Hyundai inches towards affordable i30 N for Oz
Hot hatch will arrive in March next year, and 184kW version remains on the agendaHyundai Australia has signalled its clearest intention yet it will bring in its i30 N hot hatch in two states of tune.
The importer has not confirmed the lower-output (184kW) engine for Australia, but prospects for the more affordable variant are looking stronger than ever, according to Bill Thomas, General Manager External Affairs for Hyundai Australia.
"I think it might be that we go for both," Thomas told motoring.com.au during the launch of the Genesis G70 in Korea last week.
"It's not a decision that's been taken yet, but there are arguments on both sides. The argument to take both specs – the standard car and the performance package car – it's just about choice. Some people just want the lower entry price vehicle and are very happy with that, and others will want the full beans and extra power, the bi-modal exhaust and everything else.
"I think ultimately it will come down to the fact that we can probably sell more if we've got a wider range.
"If you look at the [Volkswagen] Golf GTi Performance Pack, for example, we hope to offer more power and torque for less than that car. There's a number of different grades there...
"I can kind of see that [the lower-output model] would be an appealing vehicle for quite a few people who don't want the extra power and are prepared to go with the lower entry point – and it's plenty of car for the money."
And it would provide a stepping stone for other N models on the way, including a rumoured Sonata variant that Thomas says has received a kick along in the form of a thought bubble verbalised by Hyundai's Executive VP in charge of Performance Development, Albert Bierman.
But more immediately, the i30 N will be joined by the i30 Fastback N, a car that is definitely confirmed for Australia.
"That'll come next year," Thomas confirmed.
"Can't be more specific on timing, but we'll definitely take that. By all accounts it's quite something to look at, if you imagine that fastback shape with the N aggression, apparently it's quite a cohesive and excellent looking vehicle.
"It's that sort of incremental car where you're getting buyers who want a different style..."
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