Hyundai has released new teasers of the sporty i20 N undergoing testing in Sweden. Besides hinting at the upcoming performance hatchback’s capabilities, the videos and images also provide new design details.
While the front and rear of the prototype wear quite a bit of camouflage, one can expect performance-related design and styling tweaks, such as an updated grille and front bumper that will also house larger intakes for cooling the engine. The larger wheels, thicker tyres and larger front and rear disc brakes are clearly seen, as are the brake calipers that are finished in red. Double-barrel exhaust pipes can be seen clearly at the rear of this sporty 5-door hatchback, and the bumper design also seems to have been tweaked.
As we had reported earlier, the i20 N will pack in a 204hp, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, making it the most powerful i20 ever to be made. This unit, which will produce about 260Nm of peak torque, is expected to be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, though there are talks of a 6-speed manual version as well.
The latest video shows the i20 N being put through its paces by WRC ace Thierry Neuville. In the video, the multiple-time WRC rally winner describes the i20 N as a “very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well.” A rally-spec version of the next-gen i20 is also said to be in the works.
While the Hyundai i20 N is a long shot for India, the standard-spec car is on course for a late 2020 launch. It will be available with three engine options and will seek to wow premium hatchback buyers with its tech-laden interior. As with its predecessor, the new i20 will rival the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Toyota Glanza, and the Honda Jazz.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
