[Auto] Hyundai i20 N: 204 hp of power to defeat all urban GTIs

[#Steeven.™]

Hyundai is clear that, to be a credible firm, it must invest in sports models. It is true that the perception that the public has of her is not the same as two decades ago, but she cannot fall asleep or the current will carry her away. Especially when its main rivals do not stop launching sports-style products to conquer the most dynamic customers. So, following this strategy, it has just presented the Hyundai i20 N.

We have spoken to you several times about the Hyundai i20. The third generation of the utility came into our lives a few months ago and compared to its predecessor the quantitative and qualitative leap was exponential. But best of all, for the first time in its history, it can watch rivals like the Volkswagen Polo face to face. Therefore, it was foolish that those responsible lost the opportunity to go for its spicier version. And it promises ...

The imprint of the Hyundai i20 N is sporty and cheeky

The last time we heard from the i20 N we were able to talk about its aesthetics. Thanks to the publication of some images, they revealed certain details of his physiognomy. However so far we have not had all the material to judge it. In any case, the design team of the firm has carried out a very meticulous work since, without falling into the baroque style, it presents highly studied forms and plans.

In general, the basic lines of his physiognomy do not vary, relying on the Sensuous Sportiness code. However, it has elements that emphasize its sportiness, such as a front bumper with a more generous air intake. The grille features a checkered flag-inspired pattern and features the 'N' logo on one end. Now, in the lower zone we have a splitter finished in an intense red tone.

Moving to the side, comes a new skirt that emphasizes the width of the whole. It presents the same livery in intense red seen on the front and as a complement it has 18-inch alloy wheels with the "N" logo in the center. Finally we must talk about the rear. This is where we find the largest number of changes and among the most important is the large spoiler that crowns the access door to the trunk.

It is inspired by the WRC and improves the aerodynamics of the i20 N. In the middle there are darkened optics that look like a diamond. The lower area is dominated by a sporty bumper that integrates a diffuser. In it are the triangular fog light and a double exhaust outlet on the right side. All wrapped up in six new shades, including the exclusive Performance Blue N and the optional Phantom Black roof.

 

The interior of the i20 N breathes a sober sportiness

Inside, the sportiness of the Hyundai i20 N keeps up with Performance Blue accents and a black roof. Following in the footsteps of his rivals, he avoids falling into excess and limits himself to introducing subtle brushstrokes. As the main element, it has exclusive sports seats that integrate the headrest. As a complement we have a metal steering wheel, gear knob and sports pedals signed by "N".

The digital instrument cluster and central touch screen feature updated menus. Among the new features are a variable LED red zone, which varies according to the temperature of the engine oil, and the shift timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to change gear. Finally, the controls to manage the different driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom) are located on the steering wheel.

 

Its 204 hp and 275 Nm of torque are born from the 1.6 T-GDi Turbo block

All in all, the important thing about the Hyundai i20 N is under your skin. To give life to this version, the engineers have relied on the well-known 1.6 T-GDi turbocharged petrol block. The final performance, after much speculation, remains at 204 hp and 275 Nm of maximum torque, a figure that places it at the height of the Fiesta ST or Polo GTi. But the best thing is that its final weight on the scale is 1,190 kilos, placing it ahead of its main rivals.

For its management, the i20 N is associated with a 6-speed manual transmission. It can also include a mechanical limited slip differential (m-LSD) that employs a mechanical torque gear. Thanks to this combination, it improves grip in peak performance situations and acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour of 6.7 seconds. For its part, the maximum speed is 230 kilometers per hour.

The Hyundai i20 N will be available in Europe from spring 2021. It will be then that we know its prices and equipment possibilities. Meanwhile, it's time to wait, although I'm sure Ford and Volkswagen are already thinking about how to trip him up.