Hyundai’s i20 N baby hot hatch is here
Hyundai New Zealand has detailed the next entry in the N family, the baby hot hatch i20 N. It aims to blend performance and practicality, just in a smaller footprint to the usual hot hatch fray.
The massaged i20 is selling locally from now in just one form, using a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It produces 150kW of power and 275Nm of torque normally, with an overboost function upping torque to 304Nm.
Hyundai isn’t saying how fast it can hit 100kmh, but the manual transmission comes with a reinforced clutch with the capacity for launch control starts. Closely spaced pedals should allow for easy heel-toe downshifts, or you can activate automatic rev-matching to let the car get it perfect every time.
It should sound good too, with an active variable exhaust system ‘‘erupting with a fierce WRC-style crackle and roar.’’
Handling is helped by a reinforced, more rigid chassis, a standard mechanical limited-slip differential on the front axle, and a ‘‘thoroughly honed’’ suspension set-up. The rear end has a coupled torsion beam axle, which apparently increases roll stiffness and feedback.
High-performance brakes include 320mm front rotors, which are 40mm larger than the European-spec i20, and a larger master brake cylinder. A manual handbrake is also included, which definitely won’t be used for handbrake slides.
As for actually living with the car, Hyundai has included a 10.25-inch infotainment unit with a special N theme, along with another 10.25-inch digital instrument display behind the wheel. Bose audio is there too, but that exhaust might mean it goes underused.
Sports bucket seats up front, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, a wireless device charger and Hyundai’s ‘‘N Grin Control’’ drive mode system are all standard fare as well.
A healthy list of safety assistance features includes blind-spot collision warning, lane-keep/follow assist, rear cross-traffic alert and parking distance warning on the front and rear.
Active cruise control wasn’t mentioned, probably due to the manual transmission. It’ll get regular cruise control instead.
Meanwhile, exterior design tweaks from the standard i20 include black mirror caps, LED front headlights and DRLs, a black chequered flag grille insert, and a coloured front splitter to go with that rear dual-level wing.
Colours include Performance Blue, Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass, Dragon Red and Phantom Black, with a contrasting Phantom Black roof.
The only stumble we can see is the price. At $53,990, the i20 N is only five grand less than the manual-equipped i30 N hatchback. It’s also a big jump up from rivals Fiesta ST ($39,990) and Polo GTI ($40,990).
But the i20 N is arguably more special than the others, being more related to the manufacturer’s WRC entrant. It’s available now.