Hyundai to hatch Fiesta ST rival in 2018

Hyundai looks set to follow its forthcoming i30 N hot hatch with a smaller, direct rival to the next Ford Fiesta ST .

According to British magazine, Auto Express, the i20 WRC rally car - a front-runner in the 2017 title chase - will be the inspiration for an N version of the i20 to be crafted directly by the performance division.

When asked if a smaller car would sit below the i30 N, Hyundai's N boss, Albert Biermann, replied: "Of course. Why would we limit ourselves to C-segment? There are tons of hot superminis out there - Polo GTI, Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 and even Toyota is doing one. There's a good market out there".

Speculation points to upcoming i20 N employing a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering at 150kW.

To help curb torque steer, the front-drive compact N model is likely to come with an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

Both three- and five-door versions will get the 'N treatment' but will have different characters.

The five-door will come with a more subtle design, while the three-door will boast an extreme body kit said to be inspired directly by the 2017 rally car.

Chronologically, the Hyundai i20 will follow the i30 N hatch and i30 N Fastback, but it's not known if the WRC-inspired hot-hatch will launch before, or after, the Veloster N - but, according to Auto Express, the entry-level N car will be on sale some time in 2018.

Sadly, since the compact N car is based on the i20, a model not sold in Australia, we reckon it’s unlikely the WRC-based rocket will be sold 'Down Under'.

Hyundai Australia opted for the Accent as the compact car for Oz because exchange rates made the European market i20 too expensive. Without doubt hot hatch fans will be hoping for an exception for the i20 N.