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A hot diesel version of the new Hyundai i20 hatchback could make it into production.
The performance-orientated i20 would be the Korean maker’s first step into the modern hot hatch market, but an i20 ‘GTI’ could still fit into the range provided it stuck to the Hyundai budget philosophy.
“It’s on the cards, and would be a boost to brand image in the UK,” a product development insider told Autocar, although he added that no firm decision had been reached.
The warmed-over version of the i20 would use Hyundai’s 1.6-litre diesel engine, which won’t be offered otherwise in Britain. With the boost turned up, this unit could offer around 200bhp.
However, it will be vital for Hyundai to keep fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as low as possible if the proposal is to reach showrooms.
Autocar understands that the company would like to offer a warm performance hatch with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions, and aim it at younger buyers. It would be a direct and potentially cheaper rival for the Skoda Fabia vRS, and could start under £14k.
Hyundai says that, as the diesel i20 has a reasonably low kerb weight of 1222kg, it wouldn’t need a great deal of power to turn in a sub-8.0sec 0-60mph time and post a 130mph top speed. But by using a reworked version of the frugal diesel, it could still offer ultra-low running costs.
The hot i20 would probably get larger 17-inch wheels, bigger brakes and a body kit, and it would ride lower to improve the handling. One of Hyundai’s chassis development team told us that adjusting the i20’s set-up for a sportier drive would not be difficult.
However, one problem holding back the project is tyres. Hyundai would need a partnership with a sports tyre manufacturer to provide rubber for the hot i20 – and that’s something that it still lacks.
Will Powell
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