Next-Generation Hyundai i20 N Confirmed, What It Will Look Like
It was recently that Hyundai revealed the next-generation i20 in Brazil. It has now been confirmed that the new-generation hatchback will get an ‘N’ version. Like the previous versions, it will also have an aggressive styling and a more powerful, hybrid engine. India is unlikely to get the new i20 N. However, the next-generation i20 will get an ‘N-line’ version here in the coming years. For now, let’s look at the i20 N’s design and powertrain details.
Image source: AutoExpress
The i20 N is Hyundai’s baby performance car- the entry point to the ‘N lineup’. It is reportedly a pet project of Manfred Harrer, Hyundai’s global head of R&D. He has previously worked with brands like BMW and Porsche, and was even part of the project that gave MINI go-kart-like agility.
Auto Express has now released an image showing how the new i20 N will look like. The base design and stance resemble those of the new-generation i20. It has an upright stance, clean lines and smooth surfaces. Like the regular hatchback, the i20 N will also get dual-pod pixel-style LED headlamps with Y-shaped DRLs. There will be a full-width LED light bar at the front.
The grille section, front bumper and air dam design are much more aggressive than those on the regular car. A front lip can also be seen, finished in Black with Red accents. An ‘N’ badge can be seen on the front grille. The Hyundai logo on the bonnet is finished in Black. The body has a dual-tone paint scheme comprising Thunder Blue and Black.
The front brake callipers are finished in Red and the car has stylish alloy wheels. Touches of Red can also be seen on side claddings. The silhouette resembles the new-generation i20. The rear has a Black, sporty spoiler as well. Overall, the styling is quite aggressive.
The new i20N is expected to go on sale in Europe in the next 18-24 months. It will be powered by a hybrid turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a twin-hybrid motor transmission developed in-house by Hyundai. It will be able to handle up to 300hp and 380Nm. The previous (2021) i20N used to make 201hp and 275Nm from its 1.6-litre T-GDi engine. The hot hatchback could do the 0-62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The new i20N’s hybrid powertrain uses two electric motors, one of which will act as a starter/generator and will also be able to add torque to the driveline. The second motor will provide direct electric drive to the wheels and will also play a key role in regenerative braking. These will be mated to a hybrid battery pack.
The new i20N will have a transverse engine layout, front wheel drive and a compact hybrid transmission. Harrer says that the car’s battery performance and cooling system will be optimised to deliver maximum performance. He also believes that N cars should excel at proving grounds like the Nürburgring. He even added that the new i20N will be a benchmark for other hot hatches.
Historically, India has never got proper N cars. Hyundai, however, sells several N-Line models here- from the i20 N-Line to the Creta N-Line. N-Line models mimic the aesthetics of proper N cars, feature punchy turbo-petrol engines, offer unique colour options, and even come with significant improvements to their suspension and steering setups.
The carmaker will bring the next-generation i20 to India in the coming years. It will later be joined by the new-generation N-Line version. The N-Line version will likely have a design that stands close to the one shown here. On the powertrain front, it could potentially use the new 1.2L hybrid-ready turbocharged petrol engine that’s known to be under development.