• i20N is the first light hot hatch from the N Division
  • Powered by a 150kW 1.6 turbo with a six-speed manual and mechanical LSD
  • Packed with convenience, connectivity and SmartSense safety technologies
  • Aerodynamic body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and an array of driver-focused N tech
  • i20N on sale now in New Zealand for $53,990 RRP

Introducing the i20N, Hyundai’s first light hot hatchback, and the third model from the N Division. This is a car that the DriveLife team have been waiting for, for so long.

Don’t be fooled by its proportions; according to Hyundai, the i20N can run with its N stablemates, delivering its speed and performance with a fun personality that turns every trip into a Special Stage.

Namyang and Nürburgring-honed to deliver a ‘corner rascal’ flavour, i20N has plenty of dynamic tricks in its repertoire, and it’s ready to hit the track straight from the showroom, says Hyundai. At the same time, i20N’s European light hatchback basis means it should give customers a practical everyday performance car, complete with a 10.25-inch colour Supervision digital cluster and 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

In addition, i20N is packed with SmartSense safety and driver-focused N technologies. Offered in a single feature-packed grade, i20N is powered by a 150kW turbocharged 1.6 litre with overboost function driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual and mechanical LSD.

“We are excited to introduce the i20N compact hot hatchback, joining its siblings the i30N and Kona N,” says Hyundai New Zealand General Manager, Chris Blair.

“i20N is playful, really fun to drive and quite intuitive to drive as well. With an array of convenience and connectivity features, and SmartSense safety and N driving technologies, it’s a racetrack-capable everyday performance car.”

Mr. Blair adds, “To celebrate its arrival we’re launching the i20N with an exclusive offer to reward the early adopters and true N enthusiasts. i20N orders taken to date, and up to 31 March 2022 will come with an amazing Hyundai New Zealand Rally Experience Package, including a rally ride with world rally driver Hayden Paddon, hospitality to WRC Rally New Zealand, plus more.”

2022 Hyundai i20N: Range Overview

In New Zealand, the i20N is offered in a single grade with hot-hatch high-performance standard, along with a list of safety, connectivity, and convenience features.

Beneath the bonnet, a SmartStream 150kW, 275Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine provides the firepower, and features Flat Power tuning, an active variable exhaust, a rev-matching function, plus N Mode and N Grin Control System.

The four-cylinder puts its power down via a six-speed manual (Yes! No automatic here) and a mechanical limited-slip diff (LSD), while a performance brake package is designed to handle extensive on-track punishment. A Namyang- and Nürburgring-honed suspension ensures i20N punches well above its weight on a backroad – or the racetrack, says Hyundai.

Setting the i20N apart visually are a full body kit featuring a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P Zero HN tyres, and bright LED headlights and taillights. Inside there are sports front bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alloy sports pedals.

Headlining the in-cabin tech are a 10.25-inch colour Supervision digital virtual instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bose eight-speaker audio and a DAB+ digital radio.

There’s also a wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging pad, a Smart key with push-button start, and climate control air-conditioning.

An extensive standard SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety suite include the following technologies:

  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) – City/Urban/Pedestrian (camera)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Parking Distance Warning – Front & Rear (PDW-F&R)
  • Rear View Camera

2022 Hyundai i20N – Exterior

There are many motorsport-derived elements in this car, including i20N’s aerodynamic front bumper design, side skirts and dual-level spoiler, which reduce drag as well as the lift generated from the short overhangs when moving at high speeds.

Racy N touches at the front include a black chequered-flag grille insert, a red lip spoiler insert (or gunmetal with Dragon Red exterior), and LED headlights and DRLs. Compact hot-hatch proportions push i20N’s wheels out to the corners to create short overhangs, despite a relatively short wheelbase designed to underpin dynamics.

i20N’s side profile is further enhanced with black mirror caps, N-embossed side skirts, and satin grey 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres. Completing i20 N’s athletic image is a dual-level rear spoiler, lower diffuser with integrated triangular N fog lamp, and large ovoid outlet for the variable exhaust.

i20N is offered in Performance Blue, Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass, Dragon Red and Phantom Black, with a contrasting Phantom Black roof.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Interior

No leather here: there’s a black sports cloth interior for the i20N. Hyundai says that European-inspired packaging and low-slung sports bucket seats ensure the ergonomically placed controls fall perfectly to hand, as well as providing ample front headroom and space, and an array of smart storage.

Meanwhile, a leather-wrapped wheel with N buttons and Performance Blue highlights and stitching provide a reminder you’re strapped into a pocket rocket, with an extendable centre console armrest adding a touch of extra comfort.

A 10.25-inch satellite navigation infotainment unit with N Mode and an N-themed 10.25-inch full LCD Supervision continues the high-performance vibe, with ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped gearknob and handbrake and alloy sports pedals imparting further sporty touches.

Packaging ensures there is surprising space for rear occupants, and for luggage, despite i20 N’s compact footprint.

