150kW Hyundai i20N debuts. Due in Australia early 2021

Hyundai has taken the wraps off its 2021 Hyundai i20 N hot hatch ahead of its Australian debut in the first half of 2021.

Sitting below the popular i30 N, Hyundai’s first pint-size hot hatch is set to rival the Volkswagen Polo GTI, Suzuki Swift Sport and Ford Fiesta ST.

While we won’t know the pricing until early next year, it is estimated to sit between $30,000 and $35,000, placing it smack bang in the price bracket of its rivals above.

Powering the i20 N is a 150kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and a mechanical limited-slip front differential.

Hyundai says the engine pumps out peak torque between 1,750 and 4,500rpm, while peak power kicks in between 5,500 and 6,000rpm.

Weighing in at just 1,190kg – the same as the i20 Cope WRC rally car – the i20 N will dash from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 6.7 seconds with Launch Control, which matches the claim for the VW Polo GTI with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The engine is found in Hyundai’s other models but has been tweaked for the i20 N, including a bespoke turbocharged and intercooler system. The company has also given the engine its Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology.

Like the i30N, its smaller brother is also equipped with a host of driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. N Custom enables the driver to tailor the engine response, transmission, rev-matching function and variable muffler control to their tastes.

Compared to the regular i20 (which isn’t coming to Australia), the i20 N features reinforced chassis at 12 different points. The suspension is equipped with reinforced front domes and knuckles with a distinct geometry, while camber has also been increased. It is also fitted with a new sway bar, new springs, new shock absorbers and larger brakes.

Its 18-inch lightweight alloys are shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres developed specifically for the i20 N with a unique ‘HN’ code on the side wall to denote Hyundai’s N division.

The Hyundai i20 N is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, speed sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse camera and rear parking sensors.

Inside, there is a pair of sports seats, black roof lining, a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch high-resolution infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.