Hyundai Automotive South Africa says although it has no “definite plans” to launch the i30 N locally, the "door is always open" should conditions prove conducive.

The local arm of the Korean automaker was reacting to recent photographs showing of a handful of i30 N units at the Durban harbour. However, as CARmag.co.za reported, these vehicles turned out to be in transit to Australia.

“We took note of the reports about the cars in Durban harbour, but they were not imported by Hyundai Automotive South Africa. We have established that they are in transit to Australia,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive SA.

Anderson went on to suggest the brand would import the i30 N only if and when it was able to offer the hot hatch at a competitive price.

“We do not have definite plans at the moment to launch the i30 N in South Africa, but the door is always open for that to happen when the circumstances prove to be right for such a venture.

“We are aware that – based on comments and reactions on social and local online media – quite an appetite exists for the launch of this performance car that was developed under the leadership of Albert Biermann at the Hyundai Motor Group. We are watching the game,” Anderson added.

Original article from Car