Hyundai reveals WRC-inspired i20 N, to be available 2021

Korean automaker Hyundai has revealed the latest pocket rocket to extend the N family line, the all-new i20 N.

Inspired by the i20 Coupe World Rally Championship (WRC) rally car, this hot hatch wears the same minimum weight requirement in the FIA-WRC—1,190 kilograms.

Its motorsport DNA came from the i20 Coupe WRC, which has earned 17 at the highest level of international rally competition and was WRC manufacturers’ champion after securing four wins during the 2019 season.

Hyundai Motor Company Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division Thomas Schemera expressed pride over the latest offering.

“Our high-performance N brand has been hugely successful since we launched the i30 N in 2017. This time, we decided to develop a model inspired by our i20 Coupe WRC, which last year led us to success in the World Rally Championship,” he said.

“With the all-new i20 N, we are expanding our high-performance N line-up to appeal to even more customers who want to experience the thrill of the racetrack in their everyday lives.”

The all-new i20 N is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDi engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Such engine—first of a new generation to feature in a European Hyundai model—can provide 201 horsepower and 275 Nm torque. The all-new i20 N covers a 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of 230 km/h.

Also the driving mode choices break out from the usual three as the all-new i20 N has five: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom.

For its exterior aesthetics, the all-new i20 N exudes its athletic nature by merging Hyundai’s rallying heritage with the company’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design identity. Compared to the base model i20 N, its ground clearance is 10mm lower, showing its sporty stance.

Some of the noticeable characters of the i20 n is the wide radiator grille with N logo that has a checkered flag-inspired design, Tomato Red lip spoiler, a WRC-inspired roof spoiler as well as as the rear bumper with built-in diffuser-like elements .

It sits on 18‑inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake calipers.

For the interior, the i20 N has dedicated sport seats with an integrated headrest, N steering wheel, N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals.

Further, it has a host of safety features that are under the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Drivers Assistance System features such as the following:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-City / Interurban / Pedestrian / Cyclist (FCA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Driver Attention Warning System including Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) (DAW+)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
• Rear view monitor with parking guidance (RVM)

The all-new i20 N is also fitted with a Performance Driving Data System that shows and saves driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.

For infotainment, the all-new i20 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai LIVE Services, Connected Routing and Last Mile Navigation.

Sadly, this vehicle is just for the European market. And even they will have to wait until next year springtime before they could get their hands on one. The closest we had with the i20 N was the shortlived i20 Cross Sport.

Photo/s from Hyundai UK

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