A dual-height boot floor allows for a flat floor configuration for longer items, or a deep floor for taller items, while 60:40 split-folding rear backrests ensure an array of cargo space configurations are available.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Sports Bucket Seats

Cloth-trimmed sports bucket seats in i20N feature pronounced bolstering that hugs front occupants’ thighs and waists while testing the extremes of the G-force display around tight corners.

Extremely low slung, the seats let even the tallest drivers find the perfect position, with manual height adjustment for those with a race-driver build. There are N logoed fixed headrests and Performance Blue stitching to complete the sporty theme.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Smart Key With Push Button Start

Just like every Hyundai N model, the i20N features an N-badged Smart Key that provides a full keyless experience. The power side mirrors unfold to greet an approaching driver, who can then unlock and start the car without taking the Smart Key out of their helmet bag.

2022 Hyundai i20N: 10.25-inch Navigation With Driving Data System

A widescreen multimedia unit in i20N includes all the features and functionality found in Hyundai’s most premium products, including multi-Bluetooth capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital radio, USB multimedia and satellite navigation.

Vehicle settings and N mode settings are easily accessed via a clear and easy-to-use interface with integrated search functions for quickly finding a specific setting, and user-updateable map data using the Navigation Updater software available online.

2022 Hyundai i20N: N Grin Control System

Drivers can choose their ideal drive experience with the N Grin Control System (NGCS). A total of six drive modes are offered, including two Custom modes that let you individually map engine response, exhaust noise, steering feel, stability control and rev-matching to your desired levels.

Want to go full-noise with everyday-drivable throttle sensitivity? Or maybe you’d prefer stealthy yet rapid getaways? Maybe you’re at the track, and need to switch ESC off for left foot braking? A Custom mode can be mapped for all these combinations, and many more.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Bose 8-speaker Sound System

An 8-speaker Bose premium audio system in i20N features a front centre channel and a subwoofer in the boot, ensuring superb clarity when you choose to listen to your favourite tunes instead of i20 N’s orchestra of induction and exhaust.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Wireless Charger

A powerful, 15W wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charger is standard in i20N, with a large, easy to access pad for charging your compatible device. There is also a USB charging port in the console above, and a traditional 12V outlet.

In addition, there’s a dedicated rear USB port for second-row occupants, so they can charge their devices, or for the driver to power their camera during track stints.

2022 Hyundai i20N: SmartStream G1.6 T-GDi

At the heart of i20N is an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged N powertrain. ‘Flat Power’ tuning is applied to give the four-cylinder broad torque, with 275Nm produced from 1,750 to 4,500rpm, and 304Nm available on overboost.

The direct-injected engine revs to a 150kW peak between 5,500 to 6,000rpm to give i20N a potent power-to-weight ratio of 123kW per tonne. The SmartStream G1.6 T-GDi unit features a bespoke turbocharger, intercooler and water pump system for i20N, as well as a 350-bar high-pressure fuel injection rail.

A Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) system enables high performance with light car fuel economy – the i20N uses 6.9L/100km on the official combined cycle.

2022 Hyundai i20N:  6-speed Manual Transmission With Rev Matching

A high-performance six-speed manual transmission equipped with a reinforced clutch enables quick, slick shifts in i20N with the capacity for launch control starts.

Talented drivers will appreciate the closely spaced sports alloy pedals which can be danced across during downshifts. Or, you can cheat and activate rev-matching via the steering wheel button, for better-than-a-pro automated downshift blips.

2022 Hyundai i20N: N Corner Carving Differential

A standard mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (M-LSD) manages power across the front axle during cornering and under acceleration, to deliver a ‘corner rascal’ character and the unmistakable carving sensation of driving an N division vehicle on a twisty road.

By utilising a mechanical type differential, size is reduced to suit the compact and lightweight i20N package while delivering hot-hatch high performance.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Reinforced Chassis

Reinforcements at 12 points around the monocoque, along with additional welds, and new bolt-in underbody structures give i20N increased rigidity and bending resistance to enhance its performance characteristics.

In addition, the front chassis structure is reworked to allow for larger air intake openings for the radiator and intercooler.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Track-ready Suspension

Underpinning i20N’s immense road and racetrack capability is a thoroughly honed strut front suspension and an N Power Sense Axle at the rear.

i20N applies lessons learned from i30N in the design of its zero scrub radius front geometry, to enhance its response and sharpness, while maximising the tyre contact patches as well as feedback to the driver.

At the rear i20N’s Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) features all-new dual-beam construction that significantly increases roll stiffness and feedback from the N Power Sense Axle, while maintaining a compact, lightweight design.

The i20N also adopts revised suspension bushing design, materials and construction compared with regular i20s.

These enhancements, with passive (mechanical) dampers tuned in Namyang and honed at the Nürburgring, make for a supremely engaging drive that’s as capable at a track as it is comfortable on a stint to the shops, to make i20N the ideal everyday performance car.

2022 Hyundai i20N: High-performance Brakes

A high-performance front brake package for i20N features 320mm front rotors, which are a full 40mm larger than those fitted to the regular i20 sold in Europe.

