2021 Hyundai i20 N makes its debut
In a world where powerful SUV’S and sedan’s hold more popularity, it seems that powerful small cars are losing their fame. Now there are the exceptions of VW Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST, which still somehow manage to meet the demands of this humble market. Hyundai hopes to stay in the competition by revealing the all-new 2021 Hyundai i20 N. This high-speed N model will be based on Hyundai’s award-winning i20 Coupe WRC rally car.
The new i20 N is instantly recognizable and that is due to its bright baby blue colour, Hyundai is calling is “Performance Blue”, which odd when all you can really picture is a speedy smurf. Under the hood, the latest i20 N comes packed with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 152kW and 275Nm of torque. It also comes with an intercooler and special water pump. Hyundai hasn’t announced the car's acceleration numbers or the top speed, so one can only wonder how it would compete with its rivals, the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Polo GTI. The i20 N will only be available in a good old fashion six-speed manual transmission.
In terms of the exterior, the new i20 N defiantly looks the part, it has a new front bumper that features larger air intakes, a new lip spoiler, new rear and side skirts as well as badass roof spoiler which was inspired by the WRC rally car. The spoiler isn’t the only thing that’s similar to the WRC rally car, in fact, the new i20 N will even weigh as much as the award-winning rally car. The new i20 N will be riding on 18-inch Matte Gray alloy wheels and will be accompanied by Pirrelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tires, as well as N-branded brake calipers. At the rear, we have new modified rear lights, a sporty rear bumper that comes with a diffuser as well as a single large exhaust pipe. The single exhaust pipe may not look like much but does promise to deliver a racing-inspired sound and this is because the i20 N comes will come with an electric sound generator.
The inside of the new i20 N will come with new sport seats with integrated headrests, an N designed steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster as well as Hyundai’s N Grin Control System which is used to adjust the driving modes. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the latest version of Hyundai Bluelink. To further ensure that your experience with the new i20 N is feeling extra sporty, it also comes with a rev-matching feature that is accessed through the red button located on the steering wheel. The i20 N will be available with Launch control, as well as five drive modes which include Normal, Eco, Sport, N, and N Custom.
When it comes to safety, the new i20 N will come standard with Hyundai SmartSense, this will include forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, blind-spot collision warning, lane following assistance, and automatic emergency braking.
Hyundai has announced that the new i20 N will go on sale in the spring of 2021. As to when it will hit the shores of SA is still unknown. Hyundai hasn’t yet announced the pricing of the new i20 N and will do closer to the time.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2021 Hyundai i20 N cost in South Africa?
The 2021 Hyundai i20 N launched with a starting price of around R485,000 in South Africa, making it a proper contender in the hot hatch segment against the VW Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST.
Q: How much power does the Hyundai i20 N produce?
The i20 N packs a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 152kW of power and 275Nm of torque, which is more than enough grunt to get your adrenaline pumping on both road and track.
Q: Is the Hyundai i20 N available with an automatic transmission?
Nope, the i20 N only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is actually brilliant news for driving purists who want that proper connection between driver and machine.
Q: What are the main rivals of the Hyundai i20 N in South Africa?
The i20 N goes head-to-head with the VW Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST, both of which have been dominating the hot hatch scene in SA for years.
Q: Is the Hyundai i20 N worth buying over its competitors?
The i20 N offers fantastic value with its WRC-inspired design, proper manual gearbox, and competitive pricing at around R485,000, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts who want something different from the usual German offerings.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the 2021 Hyundai i20 N is absolutely worth considering if you're hunting for a proper hot hatch under R500,000 in South Africa. With 152kW on tap, WRC-inspired looks, and that brilliant six-speed manual, it brings serious performance credentials to the table. At around R485,000, it's competitively priced against the VW Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST, while offering something refreshingly different in a segment dominated by European rivals. The Performance Blue paint job might make you look like a speedy smurf, but you'll be grinning from ear to ear every time you hit the tarmac. If you want a hot hatch that stands out from the crowd and delivers genuine driving thrills, the i20 N deserves a spot on your shortlist.
