Hyundai’s smallest hot hatch, the upcoming i20 N, has been spied testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its arrival in Australia during 2021
Based on the third-generation i20 unveiled earlier this year, the new i20N is visually differentiated by a different grille treatment, red brake calipers, and more aggressively styled side skirts.
At the back the diffuser-style element and reflectors have been redesigned, while the exhaust tip is visible and slathered in chrome. A large black wing is mounted at the top of the tailgate.
The i20 N also sits closer to ground, and rides on large alloy wheels with low profile tyres.
We can see the car’s intercooler behind the grille, so we know there’s something turbocharged lurking underneath the bonnet.
Quite what it is hasn’t been confirmed, but a report from the Korean Car Blog indicates the i20 N will use a version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder employed by the i30 N-Line.
Transmission options are said to include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch.
If true, this means the i20 N will have around 150kW and 265Nm, putting it in a direct fight with the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI, but well below the 200kW all-wheel drive Toyota Yaris GR.
Like the Ford Fiesta it competes against, the i20 will be sold in Australia solely as an affordable hot hatch.
Less powerful variants will not be coming Down Under thanks to the car’s European sourcing, which puts it at a significant pricing disadvantage to most of its rivals.
