Hyundai has announced new spec details for the all new i20 N.
And with a swathe of track-oriented systems fitted as standard - including an ‘N Corner Carving’ differential, launch control and rev-matching gear downshift tech - it looks like being an absolute hoot to hoon around in.
The i20N - sibling to the more powerful i30N - was announced late last year and is now available to order.
And Hyundai is pulling out all the stops to make this the hottest supermini in town - rivalling the likes of the similarly-priced Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI.
If you’ve never considered buying a performance Hyundai, the i20N really will make you think again.
The Korean firm says it has focused on ‘sheer driving fun’ when putting the i20N together, and power of 204 PS and torque of 275 Nm comes from a 1.6 litre ‘T-GDi’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
Hyundai says that this mill is packing something it calls ‘flat power technology’ which delivers more torque and power at lower engine revs, which means you don’t have to flog it to go somewhere in a hurry and it also makes it more relaxing as an everyday driver.
You’ll sprint from 0-62mph in a mere 6.7 seconds - which is precisely the same as the Polo GTI and only marginally slower than the Fiesta ST’s time of 6.5 seconds.
As we mentioned earlier, a number of motorsport-inspired features come fitted to i20 N as standard.
The most eye-catching of which is the ‘N Corner Carving Differential’ – a mechanical limited-slip differential that regulates the transmission of the engine’s power to the front wheels and provides optimum grip and traction in all conditions.
You get a launch control system so that you’re quickest off the line when you take it to the track. While a press of the red button on the steering wheel initiates Hyundai's Rev-matching technology, providing controlled gear downshift with a double-declutching function.
All that means you get smoother, sportier gear changes that help you settle into a steady rhythm.
Hyundai's patented ‘N Grin Control System’ - which tells you all you need to know about how much Hyundai is having with this car - gives you access to five different driving modes, Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. You can also set your preferred exhaust note, from quiet and muffled to ‘my neighbours are going to hate me…’
All of this, and you can still expect around 40 mpg.
The exterior styling is bang on the money, too, proving more in-your-face than the more sedate-looking Polo GTI but without overdoing the brashness.
Grey matte finish 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers with N logos and a WRC-inspired roof spoiler complete the look - the latter apparently ‘enhancing downforce and stability at speed’, says Hyundai.
Inside the cabin you can enjoy all the creature comforts we’ve come to demand from a modern car, including full phone connectivity, a 10.25 inch infotainment screen with sat nav, sports seats and safety features like cruise control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring & Cycle Detection, Emergency Call Button, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
You also get digital 'track day coaching' info provided by the car's Performance Driving Data System, which keeps a close eye on your skills before providing you with the data through the car’s digital cluster screen.
It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.
Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, said:
“Every Hyundai N model is born at our Namyang R&D Centre in South Korea and honed on the fearsome Nürburgring race circuit in Germany.
“And the all new i20 N proves no exception to that rule. During the car's intensive development period, our engineers pushed the i20 N to its limit to create a pure, uncompromising performance driving experience that will provide a lot of fun on the road.
“Simultaneously, no effort was spared in ensuring the i20 N excels when it comes to criteria such as styling, equipment, connectivity, safety and everyday practicality.”
We want one - and so should you.
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