► New i20 N hot hatch is here
► 201bhp, manual, rev-matching…
► …and an optional mechanical LSD
How could N Division follow on from its bombastic first hot hatch? With another, smaller one – this is the new i20N.
Take the already dramatic-looking i20 supermini, add on some performance tartery on the outside and give it the specs to really square up to the epic Ford Fiesta ST and you’ve got a mighty supermini on your hands…
You’re right – it does look racy…
Oh yes. Along with N’s now traditional Performance Blue paint (other colours are, of course, available) and red trimmings on the aggressive front and rear bumpers, there are chequered flag motifs in the grille and a blocky rear spoiler.
Inside, Hyundai has treated the i20’s interior to some modest changes. Biggest of which are the myriad performance buttons on the steering wheel for the drive modes, N-specific graphs, menus and details in the infotainment system and sporty bolstered seats.
Come on, get to the performance specs…
The Koreans are convinced it’s gotten the recipe right under the skin. Hyundai claims its new super supermini has real DNA links to its WRC racer. Coincidentally they both weigh 1190kg, though the motorsport car carries the extra weight of four-wheel drive – more pertinently,the i20N is about 70kg lighter than the Fiesta ST.
A new-generation-for-Europe 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo with a bespoke turbo sits in the i20N’s nose, with 201bhp and 203lb ft being sent to the front wheels via a reinforced six-speed manual. The i20N has launch control and rev matching straight out of the box, and you can spec a power-shuffling limited-slip differential, too.
Like its bigger sibling, there are several drive modes including N Custom, where you can tweak the steering weight, ECU, traction control and exhaust noise via thumb paddles on the wheel. A parpy exhaust with variable valve control (and, grudgingly, digital audio enhancements inside), bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres and left-foot braking calibration for the middle pedal are all incorporated, too.
Want one? You can grab it in the first months of 2021.
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