Cheaper Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essential released in Korea

Hyundai Korea has launched a more affordable version of its IONIQ 5 N performance halo that doesn't sacrifice performance in the quest for a lower asking price, but it does lose a couple standard features. The catch is the savings are only worth about $2700.

For now, the IONIQ 5 N Essential in only being offered in Korea, though it could eventually be exported to other regions if there’s enough demand.

Lopping 2.5 million South Korean won ($A2700) off the 77,900,000 South Korean won ($A84,500) charged for the regular IONIQ 5 N, the Essential removes the head-up display and automatic high-beam intelligent LED headlamps from the kit list.

More importantly, it maintains all of the normal model’s performance capabilities and is still capable of 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and a 260km/h top speed.

Hyundai Australia has reportedly confirmed the Essential won’t be coming Down Under, likely because the circa-$2700 discount isn’t big enough to warrant or prove fruitful.

Instead, the local outfit plans to bring the track-focused Hyundai IONIQ 6 N to market as well as another N model – likely the next-gen i20 – that will feature a hybrid powertrain.

Fans of smaller electric performance cars will have to take solace that both a Hyundai IONIQ 3 N, Kia EV3 GT and EV4 GT are on the way, potentially with up to 300kW on tap and a far more palatable price tag of around $70,000.

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