Yahoo Autos Next-Gen Hyundai Elantra N Confirmed, But Probably Not For Europe
If you read our earlier post today about Hyundai developing a driving mode for the upcoming electric Ioniq 5 N that simulates the way a dual-clutch transmission shifts, it would be understandable if you had some questions about the future of Hyundai’s N sub-brand. But while that was certainly odd, we also have news to share that’s unquestionably good: There’s going to be a second-generation Elantra N — at least for Americans. Europe? Not so much.
Speaking to Australia’s CarExpert recently, N division boss Albert Biermann confirmed the eventual redesign of the Elantra N, which is called the i30 N in other markets. “The i30 N is quite safe, at least the sedan version, so we will see the next-generation car with a new petrol engine, as it’s already in our long-range plans,” he said.
Read more
News for the i30 N hatchback that we don’t get in the U.S., however, isn’t looking so good. Blaming emissions regulations, Biermann said the i30 N is unlikely to come back until Hyundai builds an electric version:
In Australia we’re in a good position. Other markets like Europe are dreaming and there’s a good chance there will be no further combustion engine N cars in some markets with Euro 7 regulations looming. If we’re talking EVs, then we could very well see an all-electric i30 N in a hatch body with our B- and C-segment plans, but it might take some time to get there, to get it right. So there is definitely a future for an i30 N Hatch, as an EV in my view.
While it would be great to get the N hatch here, we’d say America getting a redesigned Elantra N that Europe doesn’t get is more than a fair trade. The current car is already incredibly fun to drive and handles better than it has any right to. Presumably, the next one will be even better.
More from Jalopnik
Sign up for Jalopnik's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
