2022 Hyundai i20 N review: New hot hatch impresses

Australians on the hunt for an affordable performance car now have another high-quality option to consider, but there is a catch.

Hyundai has boosted its rapidly expanding performance car stable with its latest new model, the i20 N hatchback.

Here are five things you must know about the new hot hatch.

2022 Hyundai i20 N is one of the cheapest performance cars on sale.

1. THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF HEAT

Anyone familiar with their Hyundais will know the i20 is the smallest on offer in Australia. It also used to be the most affordable, although that’s not the case with this latest model. Whereas previously the i20 was cheap and cheerful these days it’s a lot more smile inducing and about twice the price, at about $36,400 drive-away, complete with sports seats, Bose audio and snazzy 18-inch alloy wheels. That’s because of one letter: N. It denotes Hyundai’s performance division and brings serious upgrades to acceleration, handling and excitement. Even a quick glance signals its intent, with a rear spoiler, low-slung front bumper and side skirts with red highlights.

It only comes as a manual.

2. GET READY FOR THREE PEDALS

Best get used to changing gears yourself because the i20 N is a rarity in that it only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s some electronic assistance in the form of the rev matching system; press the red “Rev” button on the steering wheel and the computer gives the throttle a blip when you’re downshifting for a more seamless engagement. There’s also a hill hold function so you don’t have to bother with the manual hand brake. A good spread of ratios ensures snappy acceleration.

There are several different driving modes.

3. THERE’S FIERY PERFORMANCE

There’s a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo making 150kW and 304Nm. While it takes a second or two for the turbo to start huffing hard, once it does you’ll have loads of pull, helped by the lightweight body. And it does a terrific job of getting all that punch to the bitumen, with a limited slip differential and well-sorted suspension ensuring swift progress. Press one of the N buttons on the steering wheel and you can dial up pre-programmed modes to adjust steering, throttle response, stability control tuning and the burliness of the exhaust. Or you can tailor your own, even keeping an eye on things such as real-time turbo boost pressure and torque delivery.

There are plenty of mod-cons included as standard.

4. IT ATTACKS CORNERS

The i20N is a proper driver’s car through corners. Sticky Pirelli P Zero tyres set the scene for a five-door that points assertively and hangs on with tenacity. It comes at the expense of ride comfort, which can be terse over repeated bumps, especially at city speeds. But the trade-off is a wonderfully capable and exciting hatchback that relishes tight, twisty bends. That sharpness of the nose is matched with impressive competence in the rear-end to ensure a playfulness that rewards those prepared to explore the N’s potential.

The i20 N carves up corners but it is slightly compromised as a daily driver.

5. IT’S GOT HOT HATCH COMPROMISES

There are little reminders about that dynamic sharpness. Turn the steering on full lock for a U-turn and you might notice some scrubbing from the front wheels as the limited slip differential fights the speed difference between the inside and outside wheel. And tip into tight corner or driveway and you’ll occasionally feel the inside rear wheel temporarily lift off the bitumen. It’s compact, too; the rear seat is best left to the smaller among us and the boot is also fairly small, although a netted area holds smaller items well and there’s a removable floor for added depth.

Originally published as 2022 Hyundai i20 N review: New hot hatch impresses