This is the Hyundai i20 N. The little brother of the i30 N looks aggressive and has everything on paper to live up to the high expectations.
The N version of the brand new Hyundai i20 has a 1.6 T-GDi that, like the one in the larger Kia (Pro-) Ceed GT, delivers 204 hp. This means that the small Korean has 4 hp more than the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI. The torque is 275 Nm and yes, the engine is always linked to a manual six-speed gearbox.
Those who operate that bucket skillfully must be able to jump from 0 to 100 in 6.7 seconds. The top is at 230 km / h. During the fast sprint, the driver is given a helping hand by a genuine Launch Control system, while a rev matching assistant provides a sporty portion of intermediate throttle.
WRC
Of course, it’s not all about straight-line performance. What’s called: the cornering behavior is actually much more important in a car like this. The i30 N is a pretty uncompromising scissor iron, so expectations for the smaller and lighter i20 are high.
Hyundai is doing everything it can to keep it that way, and compares itself with the i20 WRC rally car. At 1,190 kg, the i20 N weighs the same as that car. Compared to a normal i20, the chassis, wheel suspension, brakes and steering have of course been adjusted. A mechanical limited slip differential is available as an option, so that the driving forces go to the right wheel even under more severe conditions. To be able to adjust the i20 to your mood and / or those circumstances as well as possible, there are five driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. With the latter, the driver can choose which part of the car is in which position.
18-inch
On the outside, the i20 N gets a treatment that is very similar to the i30 N, including the red accents and the Performance Blue color of the introduction car. Of course, other colors are also available, but the matt gray 18-inch wheels, the spoiler work, the grille and the dark LED rear lights are just part of it. The Performance Blue is also always reflected in the interior. It can be found, among other things, on the large, striking buttons with which the i20 can be tapped in the sportiest position in one operation. A set of extra sporty seats must ensure that the seating position matches the sporty appearance.
Spring
It is hoped that potential buyers of the fastest i20 ever will have some patience, as the car will not be available until the spring of 2021. The prices will undoubtedly follow in the run-up to that introduction moment.
i30, i20 N Veloster
In Europe, the i20 N is the second N model, after the larger and up to 275 hp i30 N. This car is available as a five-door hatchback and as a more sporty Fastback. In North America there is also a Veloster N, but they do not have the i30 and i20 there.