Hot Hyundai i20 N Line not for Oz
De-caffeinated new hatchback not for Australia – but double-shot espresso i20 N still on trackA hot little Hyundai i20 N Line hatch has broken cover in Europe but Hyundai Australia refuses to be distracted by its sporting overtones, concentrating solely on bringing the full-fat high-performance i20 N here next year.
Unlike other N Line models from Hyundai, including the i30 hatch and the forthcoming new i30 sedan (nee Elantra), Kona crossover and Sonata mid-size sedan, there are no performance benefits to be gained with the Euro-spec i20 N Line, which uses an 88kW 1.0-litre T-GDI engine.
Hyundai claims to have only tweaked “engine response and exhaust sound” to deliver “an enhanced driving experience” with this top-spec powertrain (a lower-output 1.2-litre will also be available), which drives the front wheels via a manual gearbox.
And Hyundai Australia remains firm in its resolve not to reintroduce the broader i20 model range, which has entered a new generation this year.
Where i20 N Line differs most from vanilla-flavoured i20 variants is in its design, and like other N Line models it provides clues as to the track-ready i20 N’s design direction.
Fitted with an aggressive body kit, including low-slung bumpers front and rear with contrasting grey elements and new side skirts, the i20 N Line has a sharper, edgier look, capped off with 17-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.
Hyundai’s sporty-looking warmed-up hatch also gets recalibrated suspension along with an upgraded cabin, including sports seats up front, an N-branded steering wheel, plenty of red stitching along with a leather-clad gear shifter and metal pedals.
The i20 N Line small hatch goes in sale in Europe early in 2021.
The only i20 hatch Hyundai Australia will offer in Australia will be the high-performance i20 N from next year, with spy shots showing a very similar look to the i20 N Line but with a few key differences.
It gets a prominent roof spoiler, has a lower ride height and will almost certainly deliver bigger, stronger brakes, stiffer suspension and significantly more exhaust volume.
Hyundai’s i20 N is not expected to rival the 200kW, all-wheel-drive Toyota GR Yaris and is tipped to bang out around 150kW of power.
However, it could be more affordable than initial first batch of fast-selling $40,000 go-fast Yaris cars.
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