Performance Focused Hyundai i20N to Launch Next Year

Hyundai-i20-Sport.jpg

Hyundai i20N could be the third N performance model from the brand after the i30N and Veloster N

South Korean auto manufacturer has already earned positive response and garnered interest among the enthusiasts with its N performance range of cars. With the Hyundai i30 ready to make its debut on 13th July and the second model Veloster N to come by 2018, third model wearing the N badge could be the very popular i20 premium hatchback.

As it seems, the auto manufacturer will start working on the i20N after releasing the Veloster N and this performance focused hot hatch would arrive sometime next year. Currently, the brand uses the i20 Coupe WRC in the FIA World Rally Championship. Expect the i20N hot hatch to use some elements and techs from that.

Hyundai-i20-WRC-1.jpg

Also read: Hyundai i30 N Hot Hatchback Teased Ahead of July 13 Debut

Hyundai believes the N performance badge shouldn’t be limited to the C segment only. Hyundai N division’s director Mr. Albert Biermann believes, the i20N will have immense potential as it will lock horns with rivals like Volkswagen Polo GTI, Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 and even the Toyota Yaris GRMN as well. It is not sure if the Hyundai i20N would arrive in Indian market as well, but there is no doubt that this hot hatch will have immense potential in the domestic market.

Indian buyers are now opening up to new concepts and they have shown interest towards the performance oriented hot hatches. In the Indian market currently, Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Fiat have presence in the hot hatchback segment. Ford too launched the Figo Sport, but that doesn’t boast any mechanical upgrade. Therefore this less explored segment could be the next spot, where Hyundai would like to have a strong presence.

Hyundai-i20-WRC-2.jpg

Also read: 2017 Hyundai Verna’s Interior Teased for the First Time

Speaking about the design of the Hyundai i20N, it would have the same silhouette as the current i20 WRC. But it will appear more conventional compared to the rally-spec model. On the powertrain front, it would get a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine under the hood capable of churning out 200 hp of peak power. It will get a four-wheel drive layout and electronic differential as well.