Why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT could replace your Holden Commodore SS and Ford Falcon XR8

Australians have been searching for a replacement to the once-beloved Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon sports sedans – and the answer might finally be on the way.

The Commodore and Falcon, particularly the respective SS and XR models, were staples in Australian driveways for decades as they combined performance and practicality in equal measure for an ideal family car.

Since the demise of the local car industry several models have tried to step into the breach – Kia Stinger, Ford Ranger and Toyota Prado to name a few – with mixed results. This week came word of a new model that could soon arrive to offer not only a combination of performance and practicality, but will do so in an SUV body and with a future-proof electric powertrain.

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I’m talking about the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the all-but-confirmed new electric addition to the South Korean brand’s expanding N performance range. It will be the sibling model to the already-revealed Kia EV6 GT, which boasts a 430kW/740Nm dual-motor powertrain.

Kia claims the new EV will run 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and has even shown off a video of it beating the likes of a Lamborghini Urus in a drag race, so its performance credentials are strong.

So, why will it replace the Commodore SS and Falcon XR8 in the hearts, minds and driveways of Australian families? Well, part of the reason for the demise of the local Holdens and Fords was the shift to the likes of Hyundai and Kia models, so there’s already an appreciation for what the brands offer.

(Image credit: William Vicente)

Australians love performance cars, hence why the SS and XR models ended up being the most popular variants in the range by the end, so the acceleration offered by the EV6 GT and likely the Ioniq 5 N will have big appeal.

Plus, they’re crossovers, the most popular type of vehicle right now (aside from utes) and a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Even the transition to EVs shouldn’t change that, and instead, Hyundai and Kia seem perfectly positioned to take advantage of the changing market demands.

As we’re written before, the Ioniq 5 and EV6 represent arguably the best chance so far for a mainstream EV. Both are built on the new Hyundai-Kia E-GMP platform which offers multiple powertrain options (both single and dual-motors) as well as range of more than 450km and ultra-rapid charging thanks to its 800-volt electrical system.