2021 Hyundai i20 N detailed! New Volkswagen Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST rival launches with turbo power and manual fun

Hyundai’s all-new i20 N appears wild rather than mild, as it debuts with a perky turbocharged engine and a manual transmission to match a hard-edged hot hatch design.

The city-sized performance offering will arrive in Australia in the first half of next year as Hyundai continues to expand its N Performance range, which currently includes the i30 N hatch and its Fastback sedan sibling.

Powering Hyundai’s latest performance hatch is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that is matched exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

Delivering 150kW and 275Nm to the front wheels, and with an overall weight of just 1190 kilograms, the i20 N is capable of sprinting from zero-to-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

With these outputs, the i20 N is comparable to key segment rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST (147kW/290Nm) and the VW Polo GTI (147kW/320Nm), although the the Toyota GR Yaris (200kW/370Nm) is a class above.

The Hyundai i20 N wears unique 18-inch grey matte wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

Notably, the six-speed manual transmission has been reinforced to cope with the i20 N’s higher output and launch control feature, while an optional mechanical limited slip differential will be available to better transfer power to the ground.

The road-going i20 N’s exterior design is said to borrow much from Hyundai’s i20 Coupe WRC rally car, and this can be observed by its low, aerodynamic body kit with red accents, roof spoiler and a large single exhaust tip.

Distinguishing the i20 N at the front is a sharp front bumper with a large intake for the turbocharger, while the front lip features a red accent which continues along the new side skirts and to the rear diffuser.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivers 150kW and 275Nm.

Also unique to the i20 N are darkened tail-lights designed to resemble a black diamond, N-branded brake callipers as well as grey matte 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres (215/40R18).

Six exterior colours will be available, including the signature Performance Blue, Intense Blue, Polar White, Sleek Silver, Brass and Phantom Black.

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The sporty design continues within, with dedicated sport seats as standard, as well as an N steering wheel, gear knob and metal pedals.

Performance-focused data is included on the instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, like driving data, power, torque, turbo boost, lap and acceleration timing.

A large 10.25-inch multimedia display features special software to monitor the driver's track performance.

Five driver modes are available, which can be controlled via the car’s affectionately titled N Grin Control System, including Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom.

Drivers can adjust engine parameters, exhaust sound, steering settings and electronic stability control, the latter of which can be turned completely off.

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Other high-performance driving features include automatic rev-matching, left-foot braking calibration and a brake pad wear indicator.

Compared to the standard i20, which is no longer available in Australia, the i20 N has undergone considerable chassis upgrades.

Tomato Red accents indicate the i20 N's performance credentials.

More specifically, the chassis has been reinforced in 12 places, while the suspension geometry has been redesigned with a new anti-roll bar, springs and shock absorbers, among other enhancements.

The front brake discs are 40mm larger compared to the standard i20, and the steering ratio has changed to offer more precise steering feel.

A comprehensive list of advanced driver assistance systems will be equipped as standard as part of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite.