This is our first look at the forthcoming Hyundai i20 N - a supermini hot hatch to take on the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen Polo GTI, and the Korean marque's follow-up to the incredibly successful i30 N and N Fastback models.
Dancing through the snow
Hyundai has released two videos showing winter testing for its high-performance models, with various cars - the i20 WRC, the RM19 mid-engined test vehicle and the i20 N - all being put through their paces by the company's WRC driver Thierry Neuville. The shakedown-tests took place in Arjeplog, Sweden, and the films show the i20 WRC driving through Lapland at night, before arriving at a frozen lake. It then intercuts to shots of the RM19 and the i20 N in action, the supermini hot hatch heavily camouflaged in the shots we can see.
A second video includes additional scenes of the i20 N prototype, with Neuville providing commentary on the footage and explaining his thoughts after driving them all. Of the next N product, the Belgian rally ace said: "Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I'm looking forward to getting this one to drive in WRC!"
'Racetrack capable'
The impressive critical reception of both the i30 N and i30 N Fastback have really paved the way for Hyundai to expand its fledgling performance brand into new model lines. Not only is the i20 going to gain its N version, but there's a belief that the Kona crossover will also receive N treatment in the near future. More concrete details of the i20 N will be forthcoming soon, but Hyundai was happy to say that while the car will obviously be road legal, it will also be 'racetrack capable', which is an exciting little bon mots to leave us with, isn't it?