Hyundai is set to discontinue its popular i30 Hatch in Australia, marking the end of nearly two decades of production. According to a dealer bulletin obtained by CarExpert, production for the Australian market will cease in December 2025, and dealer orders for the hatchback are now closed. This announcement specifically concerns the standard i30 Hatch, leaving the fate of the high-performance i30 N Hatch uncertain.
The discontinuation comes on the heels of the i30 Hatch’s recent arrival in the Australian market from the Czech Republic, where Hyundai shifted production following the end of manufacturing in Korea. Although the switch allowed the introduction of a more efficient turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine, prices for the hatchback rose significantly, with increases of between $3,500 and $3,700. The base price surged by a staggering $12,000 due to the absence of more affordable trim levels and the 5% import duty on European vehicles.
The European-sourced i30 Hatch also featured design updates, including revised front and rear styling and LED interior lighting. In contrast, the i30 Sedan is still produced in Korea and continues to be available in Australia, where it is known by that name, unlike in other markets where it is referred to as the Avante or Elantra.
As for the future of the i30 nameplate, uncertainty looms. While the i30 Sedan is expected to enter a new generation this decade, the long-term viability of the i30 Hatch remains unclear. The i30 N Hatch has already been discontinued in Europe, though it is still manufactured for a select few markets, including Australia. Recent reports indicate that the remaining i30 range may receive another facelift to prolong its life, despite having first entered production in 2016.
Hyundai’s strategy appears to be shifting, especially with the upcoming introduction of the all-electric Ioniq 3, which was revealed in concept form at the Munich motor show last month. This vehicle is set to begin production in Türkiye in 2026, suggesting a potential replacement for the i30 lineup.
Sales figures from VFACTS indicate that Hyundai has delivered 8,468 i30s in Australia as of the end of September this year. While this figure positions the i30 as a strong competitor, trailing only behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla with 14,282 units sold, it represents an 8.4% decline compared to the same period last year. Despite this downturn, the i30 has experienced a smaller decline than most of its competitors in a small-car segment that has overall dropped by 24.3%.
The shift in the market is evident, as the i30 Sedan lineup has expanded with hybrid variants, while the i30 Hatch’s offerings have diminished. As Hyundai navigates these changes, the automotive landscape in Australia is poised for further evolution, with the future of the i30 Hatch remaining a significant question for fans of the brand.
