The Hyundai N household has solely saved on rising because the launch of the i30 N in 2018. There’s now the i30 Fastback and Sedan variants to accompany the hatch, together with the Kona N SUV, and the Veloster N within the North American market.
However with development, there’s additionally been value rises, with a base guide i30 N hatch now costing $6210 greater than it did again when the mannequin launched. These after low cost thrills in a sizzling hatch ought not fret although, as the newest tacker within the household is an absolute cut price.
Meet the 2022 Hyundai i20 N – yours for simply $34,990 earlier than on-road prices. It’s nothing just like the last-gen i20 both, ditched regionally in 2015. That isn’t making a come again – the N model is the one one Aussies get, and can ever get.
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We don’t assume anybody’s actually going to be bothered by that although. The Hyundai i20 N is, then, a distinct segment product inside a distinct segment market; for decent hatch fanatics, that’s really an excellent factor.
For starters, whereas the i30 N has softened and gained a dual-clutch automated transmission, the i20 N is strictly a manual-only proposition.
It additionally means it comes with a critically sturdy degree of kit as there’s no must pinch pennies to make the mannequin aggressive with different small hatches, as it is a correct sizzling hatch.
Its solely significant competitors is the Ford Fiesta ST – equally, the one model of the present Fiesta provided regionally. We really favor the cabin of the i20 N too, over its bigger sibling.
It’s roomy sufficient for this author to slot in the again seat at 187cm, however sufficiently small that it feels extra sporty and compact. It feels extra driver-focused too, with the central 10.25-inch infotainment display wrapping round you, and completely excellent shifter placement.
It’s better-equipped as customary – no i30 N mannequin provides a fully-digital driver show, but that’s right here too. There are extra splashes of color all through the cabin as properly, and its material bucket seats with leather-based bolstering are completely best.
With a Bose stereo and wi-fi cellphone charger additionally thrown in, don’t assume you’re making any sacrifices in terms of every day creature comforts.
The place you do make a concession although, is below the bonnet. Somewhat than characteristic the N-specific 2.0-litre turbo you’ll discover within the i30 N and Kona N, the 2022 Hyundai i20 N sports activities a smaller 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder present in a large number of different Hyundai and Kia fashions.
Its been round for ages this engine, however its 150kW energy output nonetheless holds up, whereas an additional 25Nm has been eked out of it to present it 275Nm of torque. Higher but, there’s an over-boost characteristic, giving it 304Nm for brief intervals of time in N mode.
Couple that engine with a six-speed guide gearbox with auto rev-matching in a nimble front-wheel drive chassis, and it’s a certain hearth recipe for enjoyable. Definitely, the i20 N doesn’t disappoint for thrills within the corners.
Whereas adaptive suspension is likely one of the issues it does lose within the favour of its reasonably priced value, it merely doesn’t want it. For every day driving, it’s extra snug than an i30 N ever is; within the corners, it’s simpler and extra forgiving with out missing engagement.
Sure, it’s not fairly as razor-sharp as its large brother, however it’s not far off it – particularly due to the bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres. Nothing beats the engagement of the guide gearbox on this factor, both.
The throws are snappy and tight, the clutch is properly weighted and forgiving, and the auto rev-matching is sensible for these inexperienced with heel-and-toe. For a corner-carving weekend automobile you may nonetheless drive to work, it actually doesn’t get significantly better than this.
Nonetheless, there may be one catch that should be famous – the engine within the i20 N actually does lack the character you’ll have come to anticipate from Hyundai’s N division. There’s nothing unsuitable with it in any respect.
It’s a lot punchy whenever you step on it – its claimed 0-100km/h is a really respectable 6.2 seconds – whereas remaining extremely easy and refined. That’s kind of the issue, although.
Smoothness and refinement isn’t what the N division made a reputation for itself off – relatively, raucousness and large quantities of unruly increase is what yours actually, at the least, have come to affiliate with the model.
Nonetheless, should you dwell in the true world – which most individuals do – this makes the i20 N a significantly better every day driver than an i30 N.
Individuals in visitors received’t hate you in your loud exhaust, and your pockets received’t hate you because it used simply 7.8-litres/100km throughout our 593km of testing, towards a declare of 6.9-litres/100km. The final i30 N we drove used 11.4-litres/100km pushed the identical method.
Given the value level and stripped-back nature of the i20 N’s underpinnings, many will little doubt modify this stuff for observe work (or exhibiting off in carparks), making the shortage of engine character a moot level with that crowd additionally.
Once more, it’s a great engine, with spectacular efficiency. It’s simply that it doesn’t really feel like the whole work of the N division, however relatively the rehashing of leftovers. Leftovers typically style higher the subsequent day although, and the extra torque is proof of that.
The 2022 Hyundai i20 N is a critically sensible automobile, and even when the engine lacks a little bit of aptitude, it’s no harsh mark towards it. In case you’re taking a look at an i30 N, simply ask your self – do you really want the additional energy and area?
The $11,210 you’ll save may get you a hell of a vacation – or a whole lot of mods. Discover out extra on the Hyundai Australia web site. Store round to get a great value, or go to PriceMyCar. In case you want finance, go to CreditOne.
This text initially appeared on drivesection.com and has been republished with permission. Our take a look at car was supplied by Hyundai Motor Firm Australia. To search out out extra concerning the i20 N, contact your native Hyundai seller.
