Hyundai introduced their N Line concept in South Africa around 2021. It offers drivers an upgrade in performance and styling that distinguishes it from the other derivatives with standard trims but which does not quite reach the sport specifications of N vehicles. Drivers get an ever so slight taste of a hot hatch without the full benefits (and at approximately half the price).
This brings us to the Hyundai i20 N Line. It looks sportier than the other derivatives and is paired with an engine that elicits a more exciting sound along with some extra power and the addition of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Of course, these three changes cost over R100 000 more.
The drive
In full disclosure, I have a half-written review of the first i20 N Line from 2020. During my research I was doubtful that it did not have more power than the i20 turbo available then and that it is mostly sound effects. I was so doubtful I decided not to publish the article. During this test, I was determined to solve this enigma.
Thus, according to Hyundai, it has a 1-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol engine. This has a power output of 90 kW and the torque is 172 Nm. Exactly the same as the specifications of the previous gen Hyundai i20 but more than the derivatives in the new gen. Rather than leave the article half written this time, I set out to see why the drive of the two vehicles seems so different.
One potential reason is the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (with paddle shifts) in the new N Line. While this will not give the i20 N Line more power, it will give it a more responsive acceleration. This could definitely account for some of the difference because the i20 I tested was a 6-speed manual and one of my biggest bugbears about the i20 was its somewhat lacklustre acceleration.
The enigma of the distinct drives aside, the Hyundai i20 N Line is an incredibly fun car to drive. With extra ‘vroom’ and enhanced sound from the exhaust. The twin exhaust is exclusive to the N Line, giving the hatch a sporty rumble and noticeable vrrpha, particularly on acceleration from a standstill.
A trip back from the shop feels significantly more exciting, making a routine task feel special. The sound is more for effect than anything else and you could snort at it or simply appreciate the intention behind it, especially if you love a good ol’ vrrpha.
The i20 N Line does not lack in responsiveness. Likewise, it handles with agility and confidence likely due to a firmer suspension. It is an energetic and zippy hatchback that will be the perfect companion whether commuting to work everyday or running about your city doing errands. I would not discount it on a longer trip as long as you know how to pack very light.
There is a slight turbo lag, however, if it bothers you can shift the transmission into sport which seems to help. It did not bother me enough to even worry about it.
If you are a driving enthusiast but do not quite have the budget for a performance vehicle, the i20 can be a perfect inbetweener until you get where you want to be. The bonus could be the fuel consumption which is set at a claimed 6.9L/100km but we hovered around 8L/100km. If you have lead shoes and enjoy that extra thrill expect to see a significant jump in consumption and a very low chance of benefiting from a 6.9 consumption.
The design
The second place the i20 N Line is updated is in its design. Greater emphasis is placed on creating a sportier looking car through a new shape and pattern on the front bumper and glossy black radiator grille. It is completed with the N Line logo on the radiator grille and tailgate for a distinct flair to the hatch’s appearance. This is intended to make it look both elegant and sporty.
The dynamic LED light signature is intended to add boldness to the design. There is also the signature LED daytime running lights.
From the rear, the bumper is redesigned with a focus on the taillight design. Other changes include 16-inch alloy wheels with carbon-black wheel covers. The twin exhausts are accompanied by a sporty tailgate spoiler with side wings.
Two colours combined with a black roof are reserved for the N Line only. These are Atlas White and Thunder Blue.
The i20 N Line sizing is typical for a hatch. Perfectly comfortable in the front, slightly more cramped in the rear and a small boot. For a parent with one child there is adequate space for a car seat. My measure of a vehicle’s boot space is whether a pram will fit. Unfortunately, I am not sure it will but I never did a test – I will leave that for potential buyers to do.
Stepping inside
The i20 N Line updates their interior to enhance driving experience and incorporate a sleek and modern appearance. It has N-specific design elements emphasising the N Line logo throughout (or more accurately all over).
Hyundai created a dynamic ambiance inside the cabin to complements the N Line’s sporty character. This includes multicolour ambient lights, interior controls and accents in red and metal finishes.
It has faux leather seats and genuine leather steering wheel complete with red contrast stitching. Even the gear knob has leather inlays, red accents, and, of course, the N logo. The seats have additional neck support and side cushions for extra control and comfort while driving.
Another very effective decision to add extra sportiness to the N Line is the non-slip aluminium-look sports pedals. It is one of the first things that you notice upon climbing into the i20 N Line. At nighttime is stands out even more when the red ambient lighting illuminates it.
The sound system in the N Line is something to pay attention to – whether you are inside or outside. Hyundai and Bose engineers collaborated when developing the Bose Premium Sound System. It has eight high performance speakers including a subwoofer. The system also has ‘dynamic speed compensation technology,’ which monitors vehicle speed and automatically adjusts music levels. Consequently, you no longer need to manually adjust the sound while driving.
Other tech and features in i20 N Line include a sunroof, cruise control with steering column buttons, a start button, three-spoke wheel, automatic climate control, adjustable air outlet in the console between the front seats, cooling function for the glove box, 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, wireless charger, USB and USB-C port charging points, 12v socket and an adjustable arm rest,
Safety
While you make the most of your almost-hot hatch you can rest assured you have the safety technology to go with it:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill-start Assist Control
- Side impact airbags for front occupants and curtain airbags that extend to the rear
- Advanced Braking System
- Electronic Brake Distribution
- Full-size spare wheel
- Electronic Stability Control
- Rear park assist and rear-view monitor
Likely due to the road conditions in some areas, the number of hatches for sale in South Africa is dropping. If, however, you want the zippy agility of a hatch, the i20 N Line hits the target. If you just enjoy the pleasure of driving, the Hyundai i20 is a good option. It gives you a taste of a hot-hatch without the 800k price tag.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km (claimed)
Power: 90 kW
Torque: 172 Nm
Price: starting from R467 500
Warranty: 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, and 7 years/150 000 km roadside assistance
Read more MasterTests
