The i30 N compact hot hatchback may not be destined for South Africa, but what ifHyundai chose to produce an N version of the smaller, top-selling i20? Internet reports suggest the i20 is ripe for an N conversion, which would putit squarely in a match-up with the feisty Fiesta ST, punchy Clio RS and esteemed Volkswagen Polo GTI. Here's what it could look like.

Render credit: Duwyne Aspeling. Photo credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Update: The first Hyundai i20 N test mule has been spotted! While it doesn't look too out of the ordinary, we understand that this is a chassis/powertrain testing prototype, so the really interesting bits won't be visible to the naked eye. Our spy photographers confirmed that it was running high-performance Pirelli tyres and inside it featured a 6-speed manual gearbox as well as a strutbar in the boot to firm up the handling.

It's widely known Hyundai is looking to expand its portfolio of N models… Following its introduction in a number of major markets, the i30 N has received critical acclaim as a rival to hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus and Megane RenaultSportand, Hyundai's evidently keen to build on its success. As part of the N Division's broader marketing activities, the i30 N has participated in touring-car championships and, in 2017, the Korean marque enteredthe 24 Hours of Nurburgring with a pair of i30 N units thatwere essentially stripped-down road-legal cars.

But don't forget the i30 N's otherwise practical and sensible little brotheralso has a motorsport heritage… Hyundai has campaigned the i20 WRC in the World Rally Championship since 2014 and if Toyota can see it fit to produce the Yaris GRMN (a low-volume road car inspired by the Japanese firm’s WRC exploits and engineered on the fabled Nurburgring), who's to say that the N Division wouldn't target thei20 for further development?

What we're getting at is that the Korean manufacturer's performance division, under the stewardship of former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, has the expertise (and a well-stocked parts bin) to transform the i20 from a demure compact hatchback to a potent pocket rocket. Given the quality of the competition, it'll need to be involving to drive, provide heaps of entertainment (at a variety of speeds) and a comprehensive array of features.

After all, Hyundai has many ofthe elements required to make a rip-snorting pint-sized performance car in its arsenal… In terms of powertrain, there's the 1.6-litredirect injection turbopetrol motor that powersthe Veloster Turbo, Elantra Sport and Tucson, which is mated with aquick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. We'd guess the Gamma T-GDI and its'box could well form the heart of the i20 N. Granted, there would have to be revisions to package'smapping to ensure a performance-orientated power delivery and responsiveness – it'd need to push out around 150 kW and 300 Nm. Ideally, enthusiasts will be after a slick-shifting manual gearbox, but if Hyundai could make a dual-clutch transmission available, that would be a bonus.

Critically, the i20 N would need to offer variable driving modes, perhaps in conjunction with adaptive damping, to offer a balance between hardcore handling and daily-driver appeal. We've seen how customisable the i30 N setup is; the hot hatch offers a plethora of settings for the e-differential, engine map, exhaust, suspension, steering and ESC, and we'd expect some of them to make their way into an i20 N. Asthe likelihood of South Africa ever getting the i30 N seems increasingly remote, we'd certainly put our hands up and ask for the smaller and more affordable baby brother…

Hyundai will be pushing its N brand hard in future. Current forecasts suggest that ani20 N will see the light of day in 2020.

* The above image is an artist's impression of what an i20 N might look like.

Further reading:

Hyundai i30 N (2018) International Launch Review

New Hyundai Veloster and Veloster N Shown

Hyundai Finally Showcases GTI-Rival [with Video]

Hyundai i20 1.2 Fluid (2018) Review

Hyundai i20 1.4 Active (2018) Launch Review

Hyundai i20 1.4 Sport (2016) Review