Freshened electric sedan is under evaluation for introduction here - and the new Nexo fuel cell is raising interest.

DOLDRUMS in the electric car sector and even sterner challenges to establish hydrogen fuel cell technology is not keeping Hyundai New Zealand from maintaining enthusiasm for both.

The Auckland-based distributor has responded enthusiastically today to just unveiled product, an update of the Ioniq 6 it currently sells and a fresh edition of the Nexo hydrogen car it has trialled here in outgoing form.

Now including a new high-performance N edition - only teased at the Seoul motor show presentation - with the same massively muscular dual motor drivetrain as the Ioniq 5 N it released here last year, the freshened 6 is already being evaluated and the latest Nexo is under consideration, a HNZ spokesperson said today.

EV sales have been markedly depressed since the new National-led coalition withdrew rebates and then applied Road User Charges to the technology.

Yet HNZ, says it has been pleased with the reception meted the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 sister models. Interest in both sparked up when they were both subject to heavy discounting for a period last year until languishing stock was cleared.

While registrations data suggests Ioniq 5 N uptake appears to be low, the commitment to that model also remains firm.

“IONIQ 5 N has been popular amongst customers who are enthusiastic about a unique EV performance vehicle.”

Hyundai here had the outgoing Nexo here for trial and even sold one to a Christchurch enthusiast. It has also involved deeply in hydrogen-fuelled heavy trucks, with long distance trials involving NZ Post.

Asked if there is commitment to continuing with Nexo, the spokesperson said: “Hydrogen is still a key focus for our brand, particularly in the heavy duty trucks space. We are committed to evaluating all hydrogen opportunities for our market.”

The 6 update seems to effect no change to the main sensationally sleek ‘streamliner’ body form but adds restyled front and rear ends for a "more refined" look.

The most obvious external change is adoption if slimline LED headlights, these reinstating the look of the RN22e concept that previewed the production car.

Hyundai says the bonnet has been raised very slightly, to give the car more of a shark-nose look. At the rear the separate boot spoiler has been removed, and the bodywork extended out slightly into more of a ducktail shape.

Interior technology has been updated with Hyundai's latest infotainment software. There is a new steering wheel, a new centre console design, new air conditioning controls, and a distinctive new quilted design for the top of the dash on the passenger's side.

There is an N Line that delivers a sportier look to the standard drivetrain. Hyundai has yet to divulge too much about the 6 N, except to suggest it is expected to run an even punchier version of the 5 N’s drivetrain, which already makes an impressive 478kW combined.

Looking like something like a cross between a Santa Fe and a Kona, this Nexo achieves a new powertrain that increases total output from 135kW to 190kW and the upgraded fuel cell stack now produces 110kW gross. Bigger storage tanks which can hold up to 6.69kg of hydrogen. The projected driving range is “up to 700km” and refilling the tank takes only a few minutes.