While on the one hand there is a massive trend towards electromobility, on the other hand there are still cars whose main task is to be fun. One of them is the Hyundai i20 N. This is not just any small car with a powerful engine, but the civilian derivative of the Hyundai i20 WRC rally car. “Krone” engine editor Stephan Schätzl has taken on the little hot hatch – his impressions here in the video!
The look is somewhat spectacular. Red war paint all around, distinctive rear wing on the roof, radiator grille in the checkered flag design, sills on the sides, an angular front and a diffuser leave no doubt about sporting ambitions. The single, oval tailpipe almost seems subtle, but it has it all: one of the two ducts ending in it has an exhaust flap.
Not to forget the red brake calipers behind the casual 18-inch rims with the 215/40 Pirelli P-Zero in Hyundai-N identification. Incidentally, the panes are 40 millimeters larger than the civil i20.
The interior is less exciting, the 10.25-inch touchscreen is known from the civilian versions, only the sports seats and the non-slip sports steering wheel with the two light blue and red buttons exude a sporty flair. However, the flame ring around the tachometer on the digital cockpit is also spectacular when the N mode is activated.
Extensive setup options
The driving mode control, known creatively as grin control (i.e. grin control, probably means the width of the grin on the driver’s face) gives access to eco, normal, sport and two or three N-modes. The N mode is designed to be the sportiest, and as the fifth mode, it can also be freely configured. Since you can store two such presets, you also have a sixth driving mode. You can put them on the two blue so-called N buttons on the steering wheel. Adjustable parameters are engine tuning, exhaust sound, ESP (normal, sport, off), steering and the adjustment of the speed when downshifting (Rev Match). An adaptive chassis is not available.
The mode button on the steering wheel and a * button on the dashboard can also be freely assigned
A real riot gun
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine develops 204 hp and delivers from 1750 rpm. 275 Nm maximum torque. It pulls strongly, supported by the low weight of 1190 kg (according to DIN). The top speed is 230 km / h, the sprint to 100 km / h takes 6.7 seconds. Launch control as standard. The flap exhaust and sound design ensure a suitable riot, especially the popping of the exhaust lifts the mood of a young, sporty driver.
The driving behavior of the little Korean is first class. Virtually no understeer, the rear tends to respond, and the i20 N is generally more neutral. The steering is very sensitive and, above all, free of drive influences – the mechanical limited-slip differential is part of the standard scope.
Not that unreasonable at all
You can also make friends with the Hyundai i20 N from a reasonable point of view. The space is excellent for a 4.07 meter short small car, and even tall people can sit comfortably on the back seat. The trunk fits 352 to 1165 liters. A double floor ensures a board-level loading floor when the rear seat backs are folded down.
Price: One for all (almost)
From 29,990 euros, the Hyundai i20 N is in the price list, almost fully equipped. The only options are an infotainment package for 1490 euros (navigation system, Bluelink connectivity, Bode sound system) and various paint finishes. The test car comes to 32,480 euros, including the very matching Performance Blue (500 euros) and the black, contrasting roof (500 euros).
Fahrzit
The Hyundai i20 N is a fun device that makes you look a bit out of place when you are no longer really young. But actually it’s a pretty grown-up car with a lot of space, a five-year guarantee and eco mode. How sensible it is in terms of consumption depends on the driving style. In the test, the on-board computer showed between a good six and over ten liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, the character of the car tempts you to accelerate. But it is so fun to drive that you don’t necessarily have to look one vehicle class higher. And that’s kind of sensible too.
Why?
Wonderful driving behavior
Strong engine with great sound
Why not?
Well, it’s a question of age.
Or maybe …
… Ford Fiesta ST, VW Polo GTI, Mini John Cooper Works, Toyota GR Yaris