The i30 N will return with a combustion-hybrid engine after its 2024 discontinuation.

Hyundai Bringing Back ICE Powertrains for N Brand in Hyundai is set to revive internal combustion engines for its high-performance N brand in Europe. According to Autocar UK, the i30 N—discontinued in 2024 as part of Hyundai’s push toward EV-only performance cars—will return with an ICE engine paired with hybrid assistance, marking a major shift from the company’s earlier all-electric strategy.

Key Highlights

• i30 N likely to feature upgraded 140hp 1.5-litre turbo-hybrid engine
• Expected global launch: late 2026 or early 2027
• Hyundai Europe’s N lineup currently includes only the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N EVs

Hyundai i30 N: What Powertrain Will It Get?

Hybridised 1.5-litre turbo-petrol expected

Technical details for the new i30 N remain unconfirmed, but reports suggest the performance hatch could use a more powerful version of the standard i30’s 140hp 1.5-litre turbo-hybrid engine. This upgraded unit would be tuned to deliver performance levels worthy of the N badge.

Alternatively, Hyundai may introduce an all-new hybrid powertrain, especially since the company has been testing a high-revving, performance-focused combustion engine for future N models. Hyundai previously stated it aims to develop an engine that meets “market performance requirements” and can be produced at scale without issues.

This strongly hints at the arrival of a new ICE-powered N sports car, quite possibly the upcoming i30 N.

Why Not the 2.0-Litre Turbo Engine?

The current third-generation i30 N, still sold in Australia and New Zealand, uses a 280hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing up to 392Nm.
However, this engine is unlikely to return to Europe due to strict EU emission regulations.

Hyundai’s Evolving N Brand Strategy

Hyundai N division chief Joon Woo Park confirmed that the brand is “not limiting ourselves to EVs,” emphasizing upcoming diversity across naturally aspirated, hybrid, and electric powertrains. This mirrors Hyundai’s global strategy of offering varied propulsion technologies based on market needs.

At present, Hyundai’s European N portfolio consists only of the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, both delivering more than 600hp.

Hyundai i30 N: Expected Launch Timeline

Likely to debut in Europe by late 2026 or early 2027

Spy shots of an updated i30 hatchback with design cues similar to the current third-gen model indicate that Hyundai is preparing a facelift for 2026.
This suggests the performance-oriented i30 N could launch toward end-2026 or in the first half of 2027.

The timing aligns with Hyundai’s broader plan to introduce seven new N models by 2030, making the i30 N an important milestone as the brand’s only combustion-powered N car in Europe at launch.