The Korean carmaker, Hyundai has recently unveiled a genuine hot hatch (high-performance) version of the new i20, called the "Hyundai i20 N". This racetrack competent model is inspired by the i20 WRC rally car and features some cosmetic upgrades to distinguish itself from the regular models. For people not in the know, Hyundai holds the full-on N Performance badge for the models that are dynamically & visually sportier from their standard counterparts.
Hyundai i20 N – Design
The Hyundai i20 N features a Performance Blue paint shade with red accents on the front lip spoiler, side skirts, and rear bumper that accentuates the sporty character. The sharp cascading grille with N-line badging, sleek headlamps with sweptback LED DRLs, larger front air intakes on the new sportier bumper along a black line connecting the fog lamp housing supplement to the performance characteristics of the car.
The side profile remains identical to the standard version except for the new bespoke set of 18-inch grey matte finish alloy wheels with N-branded brake calipers, and contrast red finished side skirts. The rear gets dark tail lights, a new sportier rear bumper with diffuser and red highlights, and a WRC-inspired roof spoiler to culminate the racier exterior design.
Hyundai i20 N – Interior & Features
Inside the cabin, the hot hatch gets an all-black cabin with blue inserts, dedicated sports seats with integrated headrest, N-line steering wheel, N gear knob, Sporty N metal pedals, and various LED red zones in the instrument cluster.
As far as the features are concerned, the new i20 N offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Smart Sense technology, ambient lighting, wireless charging, auto AC, rear AC vents, and more.
The safety kit comprises many radar-based features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeps assist, blind-spot detection, intelligent speed limit assist, vehicle departure assist, driver attention warning system, rear cross-traffic alert along with rearview camera and guidelines, etc.
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Hyundai i20 N – Powertrain
To make the N hot hatch dynamic and racetrack capable, Hyundai has plonked a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine under the hood, that churns out a whopping power output of 204PS and 275Nm of peak torque. The transmission on offer is only a 6-speed manual unit in the i20 N which transfers the power to the front wheels.
The 1190kg propelling machine can sprint from standstill to 100kmph in just 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 230kmph.
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To increase its trail performance, Hyundai has also equipped the hatch with launch control, rev-matching, and mechanical slip differential. Further, it also gets 5 driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N, and N Custom. The driving modes alter the engine response, ESC (electronic stability control), steering feedback, and exhaust note according to the chosen drive mode.
Apart from the above-mentioned add-ons, the Korean maker has also made several other changes for better handling capability. The suspension system is also tweaked according to its performance orientation character. The front brakes are too upsized by 40mm and the ground clearance has been decreased by 10mm for better aerodynamics.
Will it launch in India?
Hyundai will launch the i20 N in European markets by 2021 whereas its standard version (third-gen model) is slated to launch in India next month. But the brand is unlikely to bring the N Line trim to our shore. Instead of the N performance variant, we might get the 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine option with the sportier-looking Sport/Turbo variant, just like the Hyundai Venue. It is expected to be priced between Rs 5.7 lakh and 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom). To know more about the Indian-spec new Elite i20, click here.
