It may be more of an ankle-biter than a pocket rocket, but welcome updates add excitement to what is already an accomplished B-segment contender.
Image: Peet Mocke
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The old adage “Race on Sunday to sell on Monday” has rung true for some of the legacy brands in the automotive industry. But in the last 30 years Hyundai has been a relatively new kid on the block.
With a minor motorsports outfit that initially helped this brand dip its toes into rallying, Hyundai’s ambitions were perhaps a little too lofty when it aimed its sights at the World Rally Championship with the i20’s predecessor, the Accent.
Late in 2012, after Hyundai had truly become a global player, it returned to the world stage with renewed vigour and an all-new, in-house programme based in Germany that helped the company become a powerhouse in WRC and the World Touring Car Cup.
Fast forward nearly 12 years, and Hyundai N has become a recognised badge in the same vein as Mercedes’ AMG, BMW’s M and Audi’s R. But just like those other brands, the outright pursuit of performance comes at a price that few enthusiasts are willing or able to fork out for. Some just want to have the N-inspired look, gleaned from Hyundai’s racing successes, with the associated performance not necessarily being a dealbreaker.
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Just over three years since its introduction, the third generation i20 has already been facelifted, though many would argue that the Hyundai design team hit the nail on the head the first time with an especially eye-catching design.
Image: Peet Mocke
The update comprises a narrower grill and revised foglamp surround. The Hyundai badge has also been moved higher on the i20’s nose, and there’s a new finish on the front spoiler. At the rear, the changes are altogether more evident. The same satin finish on the badge at the front replaces the old, chromed item and the lower section of the bumper features a faux diffuser design, no doubt inspired by the racing i20s.
The N Line adds model-specific round foglamps, black contrasting trim, rear roof spoiler and dual tailpipes, while N-Line badges adorn the grille, front fenders, and tailgate.
Part of what makes the N Line specification unique is a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, as well as red accents on the door cars, faux leather seats, vents, gear shift boot. Unique to the N Line is an HVAC control face for the climate control sited above the wireless charging pad that the N Line shares with the Executive model, a Bose sound system, six airbags on this range-topping model and standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
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The N Line makes use of the same 1,0-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol engine as the 1,0 TGDI Fluid MT Two Tone we tested in the August 2021 issue. Its 90 kW and 172 N.m are nothing to scoff at and measure up favourably with the likes of the rivals chosen in our match-up section.
Image: Peet Mocke
Although we were quite taken with this punchy little engine, our previous experience was something of a mixed bag, owing to its coupling with a tall-geared – and therefore, performance-sapping – manual gearbox; it got up to 100 km/h in 10.34 seconds and only managed to get from 80 to 120 km/h in 9.51 seconds in a run that necessitated a shift from third to fourth gear.
The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission helped bring the 0-100 km/h sprint time down to just 9.24 seconds. Also improved was the overtaking acceleration, which has dropped significantly to just 6.16 seconds, and we can’t help but feel that some of this can be attributed to the relatively low kerb weight of 1 095 kg. This sort of performance means that the i20 N Line can outperform all its direct competition.
Dynamically, the i20 N Line isn’t that far removed from the previously tested Fluid model, but that’s by no means a bad thing. The electrically assisted power steering, although a little lifeless around dead centre, is responsive and reasonably communicative. The N Line’s body control is impressive for a car of its ilk, proving composed and resistant to floatiness under hard cornering. This is likely the upshot of a suspension setup that’s a little on the firm side; though the standard fitment of 195/55 rubber helps to soak up most bumps.
Thanks to their eye-catching designs and involving dynamics, Hyundai’s i20 models have managed to close the gap on the commanding lead enjoyed by the Volkswagen Polo in this segment. The spiciness of this little N Line, with its fruity exhaust note and quick-shifting transmission, help inject some excitement into the local i20 range, even if it falls short of the full-cream i20 N model that isn’t available in South Africa. At least Hyundai customers will have the street cred of the N badge, and a little extra oomph to go along with the new looks. As such, the inclusion of an N Line model is yet another feather in Hyundai’s cap.
Find the full feature in the September issue of CAR Magazine.
Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!
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