The 2021 Hyundai Kona N Line is a sportier looking version of the company's subcompact SUV. Introduced alongside the facelifted Kona, the N Line is just a styling package that adds sportier features on the outside and unique upholstery on the inside. The 2021 Kona N Line is available with the same engines as the regular crossover, with no option for a more powerful unit. What sets it apart from the standard Kona? Let's find out in the review below.

What makes the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Line special?

It takes away some of the Kona's ruggedness and makes the small SUV look a tad sportier. That's mostly because the wheel arch cladding is finished in body color on this model, while the rugged skid place was replaced by a splitter like element. Hyundai also added small fins at the lower corners of the bumper.

The body-colored wheel arches are paired with matching side skirts onto the sides. The N Line model also rides on unique 18-inch wheels that are bigger than the usual 16- and 17-inch options. The regular Kona is also available with 18-inch rollers, but the N Line benefits from a dedicated five-spoke rim design that standard out.

Around back, Hyundai eliminated the regular skid plate to make way for a diffuser-like element. While not overly sporty, the diffuser features four small fins and it's finished in black, providing a cool contrast with the rest of the rear fasia. The N Line package also comes with a sharper looking rear bumper and a twin exhaust pipe.

There are no special colors for this model, but Hyundai added five new exterior hues for the Kona to choose from. The new palette includes Ignite Flame, Cyber Gray, Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, and Misty Jungle. You can also pick from previously available colors like Phantom Black, Chalk White, Dark Knight, Pulse Red, and Galactic Gray.

Inside the cabin, the N Line benefits from all the upgrades that come with the facelifted Kona line. There's new ambient lighting technology that illuminates the center cup holder and the front foot wells, and new rings around the speakers and the A/C vents with an aluminum finish.

It also includes the latest Hyundai Bluelink technology and the 10.25-inch instrument cluster that the brand first introduced in the latest i20. You can also opt for a 10.25-inch infotainment display with a split-screen function, multiple Bluetooth connections, and new connectivity features.

As for unique features, the N Line comes with its very own upholstery package that allows you to pick from cloth, leather or suede seats. Unfortunately, the layout is completely black, with just a few splashes of red on the seats, gear shifter, and A/C vents. The regular Kona, on the other hand, is available with new color package like two-tone beige or khaki. One tiny and unique detail is the N logo on the gear shifter and the seats.

The Kona N Line is fitted with the Hyundai SmartSense active safety package, which includes a range of new systems, including:

-* Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist

-* Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

-* Smart Cruise Control with stop and go

-* Leading Vehicle Departure Alert

-* Lane Following Assist

-* Intelligent Speed Limit Warning

-* Safe Exit Warning

-* Rear Seat Alert

-* e-call

The gasoline range begins with a 1.0-liter four-cylinder now available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It generates 120 PS (118 horsepower). The range-topping gas mill is a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 198 PS (195 horsepower) through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's a decent option for the N Line model. Hyundai also offer a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel with a 48-volt system. Rated at 136 PS (134 horsepower), it's available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. An AWD system is also offered here.

Hyundai also added a hybrid powertrain to the Kona lineup, but it's not available with the N Line package. It combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 141 PS (139 horsepower).

Just like the regular model it benefits from retuned suspension and stabilizer bars for improved comfort and fine-tuned steering. If you pick the range-topping 1.6-liter engine, the Kona N Line will feature a specific steering tuning to match the character of the vehicle, so I guess there's a bit of extra sportiness to consider.

The Kona N Line is not available in the United States as of January 2021. In Europe, the Kona N Line starts from around €26,000 (about $31,960 as of January 2021) and it's the second most expensive trim in most markets. For reference, the regular Kona comes in at just under €20,000.

Overall, the Kona N Line is a cool addition to the lineup. But while the exterior makes it stand out and adds some sportiness to the nameplate, the interior is disappointing. I would say the same about the drivetrain, but the new 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 195 horsepower saves the day.