2021 Hyundai i20 N officially unveiled
N division's much anticipated Fiesta ST rival arrives with WRC styling cues and 204hp
The Fiesta ST has had things its own way for far too long. Three weeks after demonstrating its capabilities to in pre-production format, Hyundai has introduced the all-new i20 N to enliven the fast supermini segment. The on-paper figures do a good job of confirming Dan's suspicions: the manufacturer's performance division has built a car to go toe-to-toe with the all-conquering class-leader.
As the pictures reveal, the new model shamelessly borrows its styling cues from Hyundai's WRC car (tick), and gets a new-for-Europe 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the front axle with 204hp at 6,000rpm and 203lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm (double tick). Hyundai says the linear torque band makes the car quicker in real-world driving, twinned as it is with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
The Gamma II motor itself gets an exclusive intercooled turbo configuration alongside an upgraded fuel injection system for quicker response. You can option in a limited-slip differential of the mechanical kind to maximise traction, while the transmission itself has been beefed up to handle the extra torque, not to mention the stress of launch mode (yep, you read that right).
Elsewhere it gets passive dampers and a firmed-up structure with 12 toughened points to improve lateral performance, meaning even the cheapest entry point gets all of the essentials barring the diff. Performance is competitive; 62mph arrives in 6.7 seconds and top speed is 143mph, and with an expected 1,190kg kerbweight, it's on the supermini money for power-to-weight, too. Hyundai promises that the brakes are more than up to the job of track work, with "increased fading resistance and a more consistent brake pedal feel".
N division has also fitted reinforced front domes and knuckles with adjusted geometry, aligned the front wheels with negative camber, and added a new anti-roll bar to work with 10mm lowering springs. The rear axle also gets a dual coupled torsion beam, so there's a toughness ingrained throughout the rolling chassis.
As the pre-prod car suggested, Hyundai hasn't adopted an overly fast steering rack, opting instead for a 12.0 ratio and specific column-mounted motor so the assistance allows for some feel. There's a rev-match feature, and the ESC can be fully switched off, or set to a Sport mode for reduced interference. As you'd expect, there are drive modes - Normal through to Sport+ - but they're said to tweak the control responses rather than dramatically alter the car's character or performance.
It all sounds very drivable. No word yet on whether or not Hyundai will offer the same track day inclusive warranty cover that it does with the i30 N, but we're hopeful given the manufacturer's proven desire to attract enthusiasts. And from the way it looks to the way it is apparently intended to go, the i20 appears to be a chip off the Nurburgring-developed block. We'll know for sure by the time the i20 N goes on sale in the spring. Assuming it arrives with a sub £20k price tag, it will give Ford plenty to chew over.
This, the Yaris and the Fiesta all decent looking cars. Actually think this class has better looking options than the class above (Focus / Megane / A Class etc all a bit samey)
Doesn't change the fact it is the most interesting segment of the market now.
While I'm not convinced by the look of the rear in general, this is a massive plus point!I30N is a great car overall but i'm waiting their first rwd coupe. Rwd is still the thing, and they have running prototype for that. However european anti car politics and economical issues is against it. Wait and see, but i fear that N rwd coupe is a go for usa but no to europe.
I really like this sort of car, fun to drive on B roads, usually showing up the larger cars with Monsieur Poser at the wheel! Good in town ok on a run and a look back and smile when parked up.
Bonus, one exhaust exit on the correct side for use on BRITISH roads! (I think I saw that correctly)
Agree with the poster who said these hot superminis are far more interesting (and better looking) than the Golf sized car albeit they’re the same size as a hit hatch from yesteryear.
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