The newly revealed Hyundai i20 N-Line previews what to expect from the upcoming i20 N in Australia.
Hyundai has broadened the appeal of the all-new i20 by adding a sporty new N-Line model to the line-up, intended to rival the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and Peugeot 208 GT.
The new Hyundai i20 N-Line gets a range of performance-inspired add-ons and goes on sale in Europe at the beginning of next year ahead of the i20 N, which will be the only i20 sold in Australia.
On the outside, N-Line models get a more aggressive looking front bumper, with grey detailing and a black grille designed to look like a chequered flag. There’s a new sporty rear bumper that houses a triangular fog lamp, while twin exhaust tips mark it out from the rest of the i20 range.
Inside, Hyundai has added N-Line sports seats, while red stitching can be found on the steering wheel and seats. Metal trimmed foot pedals and a leather trimmed gearstick and gaiter have also been introduced.
i20 N-Line buyers are offered two engines. The first is an entry-level four-cylinder 62kW 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine, while 74kW or 89kW versions of the new turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre t-GDI are also on offer. Both of the higher-powered engines come with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, as well as the option of Hyundai’s new Intelligent Manual Transmission clutch-by-wire system.
As standard all N-Line models get 17-inch alloys, a digital instrument display and a range of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety and driver assistance systems.
Looking to 2021, the new i20 N-Line will be joined by a proper hot-supermini in the form of the full fat i20 N, currently in development by the brand’s performance division. Up to 150kW is expected alongside serious chassis revisions, with a price tag to rival the Ford Fiesta ST when it goes on sale.
Jonathan Burn