H yundai has decided to slap the N badge on their small i20 hatchback. To those who don’t know N to Hyundai is AMG to Mercedes-Benz and M to BMW.
The Hyundai i20N gets its inspiration from i20 WRC rally car. When it comes to looks, it looks as menacing as the Toyota GR Yaris but takes it to the next level. It has a large air intake and features a chequered flag design on the radiator grille. Below the grille, a lip spoiler featuring Tomato Red accents, the red accents extends to the side skirts and rear bumper. At the rear, it features a WRC style roof spoiler enhances downforce. The rear bumper comes with built-in diffuser-like elements and topped off with an oval-shaped exhaust tip. Other exterior highlights on the new i20N include LED headlamps, darkened tail lamps, bespoke 18‑inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake callipers. Hyundai will offer the i20N in the following colours Performance Blue, Intense Blue , Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass, and Phantom Black. All colours can be optioned with a black roof (besides Phantom Black).
Inside the i20N gets N-specific advanced and high-tech premium features such as N-specific advanced and high-tech premium features sport seats, as well as N steering wheel and N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals. The black interior features Performance Blue accents throughout and all‑black head lining. The digital cluster and AVN screen include features such as the variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift-timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears.
Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi engine that produces 150 kW and 275 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It achieves 0‑100 km/h sprint in just 6.7 seconds and will top out at 230 km/h. This hot hatch weighs in at just 1,190 kg. We certainly believe that the new Hyundai i20N will give the VW Polo GTi a run for its money.
Images: Hyundai
