Hyundai: More petrol N performance cars coming, and they'll be affordable
'We are not limiting ourselves into EV,' Hyundai N boss Joon Park told UK outlet Car.
'But this is some kind of tendency after we launched Ioniq 5 N, because Ioniq 5 N was a huge message for the entire car industry. And a lot of people thought, and think, that Hyundai N is going towards only EV. It's not true.
'We are not focusing on EV only. We are not. I'm not the person who actually really likes the EV. I've always liked the smell and the sound and all those kinds of race cars.'
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Hyundai has discontinued its petrol-powered i20 N and i30 N hot hatches in Europe, but they continue to be produced for our market.
Moreover, Hyundai also has the i30 Sedan N – aka Elantra N and Avante N – for markets such as Australia, South Korea and North America.
The i20 N and i30 N may be dead in Europe, but they're reportedly set to be reborn, with Car reporting word from Mr Park that his engineers are working on a hybrid-powered replacement for the hot hatches.
They'll still be accessible to punters, too, unlike the Ioniq 5 N, which is more than twice as expensive in Australia as even the priciest i30 N. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'Hyundai N has to be reachable. We actually want to play with our friend groups, with a proper-priced car and reachable price cars – we are not talking about a luxury exotic car,' he said.
'We are talking about the Hyundai N level. In that case, where should we go? Where nobody else is existing anymore, except for [the VW Golf] GTI.'
Hyundai axed the i20 N and i30 N in Europe in 2024, and at the time said this was 'in line with our commitment to offering a zero-tailpipe-emission lineup to our customers by 2035 and to operating 100 per cent carbon neutrally by 2045'.
'The discontinuation of i20 and i30 N was a disaster for me. But it takes time to have a new one,' said Mr Park. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
He suggested it would be harder work getting an i20 N replacement approved given that, typically, the smaller the vehicle the smaller the profit margins.
He said the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that powers the i30 N won't appear in a successor model… at least not in Europe.
'I'm responsible for the global market. Europe is not going to be easy,' he said.
'The 2.0-litre turbo engine for 280PS [206kW]… That cannot exist anymore based on the current regulation and future regulation.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Whether Hyundai could keep the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine of the i20 N alive with electrification is unclear. A version of this engine already features in hybrid crossover SUVs from the brand such as the Tucson and Santa Fe.
Hyundai has never offered a hybrid N model. It now has three separate petrol-powered N models – the i20 N, i30 N, and i30 Sedan N/Elantra N/Avante N – as well as two electric ones in the Ioniq 5 N and the just-revealed Ioniq 6 N.
The Korean automaker is planning a significant expansion in hybrid sales.
Per a plan announced last August, it wants to sell 1.33 million hybrids annually by 2028, an increase over 40 per cent compared with its global sales plan from the previous year.
To that end, it's launching a new 2.5-litre turbo hybrid powertrain that's debuting in the next-generation Palisade large SUV. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Hyundai has already confirmed the i30 Sedan N will move to a 2.5-litre turbo four, up from a 2.0-litre. That appears to open up the possibility of hybrid power for that model, though the sports sedan has never been sold in Europe.
In addition to conventional hybrids, Hyundai also offers plug-in hybrids (though none are sold here presently) and is rolling out extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that incorporate a petrol engine used as a generator.
It's unclear whether Hyundai would develop N vehicles with this technology, or with a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain like the retro-styled N Vision 74 concept.
Development of Hyundai N vehicles is centred in Europe, along with the new Magma performance vehicle line for luxury brand Genesis.
'There's been so much innovation at Rüsselsheim and some major investment. Our new building opened a couple of months ago, and it gives us so much more possibility, and allows us to develop EVs,' Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center managing director Tyrone Johnson told Car. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'We're going to be developing our own products in Europe. All [Genesis] Magma products will be developed in Europe, for the world – nothing will be developed in Korea.'
Australia is a major market for Hyundai N vehicles.
While VFACTS industry sales reports bundle the i30 N with the rest of the i30 lineup, we know exactly how many i20 Ns are sold here because Hyundai doesn't offer any non-N i20 variants.
To the end of June, Hyundai has delivered 723 examples of the i20 N in Australia this year. That's more than the Skoda Fabia (164) and Volkswagen Polo (401), both of which offer a wide range of variants.
MORE: Explore the Hyundai i20 showroom
MORE: Explore the Hyundai i30 showroom
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"But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. 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MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. 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Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 Renault Master price and specs
Renault's largest commercial van now has a smaller model lineup. The 2025 Renault Master range has been simplified to just medium- and long-wheelbase variants, with the previous Extra LWB option removed. Both MWB and LWB variants of the large delivery van are now offered exclusively in Pro trim, priced at $55,200 and $57,200 before on-road costs, respectively. Renault Australia is offering the MWB to ABN holders for $57,990 drive-away until September 30, 2025, and says it has 'good supply' of the Master. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert There's only one powertrain on offer: a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automated manual transmission. A manual transmission is no longer available. The Master isn't just Renault's biggest vehicle, it's also its biggest seller. To the end of June, Renault has delivered 1074 Master cargo vans in Australia this year, more than the mid-size Trafic van (516) and mid-size Koleos crossover SUV (424). The Master is currently outselling the Ford Transit (943), Peugeot Boxer (15) and Volkswagen Crafter (147), though it's outsold by the LDV Deliver 9 (1341) and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2026). Renault doesn't publish fuel economy or CO2 emissions figures for the Master. The Renault Master is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first. The first five services are capped at $599, with the exception of the four-year/120,000km service which costs $1259. Standard safety equipment includes: Blind-spot monitoring Lane departure warning Front, front-side airbags Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Supplied Credit: CarExpert Standard equipment includes: Automatic halogen headlights LED daytime running lights Rain-sensing wipers 16-inch steel wheels Spare wheel Cruise control Speed limiter Unglazed left sliding door Glazed rear barn doors Glazed steel bulkhead 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Driver's seat with height, reach and lumbar adjustment Driver's armrest Two-passenger bench seat Air-conditioning Cloth upholstery Overhead storage shelf 6 x cupholders Height-adjustable steering column Options include: Glazed left and right sliding doors Right sliding door Trade pack Business pack The Master is available in the following exterior paint finishes: Mineral White Urban Grey Star Grey Pearlescent Black Tempest Blue MORE: Explore the Renault Master showroom
