for the brand’s most spirited vehicles.
A final farewell for aussie drivers
For years, buying a Hyundai meant a touch of excitement, particularly with the N line – encompassing the i20 N and i30 N, both boasting potent combustion engines. But that chapter is closing fast in Europe, and now australia is following suit. European buyers have largely embraced the all-electric iterations of these models, but the Australian market is preparing for a final, fiery send-off.
The strategy? To ensure the current i20 N and i30 N models receive a spectacular send-off, hinting at a future brimming with special editions. It's not a full stop, though; far from it. Tim Rodgers, Hyundai Australia’s Product Development Director, confirms shipments are still arriving – the i20 N until the end of the year and the i30 N for an extended period. “We’re still unloading them from the ships, and we’ll continue to see deliveries arrive,” he stated, a clear indication that supply chains are adapting to this changing landscape.
Beyond the combustion engine
While production has ceased in Europe, the vehicles are still trickling into Australia. The i30 N, launched in 2016 with subsequent updates in 2020 and 2024, and the i20 N, introduced in 2020 with minor tweaks scheduled for 2025, are holding on for dear life. Hyundai has already released two special editions – the understated Project C in 2019 and the lavish Drive-N Limited Edition in 2022 – for the i30 N. The i20 N, however, has yet to receive a dedicated special edition, leaving a tantalizing question mark about the forthcoming farewell celebrations.
Rumours are swirling about potential enhancements to both models – design tweaks, chassis improvements, and, crucially, increased performance. The shift towards electrification is inevitable, and it’s likely to translate into a more powerful and environmentally conscious vehicle. This could pave the way for a hybrid i3 N, potentially bridging the gap between the current i3 N and a fully electric successor, a move that would capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable performance.
The future takes shape
Carscoops reports that the new i20 will sport distinctive ‘Y’ shaped LED headlights and a more angular silhouette – a significant departure from the current design. The i30 N is slated to swap its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine for an advanced hybrid system, effectively ending the manual transmission option. The luxurious Hyundai Grandeur 2027, retailing at a mere $22,000, demonstrates the brand’s ambition, though it won’t be gracing Spanish roads.
Looking further ahead, the new Hyundai i20 is expected to arrive in 2027, potentially alongside a high-performance N variant. This compact sports car could also incorporate a hybrid configuration, opening the door for a potential return to European markets. Ultimately, the Australian N models’ story is one of a passionate legacy coming to a close, with a final, unforgettable chapter yet to be written.