The Hyundai i20 is far from being the best handler in its segment, but that has not deterred the Korean automaker from entering the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year. Hyundai is preparing a WRC version of the i20, which will take on the Volkswagen Polo-R in the popular sport. Now details about the rally-speced i20 are scarce but people familiar with the development reveal that Hyundai has asked its suppliers to be ready with parts for the rally version of the popular hatchback.
This is not the first time Hyundai has entered the WRC. They participated more than a decade ago from 2000-2003 and found little success. Now Hyundai is re-entering with stronger financials and better R&D capabilities. Expect Hyundai to perform very well, with the WRC i20 being powered by a turbocharged petrol engine producing close to 300 BHP of peak power. Hyundai will heavily modify the i20 for their WRC outing, which will in-turn give them good exposure with regards to ride and handling.
Hyundai has been doing very well in many markets, with the top 3 car makers in the world fearing the Koreans. The growth which the company has achieved is all thanks to their new design language, product onslaught and improved engine technology. By participating in the WRC, Hyundai will certainly learn a thing or two about handling, something which no Hyundai car is good at. Sooner or later, Hyundai could start churning out vehicles which handle much better than the current models.
Source – Auto Motor Und Sport
