When Hyundai formed its high-performance N division it was quite clear that it was aiming to lead the segment. To do that it would have to outgun the likes of the VW Golf GTI and its smaller sibling the Polo GTI. To beat the former it created the highly lauded i30N (read our driving review here), and now a hot Hyundai i20N prototype has been testing to take on the Polo and its ilk.

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Let it snow

Hyundai Motors released video and the first official images of the i20N earlier today showing the model being driven by their WRC driver Thierry Neuville. The Belgian hot shoe was also seen having a bit of slip slidey fun in his regular company car the i20 WRC and the RM19. The latter is said to form the basis of an upcoming sportscar with a mid-mounted motor.

Very little is known about the i20N save for the fact that it will be based on the recently launched i20, which is quite a stylish prospect (see a pic of the blue car above). In the video, we see an i20N prototype with camouflage covering its front and rear. We also see that it wears large alloys that cover uprated brakes and has some M-style aero-shaped side mirrors – very snazzy.

Rumour has it that the i20N will be powered by an inline turbocharged four-cylinder motor. We’ll bet that it has a six-speed manual transmission. Power will most likely be delivered to the front axle, so it will be a direct competitor to the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS and VW Polo GTI; rather than a rip-snorting all-wheel-drive rival to the Toyota GR Yaris, its main competitor on the WRC.

In their own words

Hyundai’s press material says: Following the success of the i30N and i30 Fastback N, Hyundai is developing a high-performance version of its newest European model – the all-new i20N. As with other N models, the i20N will be racetrack capable and street legal.

On the Hyundai i20N prototype, Neuville said: “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!”