2021 Hyundai i20 N to pack 1.6-litre engine, DCT option - report

Hyundai’s smallest hot hatch looks set to feature a dual-clutch transmission option, giving it the tools to take on the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

Korean Car Blogreports the 1.6-litre engine in the i20 N will be mated with a six-speed manual transmission, or a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Hyundai hasn’t yet confirmed what will power the i20 N, but there are two possible options: a variation of the 2.0-litre engine in the i30 N, or a hotter version of the 1.6-litre engine used in the warm i30 N-Line.

The KCB report says the latter will be used, but power outputs haven’t yet been confirmed. In the i30 N-Line it has 150kW and 265Nm, which would put it on a par with the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI for power.

The Toyota GR Yaris promises to deliver 200kW from its turbocharged engine, but may also pack a price around $50,000 before on-road costs when it arrives.

If the report is correct, the dual-clutch in the i20 N will be a different transmission to the new eight-speed unit being developed for the i30 and Veloster N.

The 1.6-litre engine from the N-Line is already paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, making that transmission the likely candidate.

Hyundai has confirmed the i20 N will come to Australia. No other i20 will be brought Down Under because of the cost of importing European-built small hatchbacks.

Ford takes the same approach with the Fiesta ST, although both Toyota and Volkswagen offer full ranges of the Yaris and Polo respectively.