Hyundai i20 (2024) First Drive Review
With many manufacturers pivoting to crossovers and SUVs it is refreshing to still receive a spirited hot hatch to drive. Hyundai has kept the dream alive with its updated range of i20 models and the cracking new N line model. We drove the new model on launch and found it to be everything we had hoped for.
N Line Hotness
Hyundai South Africa has been relatively quiet from a product standpoint this year. Its solid lineup has not received any major updates, but despite this, the brand has maintained its fourth-place position in the manufacturer standings. Marques such as i10, Grand i10, Creta, Tucson, and Staria have done well for the Korean brand, ensuring that it has kept its position in the market.
Related: Hyundai i20 (2021) First Drive Impressions: Turbo power for popular Korean hatchback
Although compact hatchbacks have largely lost their appeal with consumers in lieu of compact SUVs like the Kona, there are still many who desire the dynamic drive that these vehicles offer, and Hyundai has kept the dream alive with its i20 hatchback. This vehicle has now received a major update with new derivatives and a sporty N-line model. We spent the day with Hyundai SA piloting the sporty N-line model around Gauteng.
How much is my Hyundai i20 worth?
Refreshed looks
The Hyundai i20 range has been trimmed and slimmed. The outgoing range of Fluid and Motion derivatives is now gone, replaced by three new derivatives, Premium, Executive, and N-Line. The new models get new grille designs, new lighting and wheel designs with the requisite front and rear bumper treatments. The interiors have also received a revamp with dual cloth and artificial leather seating all around, and new tech and convenience features cropping up.
Hyundai i20 (2024) colour and price guide
Derivative excellence
The new N-Line derivative receives a number of styling upgrades over its brethren with a differentiating grille, LED fog lights and front bumper. Inside its a sporty affair with red accents, aluminium pedals and trimming as well as red stitching, letting you know this is no ordinary i20. Under the bonnet is a 1.0 turbo petrol petrol engine pumping out 90kW and 172Nm and smooth 7 speed DCT transmission.
On the tech front there is a Bose sound system running through the 8" infotainment system with wireless charging and climate control. The N Line also receives a spectrum of safety equipment not limited to 6 airbags, ABS, TSC, seatbelt warnings and ISOfix in the rear.
How much are car repayments on a new Hyundai i20?
Model lineup and Pricing
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Premium MT | R 309 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Executive MT | R 329 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.4 Premium AT | R 329 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.4 Executive AT | R 349 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.0 Premium DCT | R 467 500 |
* All models sold come with Hyundai's 7 year/ 200 000km warranty
Drive dynamics
Our launch route took us along a few freeways and then onto the flowing backroads to Bronkhorstspruit. The N Line derivative was a smooth operator in its auto mode, but once you flicked it over to manual operation and employed the paddle shifters to shuttle through the gears, the N Line came alive. It has a throaty burble that emanates from the twin exit exhaust on the up and downshifts, and the steering firms up beautifully in manual mode, giving the vehicle rail-like handling. It may not be as spritely off the line as one would like, but it has an amazing top end, cruising along at speed with aplomb.
The suspension is sprung a little on the firm side for daily driving but when it comes to dodging trucks and potholes and carving ones way through some twisty roads, handling dynamics are on point. After all was said and done, we completed our 100km route with our test unit hovering between 6.4 and 7.6l/100km, which is excellent considering the traffic and driving conditions.
Verdict
The Hyundai i20 N Line proves that the hot hatch isn't gone yet and that the Korean brand can still make a car for enthusiasts. The N Line can easily give the Volkswagen Polo TSi and Renault Clio 5 a run for their money and represents a fantastic value proposition.
