SEOUL: Hyundai Motor has revealed its latest high-performance model - the new i20 N that's a hot hatch ready for racetrack duties.
Inspired by the i20 WRC rally car, the i20 N is touted to offer a fun driving characteristic and joins the i30 N and i30 Fastback N in the South Korean carmaker's performance line-up.
With a wheelbase of 2,580mm and sitting 10mm closer to the ground compared to the standard i20, the performance-oriented i20 N measures in at 4,075mm-long, 1,750mm-wide and 1,440mm-tall.
Power comes from a Gamma II 1.6-litre T-GDi engine that's managed by a six-speed manual transmission (with Launch Control and Rev Matching) and produces 204PS from 5,500 to 6,000rpm and 275Nmn of torque from 1,750 to 4,500rpm.
The engine features an exclusive turbo system which is cooled by an intercooler and the water circulation of the engine. A 350-bar high-pressure injection rail provides for fuel atomization, a faster engine response, as well as a more efficient mixture preparation.
The brand's new Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology finds its way inside to further help optimise fuel efficiency. The CVVD regulates the duration of valve opening and closing according to driving conditions, achieving a boost in performance and a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Further driving enhancements include the N Corner Carving Differential - a Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (m‑LSD) that utilises a mechanically controlled Torsion gear type to control the power transfer to the front wheels. This helps to optimise traction and enhances grip during cornering.
While weighing roughly 1,190kg (kerb), 0 to 100kph sprints take just 6.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 230kph.
The i20 N has been fitted with a front bumper with a larger air-intake to help feed the turbocharger as well as a wider radiator grille with the "N" logo features a unique pattern inspired by a chequered flag,
Tomato Red acts as accents on the lip spoiler, new side skirts and the rear.
At the rear, a distinctive WRC-inspired roof spoiler helps to generate downforce to keep it "grounded" when at high speeds, as do the rear diffuser.
Other fitments include a large single exhaust, front LED headlights, darkened tail lamps, N-branded brake callipers and bespoke 18‑inch alloys in a grey matte finish wearing 215/40 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres with “HN” (Hyundai N).
All budding owners need to do is decide which of the six colours get to accompany the N signature Performance Blue livery that's exclusive to Hyundai N models, an optional Phantom Black roof for a two-tone style and the added Tomato Red accents.
The colours include Performance Blue, Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass and Phantom Black.
Inside, the "blacked-out" cabin gets Performance Blue accents and is fitted with dedicated sport seats with integrated headrests, N steering wheel and N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals.
The digital cluster and audio-visual with navigation screen include features such as the variable LED red zone which varies according to engine oil temperature while a shift-timing indicator cues the driver to switch gears optimally at red-line.
Other goodies that have been thrown in include the N Grin Control System which provides five driving modes of Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be operated in three stages of on, sport and totally off before adding in motorsport-inspired features include an electric sound generator, variable muffler control as well as left-foot braking calibration and a brake pad wear indicator (PWI).
Other than the additional software and mechanical inclusions, engineers have gone through and refined the regular i20’s chassis, suspension, brakes and steering in order to properly handle the added performance and capabilities.
The chassis has been reinforced at 12 different points while the suspension now features reinforced front domes and knuckles with adjusted geometry.
This includes increased camber for better traction and five fixation points for the wheel as well as a new anti-roll bar, new springs and shock absorbers for maximum driving fun.
The all-new N Power Sense Axle at the front combined with a Dual Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) at the rear provide higher stiffness for improved ride and handling performance.
Meanwhile, the high-performance brakes feature an increased front disc, which is 40mm larger over standard for increased fade-resistance and a more consistent brake pedal feel.
The steering ratio has been reduced to 12.0 compared to the standard i20's 12.4 and its column-mounted motor-driven power steering system (C-MDPS) has been specially tuned.
Over the i20 N's list of performance goodies, safety has also been beefed up with the inclusion of Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Drivers Assistance System
The system includes features such as Forward Collision Assist City / Interurban / Pedestrian (FCA) as well as Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning System incl. Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) (DAW+), High Beam Assist (HBA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Rear-view monitor with parking guidance (RVM).
A Performance Driving Data System has also been thrown in to help monitor and improve a driver’s track skills.
This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on horsepower, torque and turbo boost while also providing a lap and acceleration timer.
An optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displays the necessary for drivers and is also available with the latest version of Bluelink - Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services.
This offers a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai LIVE Services, Connected Routing and Last Mile Navigation, as well as remote features via the Bluelink smartphone app. Bluelink comes with a free five-year subscription.
The all-new i20 N will be available across Europe from the second quarter of 2021.
