Although it’s not quite pushing Polo numbers, the Hyundai i20 remains a popular player in the compact hatch zone, with monthly sales regularly in the region of 500 units.
It is one of the few hatchbacks to have stood its ground in the B-segment hatch space, where others like the Kia Rio and Ford Fiesta have excited the stage amid surging popularity of SUV and crossover models.
The Hyundai i20 was recently handed a refresh for 2024, and after spending a week with the range-topping N Line version recently, we were surprised by how entertaining it felt to drive.
Of course, Hyundai offers a full line-up of i20 models, with a normally aspirated 1.2 manual and 1.4 auto making up the bulk of the range, and there’s very good value to be had here with prices having been reduced, and now starting at a very reasonable R309,900 for your rent-a-car specification 1.2 Premium.
Unfortunately the N Line was not part of the discounting spree, and remains on offer at a somewhat less attainable R467,500.
However, if you really enjoy the act of driving and only the best in cabin spec will do, then this is most certainly the pick of the bunch, if your budget allows.
For starters it’s the only model in the range to be powered by Hyundai’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which pushes 90kW and 172Nm through the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Although I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a ‘hot’ hatch, the i20 N Line is really engaging on so many levels.
Acceleration is punchy, power delivery linear and there’s a raspy note from the exhaust to constantly remind you that this is no humdrum hatchback.
The dual-clutch gearbox swops cogs with precision and the steering is direct and accurate.
Although some might find the engine to be a touch on the vocal side, there is otherwise little to fault this vehicle’s overall refinement and the ride is certainly within the parameters I’d call comfortable.
My fuel consumption on the freeway amounted to 5.4 litres per 100km.
Unique N Line features inside and out
There is a glut of unique exterior and interior features that set the N Line apart. Although it didn’t receive as comprehensive a facelift as the regular i20 models, there is a new pattern for the gloss black grille and fresh 16-inch alloy wheels.
As before, the N Line gets unique bumpers, signature LED headlights, side skirts, rear spoiler and twin exhaust pipes.
The interior gains ambient lighting and a wireless phone charging pad for 2024, in addition to the rest of the N Line garb, including red stitching, metal finishes, bespoke three-spoke steering wheel and aluminium-look pedals.
The seats are upholstered in a dark grey synthetic leather, with red stitching, but they feel a bit plain for a car that’s trying to be sporty. Thicker bolsters would certainly have enhanced the user experience here.
The i20 N Line is certainly not skimping when it comes to features, and buyers can look forward to an eight-speaker Bose sound system, cruise control and automatic climate control.
All i20 versions ship with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The graphics are on the plain side but it is relatively user-friendly and it is supplemented by analogue controls for the for the volume and some of the menu controls.
This car’s existence hasn’t just been swallowed by a giant screen, in other words, and we rather like that.
The i20 has USB C and USB ports, with only the latter featuring at the back of the cabin.
As a relatively compact hatchback, the i20 is not exceptionally spacious in the back, but I was able to sit behind my driving position with a little legroom to spare, and the boot has a capacity of 311 litres, which is par for the course in this segment.
VERDICT
The i20 N Line is not exactly cheap, at R467,500, and there is more sensible value to be found lower down in the range, but the flagship does offer a spirited and engaging drive that may just take the humdrum out of your commute.
But be sure to check out the Suzuki Swift Sport and Opel Corsa GS Line if you’re shopping in this neck of the woods.
IOL Motoring