N Line seems to be all the rage in the world of Hyundai these days.
The N Line package seems to must have been a hit on Hyundai’s other cars, as the Korean automaker is slapping it on nearly every car in its lineup. Its compact hatchback is the latest in its range to receive this sporty aesthetic treatment, with Hyundai recently unveiling the i20 N Line.
As with other N Line models like on the Elantra, Sonata and even the tiny i10, the i20 N Line is but a performance appearance package. Similar to what S-Line is for Audi and AMG Line is for Mercedes.
To that end, the sporty aesthetic on the i20 N Line begins with a bespoke highly-creased front bumper to complement the Hyundai signature black cascading grille, complete with all-important N Line badge on it. The triangular front fog lamps are said to add to the dynamic look of the front end design.
Down the side meanwhile, 17 inch two-tone alloy wheels, grey side skirts and an optional two-tone black roof differentiates the N Line trim level to the normal i20s on the road. However it is perhaps round the back where Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity for the i20 N Line really comes through. The already sleek rear end design of the i20 hatchback with its dynamic full-width rear light design is further accented by a more aggressive rear bumper design. Complete with a (mostly-cosmetic) exposed rear diffuser featuring vertical air ducts, and twin chrome exhaust pipes.
Those cheeky twin exhaust tips though do not point to some fire-breathing power plant under the hood of this slightly warmed-up hatchback. Instead, the Hyundai i20 N Line is available three moderate powertrain options, with an 84 PS 1.2 litre MPI engine being the standard offering. Buyers who seek more performance and technology though may be inclined to opt for the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine that comes in either 100 PS or 120 PS flavours.
According to Hyundai, this new 1.0 turbocharged unit ‘has been refined in terms of suspension, engine response and exhaust sound for an enhanced driving experience’. For greater fuel efficiency, a 48V mild hybrid system is optional on the 100 PS variant, while coming standard for the 120 PS power plant. On top of that, the Korean automaker is offering its innovative Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) on variants fitted with the mild hybrid system.
Stepping into the cabin of this sporty looking hatchback, the N Line treatment continues with custom N-branded sports seats, featuring the N Logo and sporty red stitching. A sporty N steering wheel, gear knob, metal pedals and red highlights in various locations complete the interior N Line treatment.
Aside from those sporty accents though, the usual practical Hyundai fare remains on this sporty looking i20. A digital instrument cluster with an equally large central infotainment screen, complete with Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car service is standard. As is the plethora of Hyundai SmartSense safety features, making this a safe and practical, yet sporty proposition.
Due to arrive in Europe early next year, one could only hope that Hyundai Malaysia would entertain the thought of releasing this here in Malaysia. It would be nice to have a sporty compact hatchback back on the Malaysian market with a relatively reasonable starting price.
PRESS RELEASE: Following the unveiling of the all-new i20 earlier this year, Hyundai Motor has announced the latest model in its N Line portfolio: the all-new i20 N Line.
The newest member of the Hyundai family features exterior and interior design elements inspired by Hyundai’s high-performance N range for an even more dynamic experience.
The all-new i20 N Line combines the comprehensive connectivity and safety technology of the all‑new i20 with N Line sportiness through enhanced interior and exterior elements.
“With the all-new i20 N Line, we are bringing our stylish and sporty trim option to the i20 for the first time,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “With this new model, we are ensuring we can meet the needs of an even wider customer base by offering exclusive performance-styling inspired by our N brand to emphasise the motorsport roots of our brand.”
The sculpted aesthetic of the all-new i20 N Line’s exterior design is based on Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity while at the same time offering refined performance-oriented design cues. The dedicated front bumper is exclusively accented with a grey character line for an even more sporty feeling. It features a stylish black cascading grille equipped with the N Line badge. The grille pattern draws on the style of a chequered flag, further emphasising the all-new i20 N Line’s track-inspired look.
To emphasise the car’s motorsport-influenced styling, the N Line trim features sporty grey accents and a sleek rear bumper, which combine to enhance optic and aerodynamic performance. The triangle shaped fog lamp and chrome twin muffler exhaust system emphasise the all-new i20 N Line’s dynamic look and set it apart from the base model i20.
All-new i20 N Line customers can choose from four exterior colours: Phantom Black, Aurora Grey, Polar White and Brass. With the Polar White i20 N Line, an optional two-tone Phantom Black roof is available, offering even more scope for personalisation.
Inside the car, all-new i20 N Line customers benefit from N-branded sporty seats, which feature the N logo and exclusive red stitching, as well as a dedicated N steering wheel. Other N Line enhancements include metal pedals and the leather N gear shift knob with red inserts.
The all-new i20 N Line offers two engine choices. In addition to the standard 1.2-litre MPI engine with 84 PS, customers can select the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine with 100 PS or 120 PS. The 1.0‑litre T‑GDI version has been refined in terms of suspension, engine response and exhaust sound for an enhanced driving experience. The all-new i20 N Line is available with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, resulting in greater fuel efficiency. This technology is optional with the 1.0 T-GDi engine with 100 PS and standard with the 1.0 T-GDi engine with 120 PS. Another new feature available in combination with the 48-volt mild hybrid system is the Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), leading to even greater fuel efficiency. To match the tuned driving performance, the all-new i20 N Line offers dedicated 17‑inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.
Like the base model, the all-new i20 N Line offers the latest version of Hyundai’s Bluelink technology including a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai Live Services, as well as remote features via the Bluelink smartphone app. The all-new i20 is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense safety features and complies with the highest European standards.
With the all-new i20 N Line, Hyundai is enhancing the all-new i20 with a further trim level to offer customers even more choice.
The all-new i20 N Line will be available across Europe from spring 2021.
