With the second-gen i20 turning five this year,
Hyundai is already working on its successor. Expect refined everything, in a
more modern looking package, with the biggest change being the addition of a
full-blown N variant.
Joining its bigger sibling the i30 N in an attempt
to steal some customers from the Volkswagen Polo GTI, Ford Fiesta ST and other
subcompact hot hatches, the car is currently in testing phase. And although it’s not the current
i20 that will get the sporty treatment, KleberSilva has decided to dress this
gen in an N suit.
The result is obvious, with the supermini’s
appearance being defined by the N grille inspired by that of Hyundai’s larger
sporty models, as well as the reshaped bumpers, discreet front apron and rear
diffuser. Other specific design details include dual tailpipes, new wheels,
several blacked-out elements such as the side mirror caps and lower door trim.
The actual car will feature a reinforced chassis,
stiffer suspension, sharper steering and bigger brakes over the regular i20.
The firepower is expected to come from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine making
about 200 horsepower, or roughly the same as its main rivals. The next-gen i20 could launch
next year, and the i20 N should follow it shortly.
