The updated Hyundai i20 N Line is a dashing little hatchback with abundant character that puts a grin on your face when driving it.
It provides much of the same thrills as a true hot hatch but at a more palatable price point and without attracting as much attention to itself.
I walked away rather impressed after a week in the superb supermini, more so than I anticipated I would.
Get N Line
The N Line is not a fully-fledged N product but is a unique entry in the i20 catalogue with several nice-to-haves you can’t get in its stablemates.
Perhaps the most notable of which is its powertrain; a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill matched with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic shifter, whereas the rest of the i20 range comes with either a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre block combined with a five-speed manual or six-speed auto-box.
Despite having the smallest displacement the turbocharged N Line is the most powerful of the lot with a 90kW and 172Nm output, which in such a lightweight city car is plenty.
The N Line’s official 0-100km/h time is listed at 9.9 seconds and it exhibits a slight hint of turbo lag if you’re too eager, so a red-light racer it is not.
That said, it’s not off the line where it shines but rather once it’s on the move, as it’s still able to give you a decent kick in the rear when the urge strikes while snappy gearshifts are facilitated by two sizeable paddles on the thick-rimmed steering wheel.
The steering is also direct and well-weighted like a real red-blooded hot hatch, and the N Line-exclusive exhaust pipes are delightfully vocal without being overly obnoxious.
Combined fuel consumption came to 7.7l/100km, not that far away from Hyundai’s claimed 6.9l/100km.
The top-spec i20 is a fetching package in the metal, too.
Exclusive add-ons encompass N Line badging, a unique grille, a rear spoiler, and distinctive 16-inch alloy wheels, which combine with the sharp creases all over the exterior and angular LED lighting signatures to create a properly dynamic persona.
Inside, it gets artificial leather seating with red detailing, aluminium pedals, and a three-spoke sports leather steering wheel that elevates the driving experience as it looks and feels like something from a much more expensive car.
The equipment sheet is well-considered as you get keyless entry and push-button start, climate control with rear-seat vents, a 3.5-inch multi-info driver’s display, a wireless charger, cruise control, a reverse camera, front and rear USB ports, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that thankfully functions without any cables.
What I usually find in these small cars is that their seats aren’t particularly designed for larger frames but this wasn’t the case in the i20. I’m happy to report it has comfortable chairs that are equally supportive in the right places.
Likewise, interior space is more generous than what you’d expect for a sub-4m hatchback in both the first and second rows.
Small details count when you’re vying for market share and the i20 isn’t lacking in this regard, either.
It brings a boisterous Bose stereo, red ambient lighting in spots such as the footwells and door handles, as well as an adjustable centre armrest with a deep storage bin beneath it, which help elevate the Hyundai a step above its peers.
Verdict
The i20 N Line admittedly isn’t a cheap hatch as it retails for just shy of half a million rand, but this is just about the only critique I could muster.
It has a lot going for it and I struggle to imagine it would disappoint, whether you’re an enthusiast or just someone who happened to come across a good deal.
With one of the longest warranties on the market to back it up, the i20 N Line is a supermini I can recommend with a clean conscience.
Hyundai i20 N Line
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