Hyundai is planning to expand its performance model portfolio, starting with the European market. Manfred Harrer, president and head of Hyundai’s R&D division, told Autocar UK that the brand will “bring back entry cars on the N line-up”, adding that “an i20 N for Europe is a must”. While Hyundai is yet to confirm it, this new N is likely to be based on the new-gen i20, which recently made its global debut in Brazil.
- Could use a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain
- To rival the likes of the Mini Cooper S in Europe
Hyundai i20 N positioning within Hyundai Europe’s line-up
The previous-gen i20 N debuted in 2021, but after its discontinuation, the current most affordable N product in the brand’s European portfolio is the slightly larger i30 N. Then, there are the fully electric models such as the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, both of which are relatively expensive. “The gap is too big, and we need this entry-level back for our fans,” Harrer told Autocar UK.
Hyundai i20 N expected powertrain
When asked about details of the upcoming i20 N, Harrer said the sensible move would be to “use existing technology”. According to Autocar UK, Hyundai could use a version of its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain that powers mainstream models already on sale in Europe.
For example, the Hyundai Kona with the 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain produces a combined output of 141hp and 265Nm. Speaking about performance to Autocar UK, Harrer stated that he’d like the new i20 N “to go to the Nurburgring and do really successful lap times, even better than the existing one.” However, for that to be possible, Hyundai will have to work on the hybrid powertrain’s battery management system, said Harrer. Furthermore, Hyundai will ensure that the new car “feels sporty; don’t worry about that,” he added.
Hyundai’s performance division also appears hesitant to follow a full EV line-up. Joon Park, VP and head of the N Management Group, told Autocar UK in an earlier conversation that the company is not limiting itself to EVs. “The problem that we have is that there is a perception from the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focusing on the EV world, which is not true.” The upcoming Hyundai i20 N could rival the petrol-powered Mini Cooper S in certain European markets and even the likes of the Volkswagen ID Polo GTI. The outgoing i20 N received a send-off in the Australian market with the limited-run Shadow Edition.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
