The 2020 Hyundai i10 N Line is a performance-oriented trim of the third-generation hatchback. A range-topping model in the current lineup, the 2020 i10 N Line slots above the regular i10 and will fill the gap between the standard hatchback and the upcoming i10 N. The 2020 i10 N Line is the fourth Hyundai to sport the "N Line" badge as of December 2019. It joins the i30 N Line, the i30 Fastback N Line, and the Tucson N Line. The N Line is essentially a package that adds some exclusive features to the 2020 i20. Performance-wise, it's not a full-fledged N model, but it does benefit from an exclusive turbo three-cylinder mill that adds extra oomph over the standard powertrains. Let's find out more about that in the review below.

2019 Hyundai i10 N Line

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Hyundai i10 N Line
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Unique features - Larger front grille - Tri-bar DRLs - Red front splitter trim - Larger side vents - N Line badges all around - Unique wheels - Red rear bumper detailing - Twin exhaust pipes - Looks sportier overall

But even though it's not as aggressive as the i30 N, it looks decidedly sportier than the regular i10. The front grille retains the overall shape of the standard hatchback, but the upper corners extend more toward the sides, while the lower section extends deeper toward the bottom. The elements that decorate the grille are also exclusive to this model. Not only did Hyundai replace the standard grille with a new mesh with bigger openings, but it also added an "N Line" badge on one side and three red elements on the other side. The daytime running lights are also different. While the regular i10 features round DRLs, the N Line comes with tri-bar LED light units.

Due to the fact that the bottom of the grille extends even more into the bumper, the lower intake is gone on this model. The side vents, on the other hand, are larger and feature a horizontal shape in this car. The splitter isn't necessarily more aggressive than the i10's, but the red stripe adds more character.

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The N Line's profile is identical to the regular i10 save for two extra features. There's an "N Line" badge on the front fender and exclusive wheels in 16-inch format. These alloy rollers feature an intricate five-spoke design with high-sheen surfaces and red center caps.

Just like the profile, the rear end doesn't really stand out compared to the regular i10. Everything looks the same, with not even an "N Line" badge alongside the typical "i10" script. So how do you tell this model apart? Well, you'll have to look close enough at the diffuser-like element in the bumper and notice the thin red line and the twin exhaust layout.

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Hyundai says the N Line will be offered with six exterior color choices, all part of a two-tone color scheme with a different roof. The presentation model features a basic white body and black roof, but Hyundai will probably offer livelier options, like red and blue, and well.

Interior

- N badge on the steering wheel - N badge on the gear shifter - Red A/C rings - Metal pedals - Sportier seats - Solid tech package

The third-generation i10 comes with a more youthful and modern interior, and the N-Line package just adds to that.

It's also packed with more tech than ever and the N Line model benefits from every novelty. It now features a clutter-free dashboard with a free-standing infotainment display, simpler controls for the air conditioning system, and a two-tone dashboard. The eight-inch infotainment is also larger than before, while the instrument cluster incorporates a bigger screen in the center.

Tech-wise, the i10 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cool features like a rear-view camera, wireless charging, and the Connected Car platform are also available via the options list. The latter includes Bluelink telematics, a feature that searches points of interest, and Find My Car, which enables you to locate your i10 in a parking lot or unfamiliar areas.

The N Line comes with a few exclusive features as well.

Trunk capacity remains unchanged with the "N Line" badge. Although Hyundai has yet to release figures for this model, it should offer at least the 252-liter (8.9 cubic-foot) capacity of its predecessor. This number puts it on par with the Kia Picanto, rated at 255 liters (nine cubic feet), but well above the Renault Twingo, which offers only 188 liters (6.6 cubic feet).

Overall, the interior is not as impressive as the exterior, but the N Line-specific features manage to set the model apart.

Drivetrain

- Two engines - Exclusive turbo 1.0-liter - 99 horsepower - 127 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 62 in less than 11 seconds - No special suspension - Powerful enough for the competition

Just like the regular i10, the i10 N Line is available with one of two engines. However, only one of them is shared by both cars. Specifically, This unit cranks out 83 horsepower and 87 pound-feet of torque. The tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder that comes standard with the regular i10, rated at 66 horses and 71 pound-feet, is not offered with the N Line.

