Will the next-generation Hyundai i30 N hot hatch be an affordable electric car? Toyota GR Corolla rival set to become a Cupra Born, MG4 rival!

The architect behind Hyundai’s high-performance N division has one last goal before he retires permanently - to build a “small” and “crazy” electric replacement for the i30 N hot hatch.

Albert Biermann, Hyundai’s Executive Technical Advisor, who has helped transform the brand (and Kia) dynamically, has made a mainstream electric performance hatch his priority.

Speaking to Australian media at the recent launch of the Ioniq 5 N, the brand’s first electric performance car that costs $111,000 (plus on-road costs), Biermann made it clear that creating a replacement for the petrol-powered i30 N is his focus.

“For me, it’s the most important thing to do,” he said.

However, Biermann wasn’t able to give a timeframe on when this new compact, more-affordable model could be available. 

“Although I would love it if we could give everybody a small, crazy B-segment Hyundai N car [that is] full crazy, full fun - it’s not that easy at this point,” he said.

The i30 N and i20 N hatchbacks are expected to suffer the same fate as the Kona N and be discontinued when the next-generation i30 and i20 models arrive.

The i30 Sedan N is expected to carry on for the foreseeable future, but the i30 N and i20 N hatchbacks are expected to suffer the same fate as the Kona N and be discontinued when the next-generation i30 and i20 models arrive. These are likely to feature electrified powertrains and the focus on cutting emissions all but kills plans for more high-performance petrol powertrains.

Biermann did give a glimmer of hope though, revealing that he’s also working on some possible hybrid powertrains for the i30 Sedan N.

Speaking to Australian media at the recent launch of the Ioniq 5 N, the brand’s first electric performance car that costs $111,000 (plus on-road costs), Biermann made it clear that creating a replacement for the petrol-powered i30 N is his focus.

“I see an opportunity to have N power as a hybrid, let’s say for i30 N Sedan, it’s an option,” he admitted. “If it will happen I cannot tell you at this point, but from a technical point it’s possible.”

He added: “Also I’m pushing a project for another small car with a hybrid concept. But it’s too early to say if there’s any chance to bring it to our customers.”

One model that looks increasingly unlikely is a production version of the stunning N Vision 74 concept. Biermann said he doesn’t believe Hyundai should offer low-volume, high-price sports cars, and instead the brand should put its resources behind cars that more people will be able to drive.