Three Chilli Hyundai i20 On The Way

Hyundai UK President and CEO Tony Whitehorn confirmed today that there will be a sporty Hyundai i20, but it won't fight to sit at the top of the performance tree.

Hyundai is campaigning its red-hot five chilli i20 in the World Rally Championship, but is not planning to introduce a super hot road car.

Cars like the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, SEAT Cupra 280, Honda Civic Type R and RenaultSport Megane Cup create a halo effect for the brand, but do not sell in huge numbers.

What does sell are 'warm' hatchbacks that capture the aspirations of drivers who would like a red hot hatch, but simply can't afford them.

So expect maybe an i20 with the 201PS/265Nm 1.6GDI engine from the KIA cee'd GT.

It will be called the i20N, after the Namyang R&D centre or the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Take your pick.