SURE TO ATTRACT AN ENTHUSIASTIC following, the latest addition to the Hyundai N range is the i20 N, the first light hot hatchback, and the second knockout punch from the acclaimed N Division.
Don’t be fooled by its featherweight proportions and attainable price point – i20 N can run with its N stablemates (and plenty of other hot hatches), delivering its speed and performance with a fun personality that turns every trip into a Special Stage.
Namyang and Nürburgring-honed to deliver a ‘corner rascal’ flavour, i20 N has plenty of dynamic tricks in its repertoire, and it’s ready to hit the track straight from the showroom.
At the same time, i20 N’s European light hatchback basis means it gives customers a cleverly practical everyday performance car, complete with a 10.25-inch colour Supervision digital cluster and 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
In addition, i20 N is packed with SmartSense safety and driver-focused N technologies.
Offered in a single feature-packed grade, i20 N is powered by a 150kW turbocharged 1.6 litre with overboost function driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual and mechanical LSD.
“We are excited to introduce the i20 N compact hot hatchback, which follows in the tyre marks of our award-winning i30 N,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jun Heo said.
“As the second product from our lauded N Division, i20 N gives customers an attainable, practical and racetrack-capable everyday performance car.
“With an array of convenience and connectivity features, and SmartSense safety and N driving technologies, i20 N is a uniquely appealing light hot-hatch package,” he said.
i20 N: Range Overview
i20 N is offered in a single grade with hot-hatch high-performance standard, along with an extensive list of safety, connectivity, and convenience features.
Beneath the bonnet, a SmartStream 150kW, 275Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine provides the firepower, and features Flat Power tuning, an active variable exhaust, a rev-matching function, plus N Mode and N Grin Control System.
The potent four-cylinder puts its power down via a six-speed manual and a mechanical limited-slip diff (LSD), while a performance brake package is designed to handle extensive on-track punishment.
A Namyang- and Nürburgring-honed suspension ensures i20 N punches well above its weight on a backroad or the racetrack.
Setting i20 N apart visually are a full body kit featuring a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P Zero HN tyres, and bright LED headlights and taillights.
Inside there are sports front bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alloy sports pedals.
Headlining the in-cabin tech are a 10.25-inch colour Supervision digital virtual instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bose eight-speaker audio and a DAB+ digital radio.
There’s also a wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging pad, a Smart key with push button start, and climate control air-conditioning.
An extensive standard SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety suite includes the following technologies:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) – City/Urban/Pedestrian (camera)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Parking Distance Warning – Front & Rear (PDW-F&R)
- Rear View Camera
i20 N is available in a choice of five solid, metallic and mica shades headlined by the signature Performance Blue, with an optional contrasting roof in Phantom Black.
EXTERIOR
Form and function are given equal billing in the design of i20 N’s exterior, which is inspired by lessons learned in the WRC and rendered in Hyundai’s Parametric Dynamics design language.
There are many motorsport-derived elements, including i20 N’s aerodynamic front bumper design, side skirts and dual level spoiler, which reduce drag as well as the lift generated from the short overhangs when moving at high speeds.
Racy N touches at the front include a black chequered-flag grille insert, a red lip spoiler insert (or gunmetal with Dragon Red exterior), and LED headlights and DRLs.
Compact hot-hatch proportions push i20 N’s wheels out to the corners to create short overhangs, despite a relatively short wheelbase designed to underpin nimble dynamics.
i20 N’s side profile is further enhanced with black mirror caps, N-embossed side skirts, and satin grey 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Completing i20 N’s athletic image are a dual-level rear spoiler, lower diffuser with integrated triangular N fog lamp, and large ovoid outlet for the variable exhaust.
i20 N is offered in Performance Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Dragon Red and Phantom Black, with a choice of a single-tone scheme or a contrasting Phantom Black roof.
INTERIOR
A black sports cloth interior for i20 N is comfortable yet racy, and performance-focused while practical.
