2021 Hyundai i20 N Teased As WRC Driver Thierry Neuville Gives His Verdict

Hyundai is showing us more of its upcoming i20 N via two new videos and the first official photos taken during winter testing of its hot hatch.

Shot in Arjeplog, Sweden, the videos and images reveal a partially camouflaged Hyundai i20 N prototype put through its paces by none other than Hyundai WRC driver Thierry Neuville. The sides of the car are almost entirely exposed, revealing more of the profile that’s identical with the regular i20.

The only visible exceptions are the lower ride height, larger wheels and beefier brakes with red calipers.

In the first video, Neuville is seen driving his i20 WRC rally car, then the RM19 test bed before finally getting behind the wheel of the i20 N. The footage shows just partial glimpses of the new model’s details as it drives across the snow. We also get to hear the engine which emits the familiar and rather exciting sound of a turbocharged four-cylinder.

In the second video, which includes additional scenes of the all-new hot hatch, Neuville describes what it’s like to drive each of the three models after sampling the i20 N alternatively with the i20 WRC and RM19.

“Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to get this one to drive in WRC!” the Belgian rally driver said of the prototype all-new i20 N.

The testing took place earlier this year on a frozen lake in Arjeplog, Sweden, a popular winter testing ground for automotive manufacturers which sees temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius on a constant basis. In this test, Hyundai wanted to evaluate the reliability of the i20 N in extreme cold, as well as its performance in motorsport-like conditions including high speeds and sharp turns.

The all-new i20 N will become the third Hyundai N model for Europe after the i30 N and i30 Fastback N. Not much is known about the i20 N other than it’s based on the recently-unveiled Hyundai i20 supermini.

When it goes on sale across Europe, it will feature a more aggressive body kit, sports-flavored interior, lowered suspension, uprated brakes and a more powerful engine. The i20 N is understood to pack a 1.6-liter turbo-four unit delivering around 200 HP to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.