Hyundai Oz reveals full specs for i20 N

HYUNDAI has officially unveiled full details of its highly anticipated i20 N light hot hatch to the Australian market, a 150kW ‘corner rascal’ representing the second performance model from the Korean brand’s N Division performance arm and positioned beneath the equally attainable i30 N.

Priced from $32,490 plus on-road costs, the i20 N retains all the practicality of its derivative, but with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, six-speed manual gearbox and mechanical limited slip differential that makes it “ready to hit the track straight from the showroom”, Hyundai says.

Despite the i20 N’s smaller stature and engine compared with its i30- and Kona-based performance siblings, Hyundai also claims this flyweight contender can be the fastest N model – given the right set of circumstances.

“We are excited to introduce the i20 N compact hot hatchback, which follows in the tyre marks of our award-winning i30 N,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) CEO Jun Heo.

“As the second product from our lauded N Division, i20 N gives customers an attainable, practical, and racetrack-capable everyday performance car.”

Offered in a single, highly specified grade, the i20 N is packs an active variable exhaust, rev-matching downshift function, high-performance brake package and a unique multi-mode electronic traction system with launch control under the N Mode and N Grin Control functions. 

N division has modified Hyundai’s direct-injected SmartStream engine with a 350-bar high-pressure fuel injection rail and bespoke turbocharger, intercooler, and water pump setup.

The unit is tuned to provide a broad torque curve with 275Nm on offer from 1750 to 4500rpm and 304Nm temporarily available on overboost.

It utilises a continuously variable valve duration system to enable high-revving performance – Hyundai claiming a 150kW maximum power output between 5500 and 6000rpm or a power-to-weight ratio of 123kW/tonne – while enabling light car fuel economy of 6.9 litres per 100km on the ADR combined cycle.

The i20 N tips the scale at 1213kg and is claimed to be capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230km/h.

Hyundai has braced the chassis of the i20 N to increase torsional rigidity and further enhance the characteristics of its Nurburgring-tuned suspension, the zero-scrub front radius geometry of the i30 N adapted to provide the same quick turn-in and driver feedback for its smaller sibling. 

The strut front/torsion beam rear suspension adopts a lower and stiffer setup to regular i20 variants – the N is the only version sold here – and uses firmer bushing and dampers to ensure a “supremely engaging drive”, according to Hyundai.

“We were involved in discussions with R&D early on, and with Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, who carried out a large part of the tuning,” said HMCA product planning and development specialist Tim Rodgers.

“We explained the flavour we like in hot hatches, and I think they’ve nailed the brief, because what’s come out is something really playful, really fun to drive, and quite intuitive to drive as well, which we find is one of the most important factors.”

Riding on satin grey 18-inch alloys wearing bespoke Pirelli P Zero HN tyres, the i20 N is arrested by 320mm rotors up front, high friction sintered brake pads, and an enlarged master cylinder that Hyundai says provides “highly responsive and fade-free” braking. 

A brake override system can be accessed by switching off the ESC system, allowing left-foot braking for those wanting to shave seconds from their lap times. The i20 N is equipped with a new Track Maps feature that automatically alerts the driver when they are near a compatible racetrack and starts a lap time as they cross the start/finish line. 

Visually, the i20 N is differentiated from its humble donor car by a full body kit, LED headlights and taillights, cloth-trimmed low-slung sports seats, alloy sports pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear selector knob and handbrake cover. 

Equipment includes a 10.25-inch infotainment array with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio reception and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

The i20 N also comes with a Qi wireless phone charging pad, keyless entry with push-button start, and climate control air-conditioning alongside an extensive list of Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance and safety technologies. 

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping and lane following assist, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a rear-view camera are all standard.

“The capability of these second-generation N products is blowing us away. Despite the i20 N’s entirely different size and powertrain, it brings all the same fundamentals that make our N products so much fun to drive,” Mr Rodgers added.

“i20 N performs on a level that speaks far beyond what its power, size, or price suggest – in the right situation it can be the fastest N in the line-up.”

The i20 N is available in a choice of five sold, metallic or mica paint colours, the latter adding $495 to the list price, and a contrasting roof is $1000 extra. 

It is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance package and lifetime capped-price servicing. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, and are priced at $309 each for the first five years.

Locally, the i20 N competes with rivals including the Abarth 595 Competizione (from $32,950), Ford Fiesta ST (from $32,290), Suzuki Swift Sport (from $27,990), Toyota Yaris GR (from $49,500), and Volkswagen Polo GTI (from $32,890).

The i20 N will be joined by the Kona N in a few weeks, the high-riding 213kW model the first SUV to spring from Hyundai’s N Division and priced from $47,500 (plus on-road costs).

Visit GoAuto again soon for our road and track review of the 2022 Hyundai i20 N and the 2022 Hyundai Kona N.

2022 Hyundai i20 N pricing*

i20 N 1.6GDi    $32,490    (new model)

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.