If Hyundai’s i30 N is anything to go on, the new i20 N should be a little ripper.
Due here in the first half of 2021, Hyundai’s latest hottie is inspired by the i20 WRC rally car.
It joins i30 N and i30 Fastback N performance models which have earned plenty of accolades since launch.
The i20 N is powered by a 1.6-litre 150kW turbocharged four, the latest iteration of an engine that has seen duty in several models, including the Veloster hatch.
With up to 275Nm of torque and weighing in at 1190kg, the car has a top speed of 230km/h and is able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
A flat torque curve produces maximum torque between 1750 and 4500 revs, with maximum power available from 5500 and 6000 rpm.
i20 N features an exclusive turbo system cooled by an intercooler and water circulation of the engine.
A 350-bar high-pressure injection rail provides for fuel atomisation, faster engine response, as well as a more efficient mixture preparation.
The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual reinforced to cope with higher revs, torque and Launch Control — to deliver an immersive driving experience.
i20 N can also be spec’d with an N Corner Carving Differential, a mechanical limited slip diff that modulates delivery of torque to the front wheels — to enhances grip in corners.
N Grin Control offers five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom.
These adjust the parameters of the engine, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), exhaust sound and steering to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions.
In N Custom mode, drivers can select from Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+ settings to match driving preferences and road conditions via a “Spider diagram” on the display screen.
Dedicated N keys are also provided on the steering wheel that any pre-sets can be mapped to, while stability control can be fully turned off.
Like the i30 N, the all-new i20 N boasts a range of high-performance driving features.
Rev Matching synchronises the engine for downshifts with its own dedicated activation button on the steering wheel.
With Launch Control, engine and traction control are optimised for quick acceleration from a standing start, just like the professionals.
Other motorsport-inspired features include an electric sound generator, variable muffler control, as well as left-foot braking calibration, brake pad wear indicator (PWI), and dedicated 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres with “HN” mark (standing for “Hyundai N”).
Hyundai’s engineers have tuned chassis, suspension, brakes and steering to deliver more agile ride and handling, as well as making the car race rack ready.
The chassis has been reinforced at 12 different points to ensure smoother handling and usability on any road and in all weather conditions.
This includes a redesigned undercover and an additional bracket.
The suspension features reinforced front domes and knuckles with adjusted geometry.
This includes increased camber for better traction and five fixation points for the wheel as well as a new anti-roll bar, new springs and shock absorbers.
The all-new N Power Sense Axle at the front combined with a Dual Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) at the rear provide greater stiffness for improved ride and handling.
High-performance brakes feature 40mm larger front discs, reducing fade and delivering a more consistent brake pedal feel.
Direct and precise steering is achieved by a reduced steering ratio of 12.0 (i20: 12.4) along with a specifically tuned column-mounted motor driven power steering system (C-MDPS).
Other goodies include a Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve track skills.
This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on power, torque, turbo boost.
It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.
i20 N will compete against the likes of VW Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST, so expect a sub-$40,000 price tag.
Pricing and specification will be revealed closer to launch.
CHECKOUT: Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Going quick!
CHECKOUT: Hyundai i30 Fastback N: It’s bye-bye GTI