Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition: A farewell special edition for Australia
The current generation of the Hyundai i20 is nearing the end of its life cycle. It will soon be replaced by a fully updated model, which has already been presented as a tall hatchback in Brazil. To give the old model a proper send-off, Hyundai’s Australian division has launched an exclusive version of the hot hatch i20 N called the Shadow Edition.
Exclusivity and Design
Production of the model is limited to just 100 units, destined exclusively for the Australian market. The i20 N Shadow Edition receives a range of special features and a slightly higher price. The most noticeable change is the unique 18-inch matte bronze forged alloy wheels, which look significantly more striking than the standard i20 N wheels.
The list of features includes new black wheel nuts and black decals along the lower part of the doors. While the standard model is available in five colors, the Shadow Edition can only be ordered in two variants: Atlas White or Phantom Black.
Interior and Equipment
Changes have also taken place inside the hot hatch. These include a bronze numbered plate on the dashboard, an Alcantara-wrapped gear shift lever, special rubber floor mats with a Pirelli P Zero tire tread pattern, and a steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara with a blue 12 o’clock marker.
Mechanicals Unchanged
No modifications have been made to the powertrain. The car retains the familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp (150 kW) between 5500-6000 rpm and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque between 1750-4500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential, making the i20 N an extremely fun car for spirited driving.
Price and Availability
As noted, buyers will have to pay a premium for the privilege of owning a Shadow Edition. While the base i20 N starts at 37,500 Australian dollars ($26,500 USD) excluding on-road costs, prices for the Shadow Edition begin at 41,500 Australian dollars ($29,300 USD) for the Atlas White color, while the Phantom Black version costs from 42,095 Australian dollars ($29,700 USD).
This special series serves as a kind of swan song for the i20 N model, which remains one of the few ‘hot’ hatches with a manual gearbox. The limited run of 100 units makes it a desirable collector’s item, especially given that Hyundai is gradually phasing out the sporty versions of its models with internal combustion engines. It is worth noting that this approach — releasing limited farewell editions — is becoming increasingly popular among automakers who want to mark the end of production for iconic models before transitioning to an electrified future. For fans of the brand, this is the last chance to buy a new i20 N with unique design elements that emphasize its sporty character.