After unveiling new generation Hyundai Elite i20 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show for European audience, Hyundai Europe Head Jurgen Grimm foreshadowed at the launch of a performance oriented variant of the hatchback. The performance oriented variant of Elite i20 is apparently in the making phase. The hatchback will be the first hatchback from the stables of Hyundai Motors to get a ‘N’ badge that symbolises that the vehicle is being developed by the company’s performance arm-Namyang research and development hub.
It is expected that Hyundai Elite i20 N Edition will take cues from the auto cos’ WRC unit. Power will be generated by a 1.6 litre, turbocharged engine capable of developing pinnacle power output of 247 Bhp. The robust engine has been borrowed from Hyundai Veloster turbo. Apart from an athletic high displacement engine, Hyundai Elite i20 N is expected to be bestowed with reworked suspension, brakes, chassis and wheels. Besides these additions, Hyundai is likely to put on offer a new body kit rendering it a more aerodynamic semblance. In European market, Elite i20 N will compete with rivals like Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Hyundai Elite i20 made its global debut in India almost two months ago, since then the hatchback has been receiving overwhelming response from the Indian customers. Demand for the hatchback doubled at 15,300 units within 20 days after its induction in domestic market. A potential threat to its competition in B+ segment, if at all the N Edition of hatchback is brought to India, it is likely to be accepted well by the customers in India.
