Hyundai i20 N: Australian price and specs

The Hyundai i20 N hot hatch will be priced at $32,490 plus on-road costs when it arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.

That’s later than expected, but it’s better than not at all, as was originally the case for the Korean car-maker’s smallest and cheapest N model.

And the price tag for the single-spec Hyundai i20 N – the only version of the latest i20 hatchback that will be sold in Australia – positions it mid-way between its two most direct rivals.

They are the Ford Fiesta ST ($32,290 plus ORCs), which also manual-only, and the auto-only Volkswagen Polo GTI ($32,890 plus ORCs).

The only other light-size hot hatch available in Australia is the sold-out Toyota GR Yaris (from $49,500), a red-hot three-door all-wheel drive turbo-triple rally rocket.

But while the Hyundai i20 N is a front-wheel drive five-door like the Fiesta ST and VW Polo GTI, all four models have formed the basis for World Rally Championship assaults – with the Ford Puma set to enter the fray next year.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder T-GDi engine driving through a six-speed manual transmission, the Hyundai i20 N delivers 150kW of power over 5500-6000rpm and 275Nm of torque over a broad 1750-4500rpm – increasing to a big 304Nm in overboost mode.

Hyundai says that’s enough to propel the pint-size hatch – which measures just four metres long and weighs only 1213kg, giving it one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class – to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and a 230km/h top speed.

Launch Control and a mechanical limited-slip ‘N Corner Carving Differential’ help get the power down efficiently, and other upgrades over garden-variety i20 models not sold here include an N Drive Mode System, N Performance Driving Data System, Performance brake package, active variable exhaust and rev-matching function.

Dressed in an exclusive N body kit punctuated by a big rear spoiler, the i20 N also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero tyres and an N-exclusive interior with alloy sports pedals, sports front bucket seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Other standard features confirmed by Hyundai Australia this evening include a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite-navigation, wireless smartphone charging, seven-speaker Bose premium audio with DAB+ digital radio, rear privacy glass, climate-control, power folding exterior mirrors, smart key and push-button start and automatic wipers.

Standard safety equipment extends to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist City/Urban/Pedestrian, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning, reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors, LED headlights and tail-lights, and tyre pressure monitoring.

A temporary space-saver spare wheel is fitted and standard paint colours are Polar White and Performance Blue, with Sleek Silver metallic, Phantom Black mica and Dragon Red mica costing $495 extra.

The only other option is a two-tone Phantom Black roof ($1000), matching the black cloth/leather interior.