The End of an Era: Hyundai’s Petrol Hot Hatches Bow Out in Europe

The automotive landscape is constantly changing, and this evolution often entails saying goodbye to beloved models that have captivated enthusiasts. Hyundai’s petrol-powered performance vehicles, the i20 N and i30 N, have now officially exited the European market, signaling the conclusion of an exciting chapter in the hot hatch segment. Their departure reflects the broader industry shift toward electrification and sustainability, leaving a notable gap for fans of spirited driving.

Hyundai once designed and produced some advanced vehicles.

When Hyundai first introduced the i30 N in 2017, it was a game-changer. A brand known for its reliable but somewhat staid offerings had suddenly thrown down the gauntlet with a car that could not only keep up with but also outperform established names in the hot hatch arena. The i30 N was a revelation, offering an exhilarating driving experience that prioritized fun and engagement over sheer power figures.

The i20 N followed in its bigger sibling’s tire tracks in 2021, becoming a standout in the B-segment hot hatches. It was a car that harked back to the days of the naturally-aspirated Renaultsport Clio, delivering a raw and raucous driving experience that was increasingly rare in an age of turbocharging and digitalization.

However, Hyundai has been clear about its intentions to pivot towards electrification, with the N badge set to adorn high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) in the future. This shift aligns with the company’s commitment to a zero-tailpipe-emission lineup by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2045. The i20 N quietly exited the UK market last year, and now, the cessation of the i20 and i30 N models in Europe has been confirmed.

The i20 and i30 N’s exit is emblematic of a broader industry trend.

The news came directly from Hyundai in a statement to Car Throttle, which read: ‘Production of the ICE N models has ceased for the European market starting from February, in line with our commitment to offering a zero-tailpipe-emission line-up to our customers by 2035 and to operating 100 per cent carbon neutrally by 2045. Going forward in Europe, Hyundai is developing Hyundai N as a pioneer of high-performance EVs.’

This announcement is a tough pill to swallow for hot hatch aficionados. The i20 and i30 N models emerged as underdogs that quickly became beloved by those who value driving pleasure. Their departure leaves a shrinking pool of combustion-engined, manual-gearbox hot hatches, with the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Yaris, Abarth 595, and the soon-to-depart Ford Focus ST among the few remaining torchbearers.

While the i20 and i30 N models may continue to scorch the tarmac in other markets, such as Asia, and the Elantra N (an i30 N saloon) remains available in North America, their European journey has reached its end. The Kona N crossover also met its demise with the end of the previous generation’s production last year, leaving the Ioniq 5 N as the sole N model in Europe, with a high-performance Ioniq 6 variant on the horizon.

The i20 and i30 N’s exit is emblematic of a broader industry trend. The traditional hot hatch is facing extinction as manufacturers pivot towards EVs and crossovers. The Ford Fiesta ST and VW Up GTI have already disappeared, and the upcoming Golf GTI will lack a manual gearbox. Yet, the Toyota GR Yaris and Honda Civic Type R persist, offering a glimmer of hope for those seeking petrol-powered thrills.

Despite the melancholy, Hyundai’s foray into performance EVs with the Ioniq 5 N is a beacon of excitement. With a whopping 641bhp, it’s poised to redefine what an EV can be in terms of driver engagement, as evidenced by the positive reception it has already garnered.

The conclusion of Hyundai’s petrol hot hatches in Europe marks the end of a significant era in the automotive landscape. These vehicles exemplified how a commitment to driving pleasure and straightforward engineering could yield an exhilarating experience, rivaling that of more technologically complex competitors. As we transition into a new chapter of electrification, there is hope that the essence of the i20 and i30 N will be preserved and transformed in Hyundai’s forthcoming electric models, ensuring that the legacy of spirited driving continues into the future.

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