A NEW hot hatchback from Hyundai has been captured on film during extreme winter testing in the Arctic.

Images of a prototype version of the new i20 N have been released but detail is scant thanks to camouflage covers over the front and rear ends.

The photos were taken on a frozen lake in Sweden where Hyundai was carrying out winter testing of both the new i30 N and its i20 WRC rally car, alongside the company's mid-engined, high performance concept car, the RM19.

Carrying out the testing was Hyundai's lead rally driver, Belgian Thierry Neuville, who steered the Japanese company's team to victory at the wheel of the i20 N WRC car in the World Rally Championship last year.

Based on the latest i20, the new high-performance N model will join the i30 N and i30 Fastback N models in Hyundai's high-performance portfolio. According to the company it will be racetrack capable but street legal.