Following a long series of teasers and spy shots, the Hyundai i20 N finally goes official. Let’s see what it has to offer.
The compact hatchback sports large air intakes in its front bumper, a diffuser at the rear end and an N badge on the radiator grille. Special 18-inch wheels allow a speak peek at performance brakes with the front discs enlarged to 320 mm. The side sills, brake lights and roof spoiler are likewise new, and the model comes in seven colors to choose from, including the trademark Performance Blue.
Inside, darker tones prevail over rare Performance Blue accents. Novelty includes seats with integrated headrests, a special dashboard, pedal pads, a black top, and new steering wheel and gear shifter.
The car ships with a 1.6-liter turbo-four mill rated at 204 PS (202 hp / 150 kW) and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft). Only manual transmission is available so far, but the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox of the i30 N and Veloster N may become available later if the company discovers sufficient demand. The power-to-weight ratio is 171 hp per metric ton, and the car weighs in at just 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds). No acceleration specs are provided.
Options include a mechanical self-locking differential, launch control, automatic throttling and suspension improvements. The N Grin Control System offers five selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom.
Sales will begin in early 2021. Prices remain pending, but it is clear that the i20 N will have to fight for buyers’ money with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Ford Fiesta ST.