These are fed air via lower control arm cooling air-guides, with air vents built into the front knuckles further aiding airflow and brake cooling.

Combining upsized disc rotors with high friction brake pads and an enlarged brake master cylinder gives i20N a highly responsive and fade-free brake package that delivers superb feel and engagement on track.

A brake override system can be accessed by gun drivers by switching Electronic Stability Control (ESC) off, allowing for left foot braking even when some accelerator is applied.

And, of course, just as in every Hyundai N model, there’s a standard manual handbrake.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Pirelli P-Zero HN tyres

i20 N wears 215/40R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres developed in collaboration between Hyundai N and Pirelli and are designed to deliver exceptional grip levels that work hand in hand with the chassis geometry and suspension tune.

As well as extreme grip and response, the bespoke P-Zeros provide excellent water displacement from the treads along with comfortable ride quality, reinforcing i20 N’s ability to be driven to the track to cut laps all day, and then cruise home.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Launch Control

A launch control system manages engine rpm and the traction control threshold to make Special Stage starts easy. With launch mode enabled, the engine spools the turbo and conditions other systems for the quickest possible getaway. Then, with launch control engaged, drivers can dial in their engine rpm setting to suit the conditions using the touchscreen controls or with the cruise control toggle.

Launch control is enabled via the performance options menu – once enabled, with the vehicle in N mode – or N Custom with Sport+ engine and ESC Sport/ESC off – the driver should ensure the car is at standstill with the steering dead straight, depress the clutch and shift into first gear, then fully depress the accelerator to summon the system.

The driver will then have eight seconds to make final rpm adjustments before launching, which is done by smoothly releasing the clutch.

2022 Hyundai i20N: Active Variable Exhaust System

In a defining N Performance feature, an active variable exhaust system unleashes fire from the i20 N’s belly, erupting with a fierce WRC-style crackle and roar when the driver flicks into N mode. The large, single-outlet sports muffler can operate across three settings, which can be selected in N custom mode.

2022 Hyundai i20N: N Road Sense

New to N Performance is N Road Sense, a sign-reading function that can detect road signs indicating curves ahead and recommend the driver switches to N mode. N Road Sense does this by using the windscreen-mounted camera in a similar way to ISLA.

In addition to its superb passive safety and six airbags, i20N brings a suite of SmartSense active safety and driver assistance technologies.

PRICING

EngineTransmissioni20 N
1.6 Turbo6-speed manual$53,990

Note: Prices are Recommended Retail Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on-road costs

2022 Hyundai i20N: Launch Promotion

Hyundai New Zealand is launching the i20N with an exclusive offer to reward early adopters and true N enthusiasts. All new i20N orders taken to date, and up to 31 March 2022 will come with an amazing ‘Hyundai New Zealand Rally Experience Package’ including;

  1. A Rally Ride experience with world rally star and Hyundai NZ Ambassador Hayden Paddon.
  2. Hyundai NZ Rally merchandise pack for two including Polo Shirt, Hoodie and Cap.
  3. A signed copy of Hayden Paddon’s autobiography DRIVEN.
  4. Two corporate hospitality passes to 2022 Rally New Zealand.

2022 Hyundai i20N: KEY SPECIFICATIONS

i20N1.6 Turbo Manual
Key specifications:
N-exclusive performance features:N-exclusive interior styling:Parking Distance Warning – Fr/Rr
– 150kW/275Nm 1.6 Turbo engine– Alloy sports pedalsRear view camera
– Active variable exhaust– Sports front bucket seatsLED headlights and combi tail-lights
– Mechanical LSD– Leather appointed steering wheelTemporary space saver spare wheel
– N Grin Control system– 10.25” colour Supervision cluster10.25” satellite navigation system
– N mode – Performance displaySmartSense advanced safety: DAB+ digital radio
– Performance brake package– Blind-Spot Collision WarningApple CarPlay/Android Auto
– Rev matching function– Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
 City/Urban/Pedestrian (camera)
Bose 8-speaker premium audio
N-exclusive exterior styling:Cruise control
– 18” alloy wheels– Driver Attention WarningSingle zone climate control
– Pirelli P-Zero HN tyres– Lane Keeping Assist Power folding exterior mirrors
– Full body kit– Lane Following AssistRain sensor
– Rear spoiler– Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warn.Smart key & push-button start
– Rear privacy glassTyre Pressure Monitoring SystemWireless charging pad (Qi)

You can read more about the i20N on Hyundai New Zealand’s website.

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How on earth to start this? I've been car/bike/truck crazy since I was a teen. Like John, I had the obligatory Countach poster on the wall. I guess I'm more officially into classic and muscle cars than anything else - I currently have a '65 Sunbeam Tiger that left the factory the same day as I left the hospital as a newborn with my mother. How could I not buy that car? In 2016 my wife and I drove across the USA in a brand-new Dodge Challenger, and then shipped it home. You can read more on www.usa2nz.co.nz. We did this again in 2019 in a 1990 Chev Corvette - you can read about that trip on DriveLife. I'm a driving instructor and an Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - trying to do my bit to make our roads safer.

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