It’s the brand new Hyundai i20 N, the brand’s competition to the likes of the Polo GTI and GR Yaris. Inspired by the i20 WRC rally car, the i20 N is quite the looker and packs a powerful performance punch. With a severe lack of performance hatches for 2020, we really do hope it makes it’s way to South Africa.
The new design language for the Hyundai i20 N.
This Hyundai i20 N is the first model to feature the brand’s new design language and as such, has a striking appearance to other Hyundais on offer. The WRC comes out in the slanted LED headlights and triangular features like the foglamp surround.
The grille and air intakes have increased in size and stand out in black against an option of six exterior colours. The black roof we see in the images will be optional. This is all highlighted by the red striping that runs right around the car. Passing the 18-inch grey matte alloy wheels and running underneath the triangular taillights.
While we love how the red brake callipers stand out behind the metallic grey, a fake diffuser is attached to the rear. Or maybe better described as diffuser like body parts.
Blue highlighted, sporty interior.
A black cabin theme is highlighted with blue accents which are also used for contrast stitching. Upfront there are sports seats and an N steering wheel that has dedicated N keys for personalized driving settings. The bright red button you see here is what will activate the rev-matching function. More N parts come in the form of the gear knob and pedals which have a metallic finish.
It’s mot just WRC inspired looks, but performance too.
A 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine powers this Hyundai i20 N with peak outputs of 150 kW and 275 Nm. It’s mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (with no automatic in sight) that has been reinforced and given a rev-matching function.
Reaching top speeds of 230 km/h, the i20 N can spring from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
With one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, the Hyundai i20 N apparently matches the kerb weight of the WRC car at 1190 kg. Optionally, buyers can have a mechanical limited slip differential equipped.
Five drive modes come as part of the package – Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. The latter of which allows the driver to choose each setting personally. It will also come with launch control for extra quick starts.
More motorsport-inspired features are included, like the electric sound generator, variable exhaust control, a brake pad wear indicator and 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres.
While we do hope that the Hyundai i20 N will make its way to our local market, there are some strong factors against it. Namely that it is not an SUV. Only time will tell.