Hyundai's Gas-Powered Hot Hatch is Making a Comeback | Carscoops

      A new hybrid powertrain currently under development could herald a significant revival for Korea's hot hatch scene.

      Hyundai may soon reintroduce a new i30 N to Europe. This hot hatch is anticipated to incorporate a hybrid powertrain, and the refreshed i30 lineup could debut in Europe by early 2027.

      As Mark Twain once remarked, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” This seems fitting for the Hyundai i30 N, as the brand’s performance division is reportedly working on a new version that could bring the model back to Europe.

      While many competitors are moving away from internal combustion engines, Hyundai N is apparently committed to maintaining a petrol engine, potentially coupled with hybrid support.

      Initially launched in 2017 and updated in 2020, the i30 N was Hyundai’s first true hot hatch. However, in 2024, the company announced the discontinuation of its combustion-powered N models in Europe to concentrate on high-performance electric vehicles.

      Nonetheless, the i30 N has continued its presence in markets like Australia and New Zealand, where it has received minor updates to remain competitive.

      Hot Hatch Development

      Reports from Autocar indicate that a refreshed i30 N is already in development. Although Hyundai hasn’t disclosed specific powertrain information, a spokesperson affirmed the company’s objectives:

      “Hyundai is committed to introducing seven new N models by 2030, including exploring a wide range of powertrains such as internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Future product details will be revealed later as part of our ongoing strategy to align with customer lifestyles and government requirements.”

      Joon Park, the head of the N division, has also stated that future performance models won’t be restricted to electric power alone, but will reflect Hyundai’s broader approach by incorporating various propulsion technologies.

      Hybrid Focus

      These statements suggest a hybrid approach for the upcoming i30 N, which may also be featured in the next-generation i20 N, currently in development. Both models are likely to forgo manual transmissions in favor of dual-clutch options.

      Potential powertrain choices include an upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an enhanced hybrid system or a completely new one developed from scratch.

      Another possibility is a new “high-revving and high-performance” engine that is being tested in a mid-engined prototype based on the discontinued Veloster.

      Regardless of the path taken, it is unlikely that the current turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with its 276 hp (280 PS) will be retained, as meeting Europe’s stricter emissions regulations could require too many compromises.

      Will There Be Another Update?

      Speculatively, the third-generation i30 has been around since late 2016. Following substantial updates in 2020 and a more subtle refresh in 2024, camouflaged prototypes observed in Europe suggest that Hyundai intends to implement a third facelift to prolong the model's lifespan once more.

      The updated i30 lineup is expected to launch in late 2026 or sometime in 2027. This may coincide with the reintroduction of the N-performance variant, assuming development progresses as anticipated.

      With the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R no longer available in Europe, options for combustion-powered hot hatches are dwindling. This leaves the VW Golf GTI and the forthcoming Toyota GR Corolla as the primary rivals for the i30 N.

      In the wider compact segment, the standard i30 continues to compete with established models like the VW Golf, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, and Toyota Corolla.

      

      Source: Autocar