Spunky Hyundai i20N packs enough spec to fit the bill
Very loosely based on the Hyundai’s latest World Rally Car, Hyundai’s new i20N is the flagship of that recently launched range in South Africa. The heart of the matter being a 90 kW 172 Nm turbocharged 3-cylinder1-litre petrol lump, the most powerful in the new i20 range.
Fitted with a paddle-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the top i20 lives up to its World Rally Champion genes with firmer McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Coil springs and gas-filled dampers are fitted all round. For darty roadholding and proper grip in in the corners. And perfect for our next road trip.
I20N certainly looks the WRC part
The new Hyundai i20N certainly looks the WRC part. Signature DRL LED headlamps, projector halogen fog lamps and a chunky, low mounted radiator grille, bumper and inserts set it apart. All enhanced by N-specific design elements and the necessary N Line logos.
Smart machine faced 16-inch alloy wheels, purposeful twin exhaust tips and a sporty, side winged tailgate spoiler nicely finish the neat N package. This smart moonlight blue pearl combined with a black roof is also reserved for the N Line only.
Despite its compact B-segment dimensions the new i20 offers customers ample interior room and 311 litres of boot space. I20N boasts a motorsport-inspired cabin for a dynamic ambiance. This N Line package also adds a sunroof and is set apart by multicolour ambient lighting and striking red and metal finishes including red seatbelts.
Ample i20N luxury to match the spunk
The driver has a height adjustable seat and a tilt and telescopic three-spoke red stitched perforated leather DCT shifter N Line multifunction steering wheel. Add a sporty gear knob and non-slip alloy-look pedals. Supervision digital instrumentation includes a TFT multi-info display. N-line also brings keyless button starting and cruise control.
The cabin is dominated by smart, wireless Auto and CarPlay 8-inch touchscreen infotainment that doubles as a reversing monitor. With real knobs and buttons. Yay! There’s also a wireless cell phone charger backed by USB and USB-C ports, as well as a 12V power socket. Best of all, perhaps, is a funky Bose Premium Sound System with dynamic speed compensation.
The faux red-piped grey leather sports seats bring enhanced neck support. Comfortable side bolsters made for a comfy ride on the long road. But also brough great support when exploiting that those jaunty underpinnings. This N Line also gains automatic climate control and a cooling glove box with an adjustable centre arm rest cover.
Red calliper ABS brakes, smart 16” wheels
Passive safety includes driver, front passenger, side impact and curtain airbags. And upper and lower ISOFIX child seat attachment points. Red calliper ABS EBD braking is backed up by electronic stability and hill-start assist control.
Finger that starting button and the lively little turbo lump burbles to life. It delivers an entertaining three cylinder rumble on the move and can be a bit noisy when it roars. But its easy to drive and comforting to live with in everyday driving. It thrives on the open road, where i20N easily trumps its 6.9 litre/100 km fuel consumption claim.
Push it and i20N certainly delivers on that WRC-like fun its presence suggests. But it’s also a comfortable, well equipped and capable car you’d expect for its relatively elevated price on the flipside.
I20N sporty enough with a little WRC cred
It’s not the fastest or most powerful sled on the block. But if you’re looking for a reasonably sporty car with a tangible motorsport credentials, the Hyundai i20N certainly deserves a second look. Big brother took Thierry Neuville to WRC glory after all. – Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Hyundai i20 1.0T N Line
90 kW 172 Nm 1.0 litre turbo petrol
7-speed double clutch automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.59 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.64 sec
0-120 km/h: 12.16 sec
400m: 17.0 sec @ 137 km/h
80-120 km/h: 6.21 sec
120-160 km/h: 11.25 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 187 km/h
Fuel: 6.9 l/100 km
CO2: 126 g/km
Range: 525 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 150K/4 y 60K km
LIST PRICE: R467K
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