When an N ticks next to a Hyundai model name, performance and driving fun are guaranteed. This is also the case for Hyundai i20 N, the compact of the high-performance family of the Korean house that combines the expertise coming from the world of motorsport, with the experience accumulated on the road, the protagonist of our test drive of today. The result is all here, concentrated in just 4 meters: gritty look, aerodynamics and weights borrowed from the WRC and a pleasant sound worthy of the N range. How are you doing? Let’s find out together.
The new Hyundai i20 N thus turns out to be the natural combination of specially designed aerodynamic shapes and the dynamic design of the renewed Korean compact. Compared to the traditional variant, the i20 N has a lowered height of 10 mm and is characterized by a front bumper in which it stands out a larger air intake for the turbo engine. The generously sized grille is distinguished by the N logo and is embellished with a motif inspired by a checkered flag, underlining the sporty soul of the car. On the front, the LED headlights also stand out. Under the grille, a front spoiler featuring Tomato Red details further accentuates the performance-oriented design. This color extends to the end of the car, emphasizing its width. The side skirts then make an ideal conjunction between front and rear. Here we find a distinctive WRC-inspired spoiler that helps to increase downforce for a ride suitable for all conditions, characterized by maximum stability even at high speeds. The bumper integrates an element similar to a diffuser while the triangular optical signature recalls that present on the i30 N and i30 Fastback N. The racing soul is also underlined by the 18 “wheels with dedicated design which are embellished with a matt gray finish and I hide the red brake calipers marked with the N logo.
If on the outside the sporty appearance is accentuated by various stylistic elements, also inside the passenger compartment there are various details that make the Korean compact a true sports car. Starting with the sports seats with integrated headrests, particularly enveloping thanks to the lateral reinforcements. Specific buttons appear on the steering wheel for the driving methods and the setting of the trim, including the REV Matching key that allows you to synchronize the engine with the transmission shaft, making downshifts smoother or more decisive depending on the driving mode. The sound that comes from the single but generous exhaust terminal is interesting and particularly pleasant: here a noise generator has been inserted that uses a variable opening valve, making the driving experience more engaging. However, the involvement of the driver does not stop there, with the technicians of the Korean brand who have equipped the small of the N family with other elements that enhance its racing qualities, such as the N Grin Control System which offers a high level of customization. with five different driving modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. In fact, those who get behind the wheel interact with the parameters of the engine, electronic stability control, steering and exhaust sound to optimize them for different driving conditions. In N Custom mode, through a spider diagram on the AVN screen, drivers can individually adjust the settings for each component, choosing from Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport +, to suit their driving preferences and road conditions. Driving the Hyundai i20 N is a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission (6MT). The petrol unit delivers a maximum power of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 275 Nm and thanks to its weight of 1,190 kg it allows top-level performance, with a maximum speed of 230 km / h and a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in just 6.7 seconds.
From the point of view of connectivity, the new Hyundai i20 N is equipped a 10.25 ” touchscreen navigation system equipped with dedicated N contents, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and based on the latest version of Bluelink, the infotainment system of the Korean brand that integrates some online services such as Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation as well as a series of functions that can be used remotely via the appropriate app. The new i20 N is also equipped with the Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s skills on the track: thanks to this technology, driving data can be saved and displayed later, including information on power, torque and compression. turbo, and includes a timer to time laps and accelerations.
The Hyundai SmartSense package of safety and driving assistance systems includes several technologies including Automatic Emergency Braking with Vehicle, Pedestrian and Cycle Recognition (FCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and the Bling-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). The small and turbulent Korean compact knows how to entertain and shouts out its sporty soul. Despite being one of the latest entries in the N family (excluding the Kona), the i20 N is able to convey an engaging experience thanks to a dynamics studied in detail: even at high speeds it can keep the road well, with the braking system that is able to contain all the exuberance. The optimization of the electric power steering, the steering wheel allows precise changes of direction and direct feedback that further improves the control of the car. The price list of the new Hyundai i20 N starts at 28,550 euros.
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