Ahead of its arrival in Australia, the Hyundai i20 N is set for a facelift with subtle exterior updates, ensuring its continued presence in the Australian market despite being discontinued in Europe.
Expected to reach Australian shores around mid-year, the refreshed i20 N was initially slated for a debut in June or August 2023, but production delays have pushed back its official unveiling.
Recent images shared on Instagram by Nadir Araçlar showcase a right-hand drive version of the Hyundai i20 N in Türkiye, the production hub for this hot hatch. The spy shots reveal minor changes, notably the replacement of the existing ‘chequered flag’ grille inserts with simpler black tiles.
New 18-inch wheels with a machined face similar to those on the i30 Sedan N have been spotted. This particular model is finished in Dragon Red, a paint option available for an additional $595 since the i20 N’s launch in late 2021.
Despite the i20 N being discontinued in Europe, strong demand in Australia has ensured its ongoing production. Hyundai closed order books for the i20 N in Australia in 2022 due to overwhelming demand, contributing to its continued availability.
Although Hyundai announced the end of i20 N production for the European market, the supply will persist for other regions, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East.
The refreshed i20 N is expected to retain its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 150kW of power and 275Nm of torque, with power transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
In 2021, the Hyundai i20 N achieved 637 sales in Australia, narrowly surpassing the Ioniq 6 electric sedan as the brand’s least popular new model in the local market.