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2021 Hyundai i20 N revealed with 150kW, in Australia next year

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Sam JeremicThe West Australian
Hyundai i20 N.
Camera IconHyundai i20 N. Credit: Supplied

Hyundai has finally pulled the covers off its latest performance model, with the i20 N due in Australia in the first half of 2021.

Inspired by the i20 World Rally Championship car and dubbed the “ultimate corner rascal”, the i20 N will do battle against other light-sized pocket rockets such as the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta ST and upcoming Toyota GR Yaris.

There is no word on pricing as yet, but given the bigger i30 N start at $41,400, a starting point in the low $30,000s seems a reasonable bet.

The i20 N has a new-generation 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine offering 150kW and 275Nm, which puts it ahead of the Fiesta and Polo for power (both 147kW) but behind on torque (290Nm and 320Nm respectively).

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Hyundai i20 N.
Camera IconHyundai i20 N. Credit: Supplied

It’s also lower than the GR Yaris’ segment leading 200kW and 370Nm.

As with the i30 N, the i20 N will debut only as a six-speed manual.

It will cover 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds — the same as the Polo GTI — and will offer a mechanical limited slip differential and 320mm front disc brakes to help in the twisty stuff.

As with the updated i30 N arriving at roughly the same time, the i20 N has a number of features to enhance fun.

The N Grin Control System offers five drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom), which adjust the behaviour of the engine, electronic stability control, exhaust sound and steering depending on conditions or driver preference.

Other performance perks include rev matching for the manual transmission, launch control, an electric sound generator, variable muffler control for different exhaust sounds, left-foot braking calibration, a brake pad wear indicator and 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres with “HN” mark (standing for “Hyundai N”).

The chassis, suspension, brakes and steering have all also been reworked.

Hyundai i20 N.
Camera IconHyundai i20 N. Credit: Supplied

Externally, it sits 10mm lower than the standard i20, a larger front air intake, N logo on the grille, a lip spoiler, red accents new side skirts, roof spoiler a large single exhaust and more.

There’s a choice of six colours, all with an optional black roof: Performance Blue, Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass and Phantom Black.

Inside there are dedicated sport seats with an integrated headrest, an N steering wheel, gear knob and metal pedals.

The interior is black with Performance Blue accents throughout and all black head lining.

Other cool trouches include the variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift-timing indicator which shows the driver the best time to switch gears.

Recent times have seen performance variants take over the light car segment. Just as the Fiesta ST is the only Fiesta available in Australia, so to will the i20 N be the only variant on offer in local showrooms.

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