HYUNDAI

Hyundai revives i30 N with hybrid addition

After fans of sporty compacts said goodbye to models like the Ford Focus ST, there is news that will surely make them happy. Hyundai, according to well-informed sources, plans to revive the popular i30 N with a gasoline engine, potentially with the addition of hybrid technology.

The original i30 N, introduced in 2017, was the first model of Hyundai's sporty N division and a direct competitor to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With its 2.0-liter turbo engine with up to 276 hp, a stiffer chassis and an electronic differential, it quickly won the sympathy of drivers. However, the Korean company has discontinued this model, along with the smaller i20 N, in 2024. The decision was part of a strategy to reposition the N division as a "pioneer of high-performance electric vehicles", which resulted in models like the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N with more than 600 hp.

However, it seems that Hyundai has not completely written off internal combustion engines. A source has confirmed to Autocar that work has begun on a new version of the i30 N, which will be powered by a petrol engine - possibly with a hybrid system. This is in line with statements made by the head of the N department Joon Park earlier this year, emphasizing that future sports models will not necessarily be exclusively electric.

"The problem we have is the perception of the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focused on the world of electric vehicles, which is not true," Park said, adding: "We are not limiting ourselves to electric vehicles."

As reported by Index.hr, although details are not yet known, it is speculated that the new i30 N could use an improved version of the existing hybrid drive, like the one in the standard 1.5-liter i30. However, there is also the possibility of an entirely new powertrain. Hyundai recently confirmed testing of an unusual prototype based on the Veloster model, and engineers described the engine as a high-revving, high-performance unit.

Although the test vehicle has a mid-mounted engine, other configurations are possible. The company said it wants to "develop an engine that meets the market's performance requirements and mass-produce it without any problems," suggesting plans for series production.

Spy photographers recently captured Hyundai preparing the third facelift for the current, third-generation i30, which is expected next year. This suggests that the sporty N variant would be based on that redesigned version, meaning it could hit the market in late 2026 or early 2027.

In response to this story, a Hyundai spokesperson said: "Hyundai is committed to introducing seven new N models by 2030, with plans to explore a wide range of powertrains such as gasoline engines, hybrids and electric vehicles. Future product plans will be announced at a later date as part of our ongoing efforts to deliver product strategies that align with our customers' lifestyles and government regulations."

Autonews