Hyundai i20 N breaks cover

After countless spy photos, official teasers and even a drive of a prototype vehicle, the wraps have finally come off the Hyundai i20 N hot hatch, showing off an aggressive, angular design.

Arriving four years after the car-maker’s N performance division released the Hyundai i30 N, which was met with critical acclaim, the second high-performance model will be arriving in Australia from around February 2021.

Pricing for the Hyundai i20 N has not yet been confirmed, but it will line up against pocket rockets such as the Ford Fiesta ST ($31,990), Renault Clio RS ($30,990) and Volkswagen Polo GTI ($32,890).

Hyundai i20 N prototype review

It is expected to roll up with circa-$32,000 sticker price, which buys plenty of kit starting with a massaged 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine worth a handy 150kW and 275Nm.

The hotted-up four-pot engine pumps through a six-speed manual (there’s no auto, yet) and a mechanical limited-slip diff to drive the front wheels.

It comes with suspension upgrades, bigger brakes, a launch control system and a bantamweight kerb weight of just 1190kg, ensuring acceleration is rapid. The 0-100km/h sprint takes 6.7 seconds.

That means a photo finish will be required on the drag strip to split it with the VW Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS, both carrying the same 6.7sec performance claim, despite the Polo packing a bigger, more muscular engine. None, however, are quite as quick as the Ford Fiesta ST (6.5sec).

Top speed for the high-performance Hyundai howler – which features variable muffler control “for the perfect exhaust sound” along with an electric sound generator – is 230km/h.

High-performance upgrades

Some of the unique features of the i20 N include a rev-matching system, with its own motorsport-inspired large red button on the steering wheel and a brake pad wear indicator for the bigger, stronger, braking system. The disc brakes now measure 320mm front and 262mm rear – up 40mm.

Tested and tuned at Germany’s Nurburgring, the hot new Hyundai is fitted standard with 18-inch alloy wheels shod with extra-grippy low-profile Pirelli P Zero tyres (215/40 R18) with ‘HN’ (Hyundai N) markings.

There’s also a dynamic five-mode drive system (N Grin Control System in Hyundai-speak) that adjusts engine, exhaust and steering response as well as stability control intervention levels.

The upgraded suspension does not include adaptive dampers like in the i30 N, but new springs, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar are added, dropping ride height by 10mm and stiffening up the chassis.

The MacPherson front struts get revised geometry and new knuckles for improved mid-corner control, while the dual coupled torsion beam rear axle delivers “higher stiffness for improved ride and handling performance”, Hyundai says.

And it looks to be a serious track day tool, as we discovered after driving a prototype version of the Hyundai i20 N at the Wakefield Park circuit recently.

Tougher design inside and out

The hi-po hatchback is the only version of the Hyundai i20 compact hatch available in Australia and like Toyota GR Yaris was developed to leverage its World Rally Championship (WRC) exploits.

Although it’s not in the same league as the 200kW all-wheel drive GR Yaris which costs $50K, the i20 N has plenty of presence.

The lower, wider Korean hatch features a sporty body kit comprising bigger, bolder front and rear aprons and side skirts. These are finished with ‘Tomato Red’ pinstripes to add a little more visual spice.

Up front there are new LED headlights, while at the rear the tail-lights are tinted for a darker appearance, plus there’s a large single oval exhaust pipe integrated into the rear diffuser and an eye-catching roof spoiler that “enhances downforce”, according to Hyundai.

Matte grey 18-inch alloy rims fill out the wheel-arches and N-branded red brake callipers are added.

The i20 N hot hatch is available in six exterior colours, starting with the N signature Performance Blue. This colour is exclusive to Hyundai N models and can be twinned with an optional Phantom Black roof for striking two-tone visuals.

Other exterior pain options include Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass and Phantom Black, most of which can be paired with the two-tone black roof. (Phantom Black is the one exception.)

Apart from three extra-large buttons added to the leather-wrapped, N-logoed steering wheel, the i20 N cabin features sports seats with integrated head restraints, a special N gear shifter, metal pedals that have been designed for left-foot braking and loads of blue highlights throughout.

There’s also a digital instrument cluster with adjustable LED red zone to indicate desired shift timing, while a large 10.2-inch central touch-screen display offers all the latest tech, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, vehicle adjustment settings and a performance driving data system that displays (and saves) various info, including turbo boost and lap times.

All the usual standard features will be bundled in there as well, such as twin USB ports, single-zone automatic climate control, reverse parking sensors and camera, and plenty of safety features too.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, intelligent speed limit assist, lane following and lane keeping assist along with blind spot collision warning are all part of the package.

That said, adaptive cruise control is not on the list.

The flagship i20 N will be backed by Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and like the i30 N may even include racetrack support.