HYUNDAI will lob a WRC grenade into Australian light-car class within the fourth quarter of this 12 months with its steroid-laced N model of the compact i20 hatch that’s impressed by competitors and clearly shirt-fronts Toyota’s explosive GR Yaris.
The i20 N “would be the most accessible product” in Hyundai’s native hot-shoe vary when it goes on sale priced from $32,490 plus on-road prices.
Beating the i20 N to the showrooms by a couple of weeks would be the equally smokin’ Kona N, right here within the third quarter and priced from $47,500 plus on-road prices.
The pair change into the second and third Hyundais out there right here with the badge after the i30 N that has already swayed efficiency consumers away from sports-hatch icons led by the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Not like the GR Yaris, the brand new Hyundai hotties will not be restricted editions and are anticipated to stay a part of the model’s vary.
It’s the first exhibiting of the i20 mannequin because it was dropped in Australia in 2015 after a six-year run. However Hyundai has no plans to introduce the vanilla model, filling its market slot with the Venue SUV.
Getting the N model in control is a new-generation 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine rated at 150kW/275Nm with an overboost operate that can pump torque to 304Nm.
Hyundai has tuned the engine for “flat energy” that it says ensures excessive responsiveness and improved acceleration.
“Flat energy gives extra torque and energy at decrease revs, thereby utilising extra of the engine’s potential in on a regular basis driving,” it claims.
The engine maintains most torque between 1750rpm and 4500rpm and achieves most energy between 5500rpm and 6000rpm to enhance acceleration within the mid- and high-speed vary, which the corporate mentioned “delivers constant excessive efficiency in quite a lot of driving circumstances”.
The i20 N weighs 1213kg for a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a prime whack of 230km/h.
It comes solely in a single trim stage with a six-speed handbook driving the entrance wheels by means of a mechanical limited-slip differential that Hyundai calls an “N Nook Carving Differential”.
For a little bit of enjoyable, it comes with a launch-control operate. The i20 N could have choices together with metallic paint at $495 and a black roof for an additional $1000.
Normal tools consists of Hyundai’s complete Sensible Sense security package deal, sports activities seats, alloy pedals, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and 10.25-inch infotainment with satellite tv for pc navigation.
The i20 N faces up towards the Volkswagen Polo GTI that has a 2.0-litre engine rated at 147kW/320Nm, a dash of 6.7 seconds and prices $32,890 plus prices or the Ford Fiesta ST ($32,290) with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol at 147kW/290Nm for 0-100km/h of 6.5 seconds.
Extra unique is the Toyota GR Yaris (from $49,500) with a 200kW/370Nm 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo and all-wheel drive for a dash of 5.2 seconds; and equally the Abarth 595 ($26,980) and 695 ($44,950) with as much as 140kW/250Nm from a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol for a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds (695).
Hyundai class the Kona N as a “true sizzling SUV” and is the primary N in an SUV physique, claiming it affords “a successful mixture of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack readiness” thanks partially to its comparatively slim 1510kg weight.
It will get its mumbo from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine rated at 206kW/392Nm, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Nonetheless, with the kick of the “N Grin Shift” mode, its energy is enhanced to 213kW. With launch management, the Kona N sprints to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds on the best way to a tutorial prime of 240km/h.
Just like the i20 N, the engine will get a flat energy tune for prime response and improved acceleration and drives its 19-inch alloy wheels by means of the identical mechanical diff on the entrance axles. It has an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Kona N will are available two grades priced at $47,500 plus on-roads, and for the Premium, $50,500 plus prices.
The Premium provides the complete Sensible Sense security pack, leather-based upholstery, LED headlights, Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio, head-up show, heated and vented seats, sunroof and Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Hyundai gross sales are up 25.5 per cent to June 30, incomes a 6.8 per cent market share.
The introduction of the i20 N returns Hyundai to the micro-light automotive class – which has steady gross sales of about 5000 items a month – following the demise of the Accent as Hyundai moved the purpose posts to introduce the Venue SUV.
The Kona N will reinforce Hyundai’s play within the small SUV sector the place the mainstream mannequin is the second-best vendor at 8215 gross sales this 12 months, with a 12.5 per cent share.
