Hyundai i20 N accidentally teased – 200 hp hot hatch

Hyundai i20 N accidentally teased – 200 hp hot hatch

The new Hyundai i20 has only just been unveiled, but the company seems to have already let slip that a hotter N version is coming. Its Austrian arm released a teaser video of the i20 N on YouTube, which has since been taken down – but not before Carscoops managed to snag a screenshot.

Even from the shadowy side profile, it’s clear that this cili padi will pack a serious visual punch, taking plenty of cues from the larger i30 N. Apart from the signature Performance Blue paint and red accents, the i20 N also looks to sport a deeper front air dam, side skirts and rear bumper, large turbine-style alloy wheels and a sizeable tailgate spoiler. This particular version also has a black roof that’s an option on the standard i20.

Rumours of an N variant have been swirling for a while, as Hyundai appeared to be intent on drawing closer parallels between its road cars and its rallying exploits (its current World Rally Car is based on the outgoing i20 Coupé). A development prototype based on the facelifted previous-generation model was spotted testing last year, confirming the car’s existence.

Reports suggest that the car will be powered by a tuned version of the company’s 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending around 200 hp to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. If that sounds familiar, it’s because that’s the same formula employed by the Peugeot 208 GTi and the old Ford Fiesta ST (the new one uses a 1.5 litre turbo three-pot).

Can’t wait for the reveal (which should be before the end of the year, by all accounts)? Whet your appetite for N power by watching our video review of the i30 N, which will be coming soon.

GALLERY: 2021 Hyundai i20

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Ben Yap on Mar 09, 2020 at 11:51 am

    a civic 1.5 turbo remap can produce 205hp. that’s more than this so called hot hatch.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
    • Anonymous on Mar 10, 2020 at 4:25 am

      So the customer has to get that extra 30 hp? Honda can’t be bothered to do that right out of the factory?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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