Hyundai i20N spotted!
We knew the smaller Hyundai hot hatch was coming - here's the first look
For a first effort at a hot hatch, the Hyundai i30N was deeply impressive. Fast, fun and entertaining - as well as very good value - it offered everything you would hope for in a modern, quick hatchback. It's also ensured some considerable excitement around the next Nanyang/Nurburgring Hyundai, which we've known for a while to be an i20.
And here it is, spied near and on the Nurburgring with very little disguise. It's most certainly the N also, with a few tell-tale giveaways: the N gear knob, a strut brace in the boot, Pirelli P Zero tyres (as found on the i30 N Performance) and N-embossed wheels. The exhausts and body still look a little meek, though that could well change before production. Still, plenty to be encouraged by.
Previous speculation has suggested that the i20N will use Hyundai's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, boosted from 177hp as it is in the Tucson to around 200hp, making it broadly competitive with cars like the Polo GTI, Fiesta ST and Renault Sport Clio. In fact, given the dearth of worthy Fiesta competitors at the moment - no quick Ibiza or Fabia, no replacement 208 GTI in sight and the Corsa having gone from VXR to GSI - the opportunity for Hyundai to be successful is arguably greater than ever.
The i20N was initially rumoured as a 2020 model; given we're now nearly half way through 2019 that predication should stand true. Furthermore, with the European affection for a hot hatch showing no signs of abating, a motor show debut on the continent might make sense. And Frankfurt is early September - expect more news soon...
[Images: S. Baldauf/S.B. Medien]
Looking forward to this car. If it's anything like the approach they took with the i30, it should be a cracker. As the article says, plenty of space in the segment too with Peugeot and Vauxhall seemingly giving up on sporting variants.
I wish designers would have a bit more fun in the small hot hatch segment.
The trend of over-endowed hatches once they've had a tickle of power is boring imho.
It's a development car with standard i20 bumpers. The arches look decidedly unfinished, the front bumper has cable ties around it and the rear bumper looks like it's been hacked up to allow the exhaust to fit. Given that the i30N has totally different bumpers to the regular model, I think it's fair to say that the same will be true of the i20N.
I suspect a gear stick gaiter is the least of their priorities currently.
This segment is starting to look like a bit of a walkover for the Fiesta now too. The Mini is more expensive, while the Polo doesn't seem to be that well-regarded. There isn't all that much else to choose from now. The Clio, 208 and Corsa are all dead.
It's a prime opportunity for Hyundai to gain some sales and really push the N brand forward. The price (especially PCP/HP) is going to have to be keen to tempt people out of the Fiesta though.
I'm looking forward to seeing the final result though.
For those commenting on the looks, I can't imagine this is a finalised example at all. The I30N looks aggressive, I hope the same design language trickles down to this.
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