Hyundai i20 N-Line | Test Drive
Words Tommaso Mogge / Photos Bartolomeo Lazzarini
It’s not a proper N, it just has its smell, just enough to make it interesting and attractive from an aesthetic and – to my surprise – also dynamic point of view. The third generation of the small i20, the Hyundai hatchback that invades the streets all over the world thanks to a solid and modern design and an equipment that usually characterize more expensive models is now available with the special N Line spec, the one that focuses on sportiness that therefore gives that image that can also satisfy a younger clientele who may not be able to invest their savings in the authentic i20 N performance variant.
The differences with the all-pepper sister are several, above all because there are no showy aerodynamic appendages that distinguish the Made in Namyang hot hatch, but the Hyundai designers have nevertheless managed to give the i20 N Line a look that is not likely to be confused with a random i20. In fact, we have larger air intakes in the front fascia, where we find a black grille with a texture reminiscent of the checkered flag and – you know – this is one of those racing references that leave no room for doubts. At the back there are triangular rear fog lights and the double exhaust tailpipes, which has a full-bodied sound even in Normal mode, further emphasized by setting to Sport. Finally, there are specific 17″ rims, a final touch that helps make the N Line’s on road presence even sportier.
This set-up is available for any i20 engine, but finds its maximum expression on our 120 horsepower 3-cylinder turbo Mild-Hybrid thanks to its limited size and weight, which guarantee key qualities such as agility and reactivity between bends. The small electric unit contributes just enough to reduce fuel consumption by 4% and make the thrust of the 3-cylinder even more prompt, an engine with a rather linear and precise delivery that on more than one occasion knows how to entertain through curves. Of course, we are not talking about a car with a passion for performance, in fact the differences with the i20 N are still evident, but the driving involvement offered by the N Line package together with the 120 horsepower of our i20 demonstrate how much this car is at ease in the city, as well as on B-roads that can enhance a set-up that stiffens into Sport mode, as if to forget that we are always on the same small car purchased to be exploited without ifs and buts every day of the year.
The pure performance data don’t do it justice, with a 0-100 kph of 11.4 seconds and a top speed that is reached at 185 per hour, but it must be taken into account that the dynamic nature is a plus and not a point around which to evaluate the model you got here. Available with automatic gearbox or 6-speed manual, the i20 is extremely ergonomic, but characterized by hard plastics and a pretty economical feel all over the dashboard, while the multimedia system is excellent as always and combined with a fully digital instrumentation that can also be customized according to the driving mode. The i20 starts at around €19,000 for the 84 bhp 1.2 petrol engine, passes through €22,000 for the 100 bhp 1.0 and reaches €23,850 for the example we tested, an honest figure for the package offered by a model which lacks about eighty horses and a less civilized set-up compared to the performance-focused i20 N, for which another 6 thousand euro are needed. The i20 N Line is not the alternative to the i20 N and it certainly doesn’t want to be, but it is an excellent compromise that demonstrates how it is possible to identify a single model for the needs of many.
HYUNDAI i20 N LINE
Engine 3 cylinder Mild-Hybrid Turbo 998 cc Power 120 hp @ 4.500 rpm Torque 200 Nm @ 2.000 rpm
Traction Front-Wheel-Drive Transmission 6-Speed Manual Gearbox Weight 1.190 kg
0-100 kph 11,4 sec Top Speed 185 kph Price €23.850