European-inspired packaging and low-slung sports bucket seats ensure the ergonomically placed controls fall perfectly to hand, as well as providing ample front headroom and space, and an array of smart storage.
Meanwhile, a leather-wrapped wheel with N buttons and Performance Blue highlights and stitching provide a reminder you’re strapped into a pocket rocket, with an extendable centre console armrest adding a touch of extra comfort.
A 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit with N Mode and an N-themed 10.25-inch full LCD Supervision continue the high-performance vibe, with ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped gear knob and handbrake and alloy sports pedals imparting further premium sports touches.
Clever packaging ensures there is surprising space for rear occupants, and for luggage, despite i20 N’s compact footprint.
A dual-height boot floor allows for a flat floor configuration for longer items, or a deep floor for taller items, while 60:40 split-folding rear backrests ensure an array of cargo space configurations are available.
Sports bucket seats
Premium, cloth-trimmed sports bucket seats in i20 N feature pronounced bolstering that hugs front occupants’ thighs and waists while testing the extremes of the G-force display around tight corners.
Extremely low slung, the seats let even the tallest drivers find the perfect position, with manual height adjustment for those with a race-driver build.
N logoed fixed headrests and Performance Blue stitching complete a sporty theme.
Smart Key with push button start
Just like every Hyundai N model, i20 N features an N-badged Smart Key.
The power side mirrors unfold to greet an approaching driver, who can then unlock and start the car without taking the Smart Key out of their helmet bag.
10.25-inch Navigation with driving data system
A widescreen multimedia unit in i20 N includes all the features and functionality found in Hyundai’s most premium products, including multi-Bluetooth capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital radio, USB multimedia and satellite navigation.
Vehicle settings and N mode settings are easily accessed via a clear and easy-to-use interface with integrated search functions for quickly finding a specific setting, and user-updateable map data using the Navigation Updater software available online.
N Grin Control System
Drivers can choose their ideal drive experience with the N Grin Control System (NGCS – of course it has an acronym!).
A total of six drive modes are offered, including two Custom modes that let you individually map engine response, exhaust noise, steering feel, stability control and rev matching to your desired levels.
Want to go full-noise with everyday-drivable throttle sensitivity? Or maybe you’d prefer stealthy yet rapid getaways? Maybe you’re at the track, and need to switch ESC off for left foot braking? Custom mode can be mapped for all these combinations, and many more.
Bose 8-speaker sound system
An 8-speaker Bose premium audio system in i20 N features a front centre channel and a subwoofer in the boot, ensuring superb clarity when you choose to listen to your favourite tunes instead of i20 N’s orchestra of induction and exhaust.
Wireless charger
A powerful, 15W wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charger is standard in i20 N, with a large, easy to access pad for charging your compatible device.
There is also a USB charging port in the console above, and a traditional 12V outlet.
In addition, there’s a dedicated rear USB port for second-row occupants, so they can charge their devices, or for the driver to power their camera during track stints.
PERFORMANCE
SmartStream G1.6 T-GDi
At the heart of i20 N is an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged N powertrain.
‘Flat Power’ tuning is applied to give the four-cylinder broad torque, with 275Nm produced from 1750 to 4500rpm, and 304Nm available on overboost.
The direct-injected engine revs to a 150kW peak between 5500 to 6000rpm to give i20 N a potent power-to-weight ratio of 123kW per tonne.
The SmartStream G1.6 T-GDi unit features a bespoke turbocharger, intercooler and water pump system for i20 N, as well as a 350-bar high pressure fuel injection rail.
A Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) system enables high performance with light car fuel economy, 6.9L/100km on the official combined cycle.
6-speed manual transmission with rev matching
A high-performance six-speed manual transmission equipped with a reinforced clutch enables quick, slick shifts in i20 N with the capacity for launch control starts.
Talented drivers will appreciate the closely spaced sports alloy pedals which can be danced across during downshifts. Or, you can cheat and activate rev-matching via the steering wheel button, for better-than-a-pro automated downshift blips.
