Hyundai's N Lineup: A Shift in Production, but Australia Remains Unaffected

In a recent announcement, Hyundai has revealed the cessation of production for the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches in the European market. However, Australian enthusiasts need not fret as Hyundai Australia assures that production and availability of these beloved models will continue uninterrupted Down Under.

According to a spokesperson for Hyundai Australia, "i20 N and i30 N (hatch) production for Australia will continue, it is not affected by the recent European market announcement." Moreover, sources suggest that both models are slated to receive minor facelifts around mid-year, further enhancing their appeal to Australian buyers.

With their discontinuation in Europe, Australia will stand alongside only a select few markets—including New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East—that will continue to offer these combustion-powered N cars. Notably, these hot hatches are not available in North America or South Korea.

While Hyundai Europe cites a commitment to a zero-emission lineup by 2035 as the reason behind halting production of combustion-powered N models, Hyundai Australia remains committed to providing a diverse range of N offerings to its customers. In addition to the i20 N and i30 N hatchbacks, Hyundai Australia will continue to offer the Ioniq 5 N electric car and i30 Sedan N, providing enthusiasts with an array of performance options.

The shift away from combustion-powered N production in Europe does not impact regular members of the i20 and i30 lines. Despite the introduction of an updated i20 N Line in Europe, it is unlikely to make its way to Australia, where the i20 is exclusively available in N guise, positioning itself as a direct rival to the Volkswagen Polo.

As for the i30 hatchback, Hyundai Australia is transitioning to European sourcing as production of the model ceases in South Korea. Although this may result in a slight increase in price, the updated i30 hatch is anticipated to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2024, equipped with new, more efficient turbocharged engines.

In conclusion, while changes in production may be occurring on a global scale, Hyundai's commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles to the Australian market remains unwavering. Enthusiasts can continue to look forward to the exhilarating driving experience offered by Hyundai's N lineup, available at Tynan Motors and other select dealerships across the country. Stay tuned for more updates as Hyundai continues to evolve its offerings in the Australian automotive landscape.