But the good news is that you can order this model with a more powerful engine. Performance data is not yet available for this mill, but since the i10 equipped with the 1.2-liter four-banger hits 62 mph in 12.6 seconds, the range-topping model should get there in less than 11 clicks. Top speed should also increase from the standard 171 km/h (106 mph) to around 185 km/h (115 mph).

2020 Hyundai i10 N-Line specifications

Engine

1.2 MPi engine

1.0 T-GDiengine

Architecture

4-cylinder MPi

3-cylinder T-GDi

Power (PS)

84

100

Torque (Nm)

118

172

Transmission

5MT / 5AMT

5MT

Maximum speed(km/h)

171 / 171

TBA

0-to-100 km/h acceleration(sec)

12.6 / 15.8

TBA


This new engine enables the i10 N Line to compete with the range-topping version of the Kia Picanto, powered by the exact same unit. The i10 N Line fitted with this engine is also viable competitor for the range-topping Volkswagen Up!. The German city car features a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that cranks out 101 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, it's not as powerful as the Up! GTI, which comes with 114 horses and 148 pound-feet on tap. Finally, this turbo 1.0 pushes the i10 into Renault Twingo territory, a hatchback available with a 0.9-liter three-pot rated at 109 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of twist.

Both engines are available with a five-speed manual transmission, but you can order the base model with a five-speed automatic as well.

Pricing

Pricing for the i10 N Line is not yet available and the same goes for the regular third-generation i10. However, with the old hatchback priced from £9,325, the third-gen i10 shouldn’t fetch more than £10,000 before options. The N Line will be the most expensive model in the lineup and there's a big chance it will cost more than the outgoing range topper, the Premium SE, priced from £13,905. Hyundai will probably look to match the Kia Picante equipped with the same engine. Kia offers two models, the GT-Line priced from £13,645 and the GT-Line S priced from £15,045.

Competition

Kia Picanto GT-Line

Redesigned in 2017, the current Kia Picanto shares most underpinnings and engines with the Hyundai i10. But it looks notably different on the outside and the redesign brought interesting features to the table. While not overly sporty, it shares some design cues with the bigger Kia model and still looks fresh after two years on the market. The Picanto’s interior looks decent enough and in some areas, like the design of the seats and the A/C vents, it actually looks a bit better than the i10. It’s pretty solid in the tech department as well and includes everything you get in the i10, but the infotainment display is slightly smaller at seven inches. Under the hood, the Picanto is virtually identical to the i10. The model that matches the i10 N Line for performance, the GT-Line, features the same turbocharged 1.0-liter three-pot that delivers 99 horses and 127 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the Kia Picanto starts from £10,045, but the GT-Line comes in at £13,645 before options.

Read our full review of the 2019 Kia Picanto GT-Line

Renault Twingo

The third-generation Renault Twingo may be five years old as of 2019, but it still has what it takes to compete in this segment. Granted, it doesn't feature as much tech as the latest Hyundai i10, but it has a nice interior, while the exterior looks funky in a good way. Renault offers a selection of three engines, including 0.9- and 1.0-liter three-cylinder mills. While the base 0.9 unit is a bit underpowered at 90 horsepower and 100 pound-feet, the range-topping unit is mostly on par with the i10 N Line. Specifically, the TCe 110 engine generates 109 horses and 125 pound-feet of twist. This unit powers the Twingo GT model, so Renault has a performance-oriented city car ready for you as well. This version is not available in the U.K., but the range-topping model starts from €15.390 with the 90-horsepower engine in Germany.

Read our full story on the 2019 Renault Twingo

Final Thoughts

Although it's not a full-fledged N model, the N Line is a trim that the Hyundai i10 needed really bad. With almost every other city car in this segment offering an option with around 100 horsepower, the i10 was falling behind in the performance department. The really cool thing about the N Line is that it also comes with a sportier exterior. The bigger front grille and the tri-bar daytime running lights make a big difference and turn the i10 into a more appealing option compared to the Kia Picanto, Renault Twingo, or the Volkswagen Up! It remains to be seen how much it will cost, but the looks, the power, and the solid tech package make the i10 N Line one of the best (if not the best) options on the market.