- Hyundai may bring a new i30 N back to Europe soon.
- Hot hatch is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain.
- Facelifted i30 range could launch in Europe by early 2027.
As Mark Twain famously said, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” That seems to apply to the Hyundai i30 N, as the brand’s high-performance division is reportedly preparing a new version that could mark the model’s return to Europe.
While most rivals shift away from internal combustion, Hyundai N appears committed to keeping a petrol engine under the hood, even if that comes with hybrid assistance.
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First launched in 2017 and facelifted in 2020, the i30 N was Hyundai’s first full-blooded hot hatch. In 2024, however, the company announced it would discontinue its combustion-powered N models in Europe to focus on high-performance EVs.
Despite that, the i30 N has quietly continued in markets like Australia and New Zealand, where it has received minor updates to stay competitive.
Hot Hatch In The Works
According to Autocar, development of a refreshed i30 N is already underway. Hyundai hasn’t shared exact powertrain details, but a spokesperson confirmed the company’s goals:
“Hyundai is committed to introducing seven new N models by 2030, with plans that include exploring a broad range of powertrains such as internal combustion engines, hybrid and electric vehicles. Future product plans will be announced at a later date as part of our ongoing effort to deliver product strategies that align with our customer lifestyles and government regulations.”
Joon Park, who heads the N division, has also clarified that future performance models won’t be limited to electric power. Instead, the sub-brand will mirror Hyundai’s wider strategy by offering a mix of propulsion technologies across its lineup.
Hybrid Is Key
These comments point toward a hybrid solution for the upcoming i30 N, possibly one that could also be used in the next-generation i20 N, which is officially in development. Both models are expected to drop the manual gearbox, opting instead for dual-clutch transmissions.
More: Gas Or EV? Hyundai N Embraces Both With Two New Models For America
Possible options under the hood include an upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a more robust hybrid system, or a completely new powertrain developed from the ground up.
Another contender is the new “high-revving and high-performance” engine currently undergoing testing in a mid-engined prototype based on the discontinued Veloster.
Whatever direction they choose, it’s unlikely the current turbocharged 2.0-liter with its 276 hp (280 PS) will carry over. Meeting Europe’s increasingly strict emissions standards would likely require more compromise than it’s worth.
Will There Be Another Facelift?
The third-generation i30 has been around since late 2016. After receiving a substantial update in 2020 and a more subtle refresh in 2024, camouflaged prototypes spotted in Europe suggest Hyundai is planning a third facelift to extend the model’s shelf life once again.
This refreshed i30 lineup is expected to arrive in late 2026 or sometime in 2027. It may launch alongside the return of the N-badged performance variant, should development proceed as reported.
With the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R no longer sold in Europe, combustion-powered hot hatch options are shrinking. That leaves the VW Golf GTI and the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla as the i30 N’s closest rivals.
In the broader compact segment, the standard i30 continues to compete with heavyweights like the VW Golf, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, and Toyota Corolla.