N Corner Carving Differential
A standard mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (M-LSD) manages power across the front axle during cornering and under acceleration, to deliver a ‘corner rascal’ character and the unmistakable carving sensation of driving an N division vehicle on a twisty road.
By utilising a cleverly designed mechanical type differential, size is reduced to suit the compact and lightweight i20 N package while delivering hot-hatch high performance.
Reinforced chassis
Reinforcements at 12 points around the monocoque, along with additional welds, and new bolt-in underbody structures give i20 N increased rigidity and bending resistance to enhance its performance characteristics.
In addition, the front chassis structure is reworked to allow for larger air intake openings for the radiator and intercooler.
Track-ready suspension
Underpinning i20 N’s road and racetrack capability are a thoroughly honed strut front suspension and an N Power Sense Axle at the rear.
i20 N applies lessons learned from i30 N in the design of its zero-scrub radius front geometry, to enhance its response and sharpness, while maximising the tyre contact patches as well as feedback to the driver.
At the rear i20 N’s Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) features all-new dual-beam construction that significantly increases roll stiffness and feedback from the N Power Sense Axle, while maintaining a compact, lightweight design.
i20 N also adopts revised suspension bushing design, materials and construction compared with regular i20s.
These enhancements, with passive (mechanical) dampers tuned in Namyang and honed at the Nürburgring, make for a supremely engaging drive that’s as capable at a track as it is comfortable on a stint to the shops.
“We were involved in discussions with R&D early on, and with Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC), who carried out a large part of the tuning,” Hyundai Product Planning & Development Specialist Tim Rodgers said.
“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.”
“The capability of these second-generation N products is blowing us away. Despite i20 N’s entirely different size and powertrain, it brings all the same fundamentals that make our N products so much fun to drive,” said Rodgers.
“i20 N performs on a level that speaks far beyond what its power, size or price suggests – in the right situation it can be the fastest N in the line-up.”
High-performance brakes
A high-performance front brake package for i20 N features 320mm front rotors, which are a full 40mm larger than those fitted to the regular i20 sold in Europe.
These are fed air via lower control arm cooling air-guides, with air vents built into the front knuckles further aiding airflow and brake cooling.
Combining upsized disc rotors with high friction brake pads and an enlarged brake master cylinder gives i20 N a highly responsive and fade-free brake package that delivers superb feel and engagement on track.
A brake override system can be accessed by gun drivers by switching Electronic Stability Control (ESC) off, allowing for left foot braking even when some accelerator is applied.
And, of course, just as in every Hyundai N model, there’s a standard manual handbrake.
Pirelli P-Zero HN tyres
i20 N wears 215/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres developed in collaboration between Hyundai N and Pirelli, and designed to deliver exceptional grip levels that work hand in hand with the chassis geometry and suspension tune.
As well as extreme grip and response, the bespoke P-Zeros provide excellent water displacement from the treads along with comfortable ride quality, reinforcing i20 N’s ability to be driven to the track to cut laps all day, and then cruise home.
Launch control
A launch control system manages engine rpm and the traction control threshold to make Special Stage starts easy.
With launch mode enabled, the engine spools the turbo and conditions other systems for the quickest possible getaway.
Then, with launch control engaged, drivers can dial in their engine rpm setting to suit the conditions using the touchscreen controls or with the cruise control toggle.
Launch control is enabled via the performance options menu – once enabled, with the vehicle in N mode – or N Custom with Sport+ engine and ESC Sport/ESC off – the driver should ensure the car is at standstill with the steering dead straight, depress the clutch and shift into first gear, then fully depress the accelerator to summon the system.
The driver will then have eight seconds to make final rpm adjustments before launching, which is done by smoothly releasing the clutch.
Active variable exhaust system
In a defining N Performance feature, an active variable exhaust system unleashes fire from the i20 N’s belly, erupting with a fierce WRC-style crackle and roar when the driver flicks into N mode. The large, single-outlet sports muffler can operate across three settings, which can be selected in N custom mode.
