Iconic hot hatch could be revived in Europe

An updated version of an iconic hot hatch could be in the works.

According to UK publication AutoCar, Hyundai is planning to re-establish its i30 N hatch in Europe. 

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Hyundai discontinued the i30 N hatch in Europe along with its smaller i20 N last year as it began to feel the squeeze of the European Union's looming 2035 internal combustion engine cut-off.

It's possible the brand has had a change of heart and will pursue an updated version of its headline hatch. 

The i30 N is a performance version of the regular i30, and comes in either hatch or sedan body style. 

It is rumoured this new i30 N will still have a combustion engine, but with a hybrid twist to it. 

AutoCar also speculates the revamped N variant will be based on the still-in-development third-generation i30, due to be unveiled in late 2026 or early 2027. 

While the i30 N remains on sale in Australia for now, its revival in Europe could mean we get this updated version Down Under. 

The N hatch starts from $52,000, before on-road costs, recently increasing $2000 in price.

Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine pumps out 206kW and 392Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds.

The i30 line-up has undergone a significant culling in Australia, with the regular version of the hatchback - the N Line - being phased out as production ceases this year.

The same goes for the i20 N hatch, which ceases production in March 2026.

The reason for the trim in Australia comes down to the cost of importing vehicles from Europe as opposed to South Korea. 

The Czech-built hatches from Hyundai cost the brand significantly more to import to Australia, given the geographical distance compared to Asia.