As promised, Hyundai is launching a new N Line sub-brand which will provide sporty variants for showroom models. And the first has just been revealed; the i30 N Line.
Hyundai announced earlier this year that it is planning to roll out ‘N Option’ enhancements for all of its vehicles. These are set to include individual enhancements that buyers will be able to hand select for any model in the showroom.
What Hyundai is revealing here though is the full N Line package. Think of it as like the S line packages that Audi offers, and M Sport variants that BMW offers. Like the German vehicles, the i30 N Line is a complete kit from new that turns up the visual character, and also enhances the drive experience.
A special bodykit has been developed for the i30 N Line, with unique front and rear bumper bars inspired by those on the proper i30 N hot hatch, complete with the little wind-sheering fins on the rear guards. Instead of red highlights though the N Line comes with silver highlights. There’s also a set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, with a twin exhaust setup to complete the look.
Although there are no engine modifications, the i30 N Line package sees some tweaks to the suspension and engine response for a livelier driving behaviour, while the brakes are upgraded from 15-inch discs to 16-inch items. In the case of this Euro-spec model, power comes from the regular 1.4-litre turbo developing 103kW.
Inside you’ll find a pair of sporty seats for the front passengers, wrapped in soft suede-like trim, while the driver gets to play with a perforated leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and N gear lever, similar to the one in the i30 N. Hyundai Motor Europe’s marketing and product VP Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said:
“Our i30 N has been hugely successful since launch, showcasing our capabilities in high-performance engineering and emotionalising our brand with its fun-to-drive factor. Now we are extending that feeling to a wider audience with the new i30 N Line. We believe the comprehensive package of design and engineering enhancements will continue to attract more new customers to the Hyundai brand in Europe.”
With more of these N Line variants and N Options on the way, and thanks to the launch of the i30 N hot hatch (and others to follow), Hyundai is really starting to take a huge slice of the overall auto market. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with any other N Line package announcements, and provide Aussie details as soon as they arrive.
