May the i20 N, some of the enjoyable small hatchbacks available on the market courtesy of low weight and sharp dealing with, even be the Hyundai sub-brand’s first and final such automobile? Despite the fact that it’s nonetheless pretty new, the Korean model is already dropping sturdy hints that N gained’t be ICE-only for for much longer.
Hyundai has simply revealed not solely two N ideas however affirmation of all these rumours surrounding a sports activities model of the Ioniq 5. Though no official specs have been disclosed, the top-spec and quickest variant is on the way in which for the worldwide roll-out in 2023.
The pair of prototypes which debuted as a part of ’N Day’ not solely couldn’t be extra completely different than the sub-brand’s present fashions but in addition from each other. The primary is a brand new tackle a earlier retro-themed homage to the 1974 Hyundai Pony, solely this time, at nearly 5 metres lengthy, it’s bigger and far, a lot wilder.
Known as N Imaginative and prescient 74, the wide-body coupe is claimed to pack greater than 500 kW and 900 Nm, all that energy and torque going solely to the again axle. Hyundai has even simulated the sound of guide gearshifts – maybe one thing we’ll see in future N electrical vehicles.
Becoming a member of the retromod on stage on the model’s N Day presentation was the RN22e, clearly an excessive tackle a future Ioniq 6 N. There’s nothing official about such a automobile being due for launch however absolutely it’s coming in 2023 or 2024.
The N model of the Ioniq 6 may also have a number of efficiency, its two-motor powertrain probably carrying over to a manufacturing mannequin. Outputs are a mixed 430 kW and 740 Nm and there’s all-wheel drive. Even when that’s detuned, acceleration might be spectacular.
One of many challenges confronted by all makers going all-in with EVs, is giving the vehicles a comparable diploma of character to the most effective IC-engine sports activities fashions. Porsche appears to have cracked it with the Taycan and BMW’s carried out a terrific job with the way in which the i4 goes round corners.
What Hyundai actually wants to verify it doesn’t mess up is the dynamic really feel of its greatest present N fashions. The i30 stays the strongest instance of how the corporate can get a sports activities hatchback so proper in nearly each means, whereas there isn’t an excessive amount of fallacious with the Kona N both. How in regards to the i20 N?
Beginning at the way it seems, there’s loads to love in regards to the littlest N. The essential automobile’s Lexus-like multitude of creases someway work collectively to type a cohesive entire, the impact being a particular automobile from each angle.
The N spices issues up even additional, with its (non-compulsory, at GBP500) darkish roof and trailing wing, huge wheels, lowered suspension, rear trim low down and aggressive entrance. Plus the sub-brand’s signature gentle blue works simply as properly on the i20 because it does on the i30 N and i30 N Fastback.
Hyundai has given the seats, dashboard, steering wheel and door trims sports activities touches too, the impact being that of a pricier automobile because of the usage of sure high-quality supplies.
Forward of the driving force is a cluster of digital gauges though there are additionally numerous analog controls elsewhere, together with numerous buttons adjoining to the steering wheel, one in every of which is brilliant purple and marked REV. Press this and rev-matching on downshifts is activated, whereas a lightweight blue N swap controls the driving mode decisions. It’s also possible to customise the sound of the exhaust, which, it must be stated, is a superb factor as the usual word isn’t that nice.
One thing else which might do with enchancment is the trip. That is the i20 N’s sole severe fault and whereas tight cornering is enjoyable, there’s an excessive amount of of a trade-off when it comes to stiffness at regular speeds on even pretty easy surfaces.
If the damping and springing may gain advantage from a bit of extra refinement, there’s completely nothing fallacious with the extent of grip from the entrance tyres. A lot of that’s because of a typical limited-slip differential.
As for efficiency, it’s a fast little factor, 0-62 mph taking simply 6.2 seconds utilizing launch management. That’s thanks not solely to the mechanical LSD but in addition to properly spaced gear ratios within the six-speed guide gearbox. Energy and torque of 150 kW (204 PS) and 275 Nm are nearly proper too. Any extra and the entrance tyres may begin struggling to maintain issues in verify.
Conclusion
A bit extra refinement within the trip division and this, the corporate’s first try at a automobile to beat the Polo GTI and Fiesta ST, may need carried out simply that. Because it stands, the i20 N comes a not too distant third to these two class champions and as a bonus, is priced beneath each.
Hyundai i20 N prices GBP25,250 earlier than choices. Prime pace is 230 km/h (143 km/h) and CO2 is 158 g/km.
