Confirmation of Hyundai following up the i30 N with a smaller i20 stablemate isn't newsworthy; the spy shots have been floating around for months. Quite exciting it is too, what with the Hyundai N brand of hot hatch - that being the quite boisterous, slightly uncouth kind - likely better suited surely to a Fiesta-sized hot hatch than a Golf one.
What is new, however, is seeing the i20 N on an official Hyundai video. Of course, this isn't the full reveal just yet, instead a camouflaged mule on a Swedish lake, but it's further progress, another step towards a launch, in the development of a highly anticipated hot hatch.
WRC driver Thierry Neuville is driving, moreover, adding a dash of extra intrigue. Sadly, the roadgoing i20 doesn't get the same treatment in this video as his rally car, being driven a lot more sedately, though we do get some feedback from the Belgian: "Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well." Hardly the most detailed of assessments though, again, we'll take what we can at this point in time.
As for what to make of the car, it's clear that Hyundai has gone to some considerable effort to keep the i20 N's final look concealed for now. Familiar 'N' hallmarks are there, with wheels similar to the i30 N and red calipers; but if you can tell much more from a small grey hatchback this heavily disguised then you're doing much better than us.
Beyond that, Hyundai has said the new N "will be racetrack capable and street legal" - in case there was any concern - and that more details "will be revealed soon." Having launched the i30 N in 2017 and then the Fastback the year after, Hyundai has now gone two years without adding to the range - it seems unlikely to be three. We'll bring you more as it's received.
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