The Korean carmaker has decided to end production of the petrol-powered N models for Europe, said a Hyundai official in a statement according to a recent report. In a few markets inside Europe, certain models may remain up for grabs for the customers till the stock lasts. The discontinuation of the petrol-powered N models follows the brand’s commitment to offering a zero-emission product range by 2035.
It is worth mentioning that the zero-emission plan only covers the Europe continent, which means prospective owners and enthusiasts can rejoice. Models like the new Elantra N and Veloster N will remain on sale in North American and other global markets. In addition, these markets will possibly also get the mad-looking Ioniq 5 N and the rumoured Ioniq 6 N.
This decision seems abrupt since models like the i30N and i20N have not been in the market for long. Rather, the i20 N has gained tremendous praise for being a fun-to-drive affordable hot hatch.
Its German rival — the Volkswagen Polo GTI — was also axed recently along with the smaller Up GTI as well. However, Hyundai is investing in its N lineup outside Europe with some interesting models like the Elantra N, which is also rumoured to carry a larger-capacity engine for its next generation.
It’s not the first time that we have seen manufacturers running out of motivation on ICE cars. However, the market suggests otherwise. Buyers are not showing enough interest in pure electric vehicles, which has resulted in a slowdown in both production and sales of battery electric vehicles. Carmakers are either in process or have changed their future product roadmap, backing off on the offensive EV strategy and refocusing on ICE and hybrid vehicles. It remains to be seen how Hyundai will find a balance between its lineup of ICE and BEV model portfolio going forward, especially in the European market.