Hyundai i20 N To Battle Ford Fiesta ST

Hyundai has yet to launch its first N-branded production hot hatch but it has already emerged that a number of other models are in the works.

Auto Express reports that the South Korean company is planning to launch an i20 N to rival the Ford Fiesta ST, VW Polo GTI and Toyota Yaris GRNM. It is thought that Hyundai will look to launch the vehicle after working its magic on the Veloster N and a fastback variant of the i30 N.

Of all of Hyundai’s future N models, it is perhaps the i20 that is the most intriguing, particularly since the company currently uses the i20 in the World Rally Championship to great success.

Discussing whether the automaker will indeed look to expands its N line-up, N division director Albert Biermann said “Of course. Why would we limit ourselves to C-segment? There are tons of hot superminis out there - Polo GTI, Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 and even Toyota now is doing one [Yaris GRMN]. There’s a good market out there.”

Current word indicates that the car could use a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering about 200 hp. It would also be front-wheel drive and range-topping versions could even benefit from an electronic front differential.