Hot-hatch

The 2021 Hyundai i30N hot hatch has technology inspired by Formula One’s ‘push to pass’ button. A new “grin shift” mode “releases maximum power … for 20 seconds … performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel.” The technology is among a long list of changes to the updated Hyundai i30N unveiled in Europe overnight.

North American arms of Mazda have officially revealed a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Mazda 3 hatch and sedan, however the model is no closer to receiving Australian confirmation. Available for US, Canadian and Mexican markets, the turbocharged petrol 3 is expected to be produced only in left-hand-drive form for the foreseeable future.

Hyundai is poised to launch its new 2020 Veloster N hot hatch – the first model equipped with the brand’s new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – however it will not be sold in Australia. While the Hyundai Veloster N is only available in left-hand drive for now, the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – dubbed "N DCT" – will be adopted as an option for the Hyundai i30 N and i30 Fastback N in Australia from “early 2021”.

The global boss of Peugeot has confirmed this week the GTi badge will stay where it belongs on the flagship 208 hatch, despite rumours to the contrary. Responding to reports circulating late last year that suggested the company could swap out the GTi badge for its new electrified Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) branding, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told the UK's Autocar the 208 GTi would be protected.

Volkswagen has released concept renderings of its new Golf GTI ahead of a Geneva motor show debut in March. Volkswagen's render shows a vastly different front end design for its GTI than what has been seen on the standard Golf. The 2021 GTI's front grille extends across the width of its bumper and features fog lights comprised of a quintet of (presumably) LEDs inside the honeycomb pattern.