The performance-orientated i20 would be the Korean maker’s first step into the modern hot hatch market, but an i20 ‘GTI’ could still fit into the range provided it stuck to the Hyundai budget philosophy.

>> Read the Hyundai i20 first drive
>> See more pics of the Hyundai i20

“It’s on the cards, and would be a boost to brand image in the UK,” a product development insider told Autocar, although he added that no firm decision had been reached.

The warmed-over version of the i20 would use Hyundai’s 1.6-litre diesel engine, which won’t be offered otherwise in Britain. With the boost turned up, this unit could offer around 200bhp.

However, it will be vital for Hyundai to keep fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as low as possible if the proposal is to reach showrooms.

Autocar understands that the company would like to offer a warm performance hatch with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions, and aim it at younger buyers. It would be a direct and potentially cheaper rival for the Skoda Fabia vRS, and could start under £14k.

Hyundai says that, as the diesel i20 has a reasonably low kerb weight of 1222kg, it wouldn’t need a great deal of power to turn in a sub-8.0sec 0-60mph time and post a 130mph top speed. But by using a reworked version of the frugal diesel, it could still offer ultra-low running costs.

The hot i20 would probably get larger 17-inch wheels, bigger brakes and a body kit, and it would ride lower to improve the handling. One of Hyundai’s chassis development team told us that adjusting the i20’s set-up for a sportier drive would not be difficult.

However, one problem holding back the project is tyres. Hyundai would need a partnership with a sports tyre manufacturer to provide rubber for the hot i20 – and that’s something that it still lacks.

Will Powell

이게 원문인데 상당한 오보가 아닐까 생각됩니다. 저무게에 디젤로 200오버 마력이면  뒤에 나온 스펙이

말이 안되죠. 123D 가 2.0 트윈 터보에 200마력 40토크 달고 나오고 심지어 VAG 도 아직

2.0디젤 200마력을 안팔고 있는데 ;;;;^^  뭐 어쨌건 구글에 120 GTI 쳐보니까 난리 나긴 했네요