HYUNDAI has discontinued a popular hot hatch model as it pushes towards net zero – with a replacement EV already lined up.
The Korean manufacturer is slashing down its range of internal combustion motors in a bid to achieve “100% carbon neutrality” within 20 years.
GettyHyundai has axed its i30 model as it pushes towards net zero targets[/caption]
HUNDAIThe i20 has also been scrapped, with an EV lined up to replace both models[/caption]
The i30 and i20 N hatchbacks have now been scrapped from the European market as part of the green push.
Both cars were introduced within a year of one another, with the i30 coming first in 2007, followed by the i20 in 2008.
They enjoyed pretty much immediate success, particularly the i30 which saw European sales top 100,000 units in 2010.
And the sporty i20 N sparked a fierce rivalry with the previously dominant VW Golf GTi in the hot hatch market.
However, a mid-2010s peak gave way to declining popularity, with the i30 selling just 39,000 units last year.
The two models were further squeezed by the fact that they are petrol-powered, while Hyundai has pledged to cut the on-the-road emissions of its lineup to zero by 2035.
The carmaker then plans to make the entire manufacturing process carbon neutral just 10 years later.
In practice, this means a transition to fully electric motors in the next decade.
Indeed, as the axe falls on the i30 and i20 N, there is already an EV replacement on the way.
The Ioniq 5 N will hit the UK market this month, promising an “everyday sports car” with “racetrack capability”.
Like the i20, it has been worked over by Hyundai’s in-house tuning brand N to “optimize” performance.
The company says it will be “inspired by N’s motorsport DNA”, with launch control and a “grin boost” setting, which whacks acceleration to its highest level.
This gives it a top speed of over 160mph and a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds.
Hyundai also promised tech upgrades to improve the appeal of its EVs as it makes the switch to all-electric power, though the exact nature of these is still to be disclosed.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Production of the ICE N models has ceased for the European market starting from February, in line with our commitment to offering a zero-tailpipe-emission line-up to our customers by 2035 and to operating 100 per cent carbon neutrally by 2045.
“Going forward in Europe, Hyundai is developing Hyundai N as a pioneer of high-performance EVs.
“Our customers will benefit from technological developments that will make EVs even more attractive in the future.”