√2024 Hyundai i20 N facelift previewed by updated standard model

Next year’s facelift for the Hyundai i20 N hot hatch has been teased with the update to the standard model unveiled in Europe overnight.

The 2024 Hyundai i20 has received a mild facelift in Europe overnight – previewing what to expect from the updated i20 N hot hatch when it arrives in Australia, understood to be due early next year.

As foreshadowed last year, the changes to the i20 city hatch – which is sold in Australia only in i20 N hot-hatch form – are only skin deep, and include tweaked styling and technology but no mechanical revisions.

Photos and details of the updated i20 N are yet to be published, but it is expected to be revealed by Hyundai Europe in the next three months, ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals anticipated early next year (though exact timing has not been locked in).

The introduction of the facelifted model may see order books reopen after they were closed in July 2022 due to high demand, constrained production and quoted wait times of two years for buyers at the back of the queue.

It is expected to carry over its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with outputs of 150kW and 275Nm, matched with a six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential and front-wheel drive.

However visual changes may follow the standard i20’s update, which includes a subtly-revised front bumper with more angular air intakes, a fractionally slimmer grille, and a repositioned Hyundai badge that now sits above the grille, not on it.

There are also new-design 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels options, a restyled rear bumper, and three new exterior colours: Lucid Lime Metallic, Lumen Grey Pearl, and Meta Blue Pearl.

MORE: Next-generation Hyundai i20 N struggling to get the green light

Interior changes are limited to over-the-air updates for the infotainment system, multi-colour ambient LED interior lighting, USB-C charging ports replacing USB-A, and for Europe, a “second-generation eCall” system, and a Lucid Lime colour accent pack.

The dual 10.25-inch displays for infotainment and driver instrument functions carry over, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation.

European models offer support for Hyundai’s Bluelink connected-car features, including remote unlocking/locking, location tracking, and emergency calls; this feature is not currently offered in Australia, but is a strong chance to be introduced with the facelift.

Cyclist detection has been added to the autonomous emergency braking system in Europe – though it was already standard on the i20 N in Australia – while lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring (with the ability to brake for obstacles) and rear cross-traffic alert/braking assist are available.

It is unclear if adaptive cruise control – which is available on the standard i20 – will be added to the i20 N for the facelift.

Engines are unchanged in the standard i20 in Europe, with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 75kW or 88kW.

It is aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, and a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

No mechanical changes are expected for the i20 N, retaining a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. No changes are expected to its suspension or brakes.

Production of the 2024 Hyundai i20 is due to commence for the European market in Turkey in the third quarter of 2023 (July to September). Hyundai says “further variants will follow”.

Drive understands the updated i20 N is expected in local showrooms early next year; Hyundai Australia is yet to disclose arrival timing.

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