In general, there are two types of drivers – those that have to and those that want to. I am in no way dissing people that fall into the former category but, like fishing, cycling or even playing chess, driving is something that dives deep into your soul and once it has, you are hooked for life.
It also matters not a jot what level of driving we are talking about and those that want to can be racing drivers or simply people who feel a deep sense of connection between themselves and the motor car, even if they are stuck in traffic.
What does help those that want to is a car that is simply just fun to drive. It might not be the fastest, and it certainly does not have to be the most expensive – it just needs to be a little extrovert, willing to work had and, perhaps, a touch mischievous.
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The new Hyundai i20 N Line captures all of that in a small city runabout with a 1,0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine producing 89,5 kW and 171,6 Nm of torque driving through a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and kitted with firmer suspension settings for better handling, particularly in corners, supported by McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear.
That’s it. That’s the package. And, it is a great fun parcel complete with paddle shifters and just the right rorty note to the exhaust even if it is not a true ‘N’ model with the additional racy tweaks.
The updated i20 model range has a fresh design across three trim levels. The i20 occupies around 10% of the hatchback segment locally and the new range includes the entry-level Premium, mid-range Executive and the sporty N Line, with different engine and transmission options.
The exterior was redesigned with a new front bumper and black radiator grille for a sportier look. At the rear, changes include a refreshed bumper and a unique taillight design, while the side view shows the new 16-inch alloy wheels for the Executive and N Line trims. Lighting options vary across the range, with halogen headlights on lower trims and LED lights on the N Line.
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Despite its compact dimensions (3 995 mm long, 1 775 mm wide), the i20 provides reasonable interior space for a family of four, including a 311-litre boot.
The N Line offers artificial leather interior trim as standard, but all models include adjustable steering and seat height for the driver. Climate control is automatic and rear passengers benefit from an adjustable air outlet.
On the dashboard is a 3,5-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless phone charging is available in the higher trims and all models are equipped with multiple USB charging points and a 12V socket.
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The N Line trim includes several exclusive features, such as multicolour ambient lighting and motorsport-inspired red accents in the cabin. The N Line also features an exclusive three-spoke steering wheel, a sunroof, cruise control, and paddle shifters for manual gear changes. Safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Start Assist are standard on this model.
All i20 variants come equipped with ISOFIX child seat attachments and crash bags, with additional side and curtain bags for the N Line. Safety systems such as anti-lock braking, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and a full-size spare wheel are standard across the range.
With its hot hatch styling, the i20 N Line stands out within the i20 range, offering some consolation for the absence of the full-fledged N performance model in our market.
The i20 N Line remains an enjoyable hatchback to drive. While it may not be as sporty as its exhaust note implies, it handles winding roads with ease, feeling solid and well planted even with some rapid directional shifts, the steering input and feedback being both positive and accurate.
Although the three-cylinder engine performed well overall, hard acceleration during overtaking revealed a slight delay in turbo response but the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifted smoothly and efficiently.
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All of this combined can add up to mischief – the good kind – or the car can be simply and swiftly slotted into the anaemic parking bays of local shopping centres where its smaller size may well keep it safe from the doors of the behemoths partly straddling the demarcation lines on either side.
On the launch route, in mischief mode the fuel consumption does creep up with 8,4 l/100 km showing on the computer. Dialled down to normal daily used I managed to eke out 6,7 l/100 km, which marginally improves on the Hyundai claim of 6,9 l/100 km.
It is by no means the quickest around but the i20 does have all the right stuff keep driving fun.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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