N Road Sense
New to N Performance is N Road Sense, a sign-reading function that can detect road signs indicating curves ahead and recommend the driver switches to N mode. N Road Sense does this by using the windscreen-mounted camera in a similar way to ISLA.
Track Maps
A new Track Maps feature debuting in i20 N automatically alerts you when you’re near a compatible race circuit, automatically running the lap timer as you cross the start/finish line.
That means there’s no need to manually hit a stopwatch during track days, although you can still do so if you like, with the inbuilt manual lap timer, by pressing a steering wheel or multimedia touchscreen button to log your laps.
At launch, i20 N will feature Sydney Motorsport Park in numerous layouts, supporting the two separate start/finish lines. A host of major circuits around Australia are planned for roll-out across i20 N, KONA N and i30 Sedan N as part of a mid-2022 map update, which users will be able to apply themselves.
SMARTSENSE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
In addition to its superb passive safety and six airbags, i20 N brings an extensive suite of SmartSense advanced active safety and driver assistance technologies.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) detects pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles ahead of i20 N using the front-mounted radar and camera, and can provide a warning to the driver or apply braking in situations where a risk of collision is detected.
Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
The Blind Spot Collision Warning system warns the driver when there is a vehicle in i20 N’s blind-spot zone via warning lights in the side mirrors. If the driver indicates to change lanes while a vehicle is detected, the BCW system will display a warning on the cluster, and issue an audible alert.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
When reversing in i20 N, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) warns the driver of vehicles crossing its path. The system issues an audible alert and displays warnings in the cluster, reverse camera and side mirrors if an object is detected that may present a collision risk.
RCCW is operational at vehicle speeds below 8km/h, detecting objects within 25 metres at either side, travelling at more than 5km/h.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps the driver stay within a lane by monitoring lane markings and road edges, providing an audible warning if i20 N is getting close to the edge of a lane. The system operates between 60 and 200km/h.
If the driver attempts to leave a lane without indicating, LKA will actively steer the car safely back into the lane.
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Lane Following Assist (LFA) uses the front-mounted camera to monitor vehicles ahead and establish the centreline of the lane, to provide steering assistance to help keep i20 N in the lane. LFA can operate at vehicle speeds up to 180km/h.
High Beam Assist (HBA)
A High Beam Assist (HBA) system in i20 N can automatically dip the high beam headlights to avoid dazzling the drivers of vehicles ahead.
HBA is enabled with the headlights in Auto mode, and the system is activated by pushing the stalk forward. The system uses the front-facing camera to monitor ambient lighting as well as the lights of vehicles ahead, and operates at vehicle speeds above 40km/h.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
A Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system in i20 N monitors driver inputs and vehicle swaying motions and prompt the driver with a warning if inattentive driving is detected. DAW issues an audible alert and a visual prompt to consider taking a break from driving.
Additionally, when stopped in traffic Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) will provide a prompt if traffic ahead starts moving and no response is detected from the driver.
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
A Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) system in i20 N can remind the driver when powering down and exiting the vehicle that there may be a child or a pet in the second row that could be inadvertently left behind.
ROA will prompt the driver to ‘check rear seats’ if it has detected the second row was recently accessed. The system can be turned on/off in the Driver Assistance settings menu.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
A Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA) system features in i20 N, complete with an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist function (ISLA).
After activating MSLA via a long hold of the cruise control steering wheel button the driver can set a speed using the speed toggle. When the set speed is reached, i20 N will limit engine power to prevent the driver from accelerating past their set limit. If the speed is exceeded, the system will issue a warning chime to prompt the driver to slow the vehicle.
In addition, ISLA uses the windscreen-mounted camera to read speed limit road signs and display the information in the cluster for the driver to refer to later. If MLSA is set, ISLA will also prompt the driver to adjust their set speed limit based on speed limit sign information.
Pricing
| Engine | Transmission | i20 N |
| 1.6 Turbo | 6 speed manual | $32,490 |
Note: All prices plus on road costs
| Options | i20 N |
| Premium paint | $495 |
| Two-tone roof | $1,000 |