If you read our earlier post today about Hyundai working on a driving mode for the upcoming electric Ioniq 5 N, Simulate the gearshift of a dual-clutch transmission, it’s understandable if you have some questions about the future of Hyundai’s N sub-brand. But while that’s certainly weird, we also have good news to share: There will be a second generation Elantra WOMEN – at least for Americans. Europe? Not much.
Talking to of Australia auto expert recently, N division boss Albert Biermann confirmed the final redesign of the Elantra N, called the i30 N in other markets. “The i30 N is quite safe, at least in the sedan version, so we will see the next generation car with a new petrol engine, as it is already in our long-term plans,” he said.
However, the news about the i30 N hatchback that we didn’t get in the US doesn’t look very good. Blaming emissions regulations, Biermann said the i30 N is unlikely to return until Hyundai builds an electric version:
In Australia we are in a good position. Other markets such as Europe are daydreaming and it is very likely that there will be no more N cars with internal combustion engines in some markets with Euro 7 regulations. If we are talking about electric cars, then most likely we’ll see an all-electric i30 N in a chunky body with our B and C segment plans, but it could take a while to get there, to get it right. So there is definitely a future for the i30 N Hatch, as an EV in my opinion.
While it would be nice to get the N hatch here, we’d say it’s not just a fair exchange for the US to get a redesigned Elantra N that Europe doesn’t get. The current car is already incredibly fun to drive and handles better than it should be. Perhaps, the next one will be even better.
