Hyundai is reviving the affordable hot hatch market with an upcoming i20 N that combines aggressive styling with hybrid petrol-electric power, challenging rivals like the MINI and filling a gap left by discontinued Ford Fiesta ST and Renault Clio models.
Key Details:
- The i20 N will feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with Hyundai’s in-house hybrid transmission capable of producing up to 300bhp and 380Nm of torque
- The hybrid system uses a compact P1/P2 motor setup with regenerative braking to minimize weight and package efficiently in the front-wheel-drive supermini
- Expected pricing around £30,000 with sales beginning in 18-24 months
- Design includes lowered body, aggressive bodykit, and exaggerated rear wing tuned for track performance at the Nürburgring
- Dr Manfred Harrer, Hyundai’s global head of R&D and former BMW engineer, is leading the project with emphasis on steering feel and driver engagement
- Hyundai’s N division wants to maintain affordability in its portfolio while meeting Europe’s increasingly stringent CO2 emissions targets (dropping from 95g/km to 50g/km by 2030)
Why It Matters:
The i20 N represents Hyundai’s commitment to keeping performance cars accessible and combustion-engined at entry-level, rather than going exclusively electric, while still meeting future environmental regulations through hybridization.
Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk