Report - 250 PS Hyundai i20 N hot hatchback in the works

11/10/2014 - 16:07 Hyundai i20, Hyundai Nithyanandh K

First product to carry the new N performance badge.

The Hyundai i20 N will become the first product to wear the Korean automaker's newly introduced 'N' performance badge which stands for 'Namyang Technical Centre'. The R&D facility will work on go-faster variants of all Hyundai models.

2015 Hyundai i20 front three quarter view at the 2014 Paris Motor Show — The Hyundai i20 N will have a sportier exterior [Image: Regular Euro-spec 2015 i20].

Mr. Jurgen Grimm, Head of Powertrain Engineering, Hyundai Motor Company, reportedly told the media on the sidelines of the Paris Motor Show that the i20 N is not far away from being ready.

He hinted that the design of the i20 N will be inspired by the new i20 WRC which will compete in the 2015 season. Its a given that the hot hatchback look fiercer than the regular variant.

Power would come from a pumped-up version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is deployed on the Veloster and Kia Pro_ceed GT. The power output is reported to be in the vicinity of 250 PS.

2015 Hyundai i20 rear three quarters 2:2 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show — The N variant will pack 250 PS of power from a 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor.

To handle the additional output, the premium hatchback will get a beefed up chassis with suspension, steering and braking systems tuned for controllable driving.

Also read: 2015 Hyundai i20 with 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor showcased in Paris

It's unclear whether the Hyundai i20 N will be available in 3-door or 5-door body styles, and if Hyundai India will experiment selling it.

Competitors: VW Polo R, Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS, Opel Corsa OPC
Launch Date: 2015 in Europe

[Source: Hyundai Blog]