Having teased us a bit with details over the past few weeks, Hyundai has finally properly unveiled its new hot small hatch, the i20 N. The latest N-badged model (and only the third N-car to go on sale, after the i30 N and i30 N Fastback) is packing a 204hp punch to take on the Ford Fiesta ST.
Six-speed manual gearbox
That power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol GDI four-cylinder engine, which is mated to (praise be!) a six-speed manual gearbox. To go with that 204hp, there's 275Nm of torque, and the i20 N weighs a fairly flyweight 1,190kg. That's the same weight as Hyundai's i20 WRC rally car, apparently. It allows Hyundai to claim a 6.7-second 0-100km/h time, and a top speed of 230km/h.
The Korean engineers say that the engine has been designed around the 'flat power' principle, meaning that its torque and power curves stay pretty stable through the rev range. Maximum torque is developed from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm, while maximum power is produced from 5,500rpm to 6,000rpm.
There's both an intercooler and a water-cooling system for the turbo, plus 350-bar fuel injection with variable valve timing. For those looking for a really hardcore driving experience, you can spec the i20 N with a 'Corner Carving' limited slip differential.
Limited slip diff
As if Corner Carving wasn't cringe-inducing enough, Hyundai has also equipped the i20 N with what it calls 'The N Grin Control System.' This is what normal people call a driving mode selector. You can use this to choose between Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom modes, which all alter the throttle response of the engine, the traction control, the stability control and more. In Custom mode, you can use a 'spider diagram' on the central infotainment display to set the car up precisely how you want it in relation to a mixture of performance parameters, and save that setting to the 'N' button on the steering wheel. Oh, and you can turn the stability control right off, if you're feeling sufficiently brave.
Other driving aids include launch control, rev-matching on downshifts, switchable exhaust modes and even a system that calibrates the car for left-foot braking. The i20 N even gets its own bespoke tyres, 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zeros, with a dedicated HN mark for Hyundai N.
The regular i20 bodyshell has been stiffened and reinforced at 12 separate points to make it butch enough to cope with the N's power. At the front, there are reinforced suspension turrets and new steering knuckles, while at the back the 'dual coupled' torsion bar suspension has been stiffened up. There are new springs and dampers all-round, and the brakes are larger than those of the standard i20.
For all the hooliganry, there's also a full suite of safety kit including forward collision alert, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping steering, blind spot monitor and an intelligent speed limiter.
Variable redline
Inside, the i20 N comes with an (optional) 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Hyundai's new Bluelink connected car system. Almost needless to say there are also unique sports bucket seats with integrated head rests, as well as an N steering wheel and N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals.
The instrument panel gets a rev counter with a variable LED redline, which adjusts according to engine temperature (like an old BMW M5!).
Style-wise, you'll spot the i20 N from its deep front bumper, with cooling slots for the turbo, the N-logos (which feature a stylised chequered-flag background), a lip spoiler with 'Tomato Red' inserts, a body kit and a big WRC-inspired roof spoiler at the back. There's also a big bumper and diffuser at the rear, along with a triangular rear fog light (like that of the i30 N) and a single, fat (phat?) exhaust pipe. Wheels are 18-inch items finished in matte grey, and the brake callipers get Hyundai N badging. You can of course have it in Hyundai's distinctive 'Performance Blue' and there's a contrast black roof option too.
"Our high-performance N brand has been hugely successful since we launched the i30 N in 2017. This time, we decided to develop a model inspired by our i20 Coupe WRC, which last year led us to success in the World Rally Championship," says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Company. "With the all-new i20 N, we are expanding our high-performance N line-up to appeal to even more customers who want to experience the thrill of the racetrack in their everyday lives."