Hyundai has confirmed that the i30 hatchback will be discontinued in Australia by December 2025, marking the end of one of the nation’s long-time favourite small cars. The decision affects the standard i30 hatch and its mild-hybrid variants, but not the high-performance i30 N hatch or i30 sedan range. The move comes as the brand redirects its focus toward electrified SUVs, including the newly unveiled Hyundai Elexio, set to arrive locally in 2026.
A Hyundai Australia spokesperson stated that the decision came down to “sourcing complexities and costs out of Europe.”
“i30 MHEV production for the Australian market will cease from December 2025,” the spokesperson said. “The decision has been made to discontinue this model due to sourcing complexities and costs out of Europe.”
What models are getting affected?
- Discontinued: Standard i30 hatch and i30 MHEV (Mild-Hybrid)
- Continuing: i30 N hatch, i30 sedan, and i30 N sedan
Both the Hyundai i30 hatch and Hyundai i30 N hatch are built in the Czech Republic, while the i30 sedan and i30 N sedan are produced in South Korea, meaning the latter remain unaffected by this move.
Quite a pricey exit
The Czech-built Hyundai i30 hatchback received a $12,000 price increase after its 2025 facelift, reflecting European production costs and Australia’s new emissions standards.
- The range was limited to two N Line mild-hybrid variants, priced from $36,000 before on-road costs.
- By comparison, the Hyundai i30 Hatch was once available from $24,000, or as low as $19,990 six years ago.
In September, the Hyundai i30 N hatch also saw a $2000 price hike, attributed to a “combination of warranty, NVES [New Vehicle Efficiency Standard], and European factory sourcing.”
MHEV and compact Hyundai cars are falling behind
Since late 2024, Hyundai Australia has only offered the i30 hatch with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Year-to-date, 1984 mild-hybrid i30s have been sold in Australia. That’s 23% of all i30 sales (8468 units total) so far in 2025.
And with the dwindling demand for small cars in the country, the top-performing Hyundais are Kona and Tucson, with year-to-date sales of 16,971 and 15,114, respectively, indicating a shift in Australian buyers’ preferences. Away from hatches and compact cars to SUVs!
What’s next for Hyundai Australia?
The Hyundai i30 hatchback may be leaving Australian showrooms, but Hyundai’s i30 N range and sedan lineup will continue to cater to enthusiasts and family buyers. The brand’s focus now appears to be on electrification and SUVs, with upcoming launches such as the Hyundai Elexio expected to strengthen its foothold in the Australian market.
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