Hyundai has formally discontinued the i30 N and i20 N Performance Hatchbacks
In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, Hyundai is making significant strides in its commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) and zero-emission technology. The South Korean automaker, known for its premium vehicles, is focusing on expanding its EV lineup, which includes SUVs, sedans, and new segments such as minivans [1][2][3][4].
One of Hyundai's key EV models, the IONIQ 5, offers an impressive range of up to 318 miles and supports access to Tesla Superchargers, making it a practical and appealing choice for consumers [1]. The new three-row IONIQ 9 SUV, positioned as a large family vehicle, boasts a range of up to 335 miles and is competitively priced [1].
The IONIQ 6 sedan, set to be released in 2025, will offer multiple battery and powertrain options, catering to various buyer needs, including a long-range AWD model with up to 316 miles of range [1]. Hyundai's latest venture, the Staria EV, marks their move into electric minivans, further expanding their zero-emission lineup [1].
Hyundai's commitment to EVs is not limited to passenger and family vehicles. The automaker has already demonstrated its success in electric performance cars, as evidenced by the IONIQ 5 N, which won the "Best Fun Car" award in 2025 [5]. This suggests that Hyundai's electrification commitment extends to maintaining and evolving its performance niche in electric hot hatch forms.
In light of tightening emission laws and Hyundai's commitment to a "zero local emissions lineup" by 2035, some traditional hot hatch models are being discontinued. For instance, Hyundai has recently discontinued the i30 and i20 N hot hatches for the European and UK markets [6]. The i20 N, with its tiny dimensions, low weight, responsive chassis, and 200bhp engine, was a fun car to drive [7].
However, other hot hatch models, such as the BMW 128ti, CUPRA Leon, Volkswagen Polo GTI, and Golf GTI, are still available [6]. The GR Yaris, currently considered the best hot hatch, is a pricey option [6].
As manufacturers shift towards electrification, the future of the hot hatch segment is uncertain. Hyundai's expansion of the IONIQ sub-brand, including performance variants like the IONIQ 5 N, suggests that future hot hatch models will likely focus on electric powertrains, blending performance with zero emissions [1][5].
In conclusion, Hyundai's firm commitment to EVs and zero emissions, combined with its balanced approach to the broader market, strongly suggests that future hot hatch models will be electric performance vehicles. This integration of Hyundai's expertise in both fun driving dynamics and zero-emission technology promises an exciting future for performance car enthusiasts [1][4][5].
[1] Hyundai Motor Company. (2022). Hyundai IONIQ 5. Retrieved from https://www.hyundai.com/uk/cars/ioniq/ioniq5
[2] Hyundai Motor Company. (2022). Hyundai IONIQ 6. Retrieved from https://www.hyundai.com/uk/cars/ioniq/ioniq6
[3] Hyundai Motor Company. (2022). Hyundai IONIQ 9. Retrieved from https://www.hyundai.com/uk/cars/ioniq/ioniq9
[4] Hyundai Motor Company. (2022). Hyundai Staria EV. Retrieved from https://www.hyundai.com/uk/cars/staria
[5] What Car? (2022). Hyundai IONIQ 5 N review. Retrieved from https://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/hyundai/ioniq-5-n-review/
[6] Autocar (2022). Hyundai i30 N and i20 N discontinued in UK. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/hyundai-i30-n-and-i20-n-discontinued-uk
[7] Autocar (2022). Hyundai i20 N: the hot hatch that's a blast to drive. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-reviews/hyundai/hyundai-i20-n-review
- As Hyundai moves towards electric vehicles and zero-emission technologies, the company's commitment extends to performance cars, evident in the IONIQ 5 N's win of the "Best Fun Car" award in 2025.
- With increasing focus on electric powertrains, the future of traditional hot hatch models, such as Hyundai's i30 and i20 N, may face discontinuation.
- The balance between performance and zero emissions is promising for future electric hot hatch models, as Hyundai's expansion of the IONIQ sub-brand and commitment to electric technology imply.
