Hyundai is gearing up to reopen orders for its in-demand i30 N and i20 N hot hatches, although exactly when hasn’t been locked in.
The company’s local chief operating officer last week told media a “solution” is coming for the hatchbacks before the end of 2023 – although exactly what that looks like isn’t clear.
“i20 N and i30 N are important vehicles for our portfolio,” Hyundai Australia COO John Kett told media.
The i30 Sedan N remains on sale, while there’s no word on when (or if) a next-generation Kona N will join the range currently rolling out in Australia. The outgoing Kona N is currently in runout.
Hyundai closed orders for the i30 N in February 2023, having done the same for the smaller i20 N late in 2022.
When it shut the order books, there were around 1600 undelivered i30 N hatchbacks for Australia.
Tight supply of the pair was a key contributor to Australia’s ongoing hot hatch shortage.
Orders of the Volkswagen Golf R remain closed after a prolonged pause, while the Honda Civic Type R was at one point sold out for 20 months – although it’s since announced better stock for our market.
Toyota has confirmed there will be just 500 examples of the GR Corolla allocated to the Australian market, and says it’s working to ensure what limited supply there is will be snapped up by enthusiasts instead of scalpers.
Also contributing to the Australian hot hatch shortage is the impending death of the Renault Megane RS, and the recent death of the Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST.
The Megane RS Ultime will arrive Down Under mid-year, and spells the end not only for the much-loved hot Megane, but the Renault Sport brand.
