Hyundai has taken the i20 for winter testing, with WRC driver Thierry Neuville behind the wheel of the WRC car, the RM19 and the i20 N prototype.
Testing took place in Arjeplog, Sweden, a frozen lake which is a popular test location due to its year-round deep cold, with temperatures as low as -30C.
In this first video, the i20 WRC rally car leaves a vehicle transporter and drives through darkened roads in Lapland. As dawn breaks, it picks up speed through snow-covered forests before reaching the frozen lake.
The video cuts to the RM19 going sideways and leaving a plume of snow in its wake. Interior shots show Neuville pumping the pedals and maneuvering the ‘rolling lab’.
The final shots show glimpses of the i20 N prototype in camouflage covering its front and rear.
Hyundai released a second video where Neuville gave his views on the three cars.
Speaking highly of the i20 N, Neuville said, “Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to getting this one to drive in WRC!”
Of the i20 WRC, Neuville said, “The WRC cars really push to the extreme. And every detail is fine-tuned to get the maximum performance and also to be adapted to a driving style.”
The RM19 was described as “very easy to drive”, with Neuville commenting, “I had a big smile on my face because I was driving sideways quite a lot.”