After the sharp "fastback enk", I recently got the opportunity to try its, much more popular, clone. It suits it almost as well as the sharp N Performance version, but unfortunately it definitely won't give you the same driving nirvana as the sharp version. But that's what this model is really about. It's a nice looking package that brings that "basic fastback" i30 closer to the N version, if you want N Performance.
The Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line is currently offered with either a turbocharged 14-cylinder petrol engine or a 16-cylinder diesel engine. Then with a classic six-speed manual, or with a seven-speed dual-clutch DCT automatic.
I got a version with a turbocharged petrol engine and a seven-speed automatic for the test, and in order not to make it so difficult to compare these sibling cars, I also finished this N Line version in a very attractive white "Polar White" color.
"Enko" exterior appearance
The i30 Fastback N Line is, as I already mentioned, a certain intermediate stage between the classic i30 model and the sharp N version, or N Performance. In terms of external appearance, however, it is quite logically closer to the sharp "enka" version.
But let's start from the "basics", the N Line version stands on quite decent 18-inch wheels, which are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, size 225/40 R18 (the N Performance is then mounted on 19-inch wheels, which are shod for 235/35 R19 tires). We also have both bumpers, which have much sharper features than the classic version, again in the style of the aforementioned "enka". You can easily recognize the N Line version from the sharp version, within the front part, the lower part of the bumper does not have a red line, but only a silver line. Furthermore, there is the absence of the N emblem in the front radiator grille itself. Similarly, the rear part does not have the N marking and mainly does not have a pair of exhaust tips, it only has one. You will also look in vain for the very elegant black tear-off edge of the luggage compartment lid on the N Line version.
The car makes its affiliation to the N Line version clear, with the relevant markings placed on its fenders.
Its purely sporty character is complemented by effective black-painted rear-view mirrors and front LED headlights with black frames.
The Hyundai i30 N Line is therefore definitely a great car in terms of exterior design, which bears the signature of the "sharpest" version.
Interior, black color in the main role
Even in the interior itself, the N Line equipment leans more towards the "enque" version than the basic "30s". The usual assessment of the interiors of Hyundai cars still applies here, i.e. very good workmanship, which goes hand in hand with good ergonomics.
The downside for me is, quite traditionally, the weaker graphics of the on-board infotainment display. On the other hand, I have to praise the multifunctional steering wheel itself. Here I enjoy his massive, leather-studded, wreath. Its control buttons, which have a very pleasant operation, are also worthy of praise. In addition, the steering wheel and automatic transmission selector are equipped with the sports division "N" logo.
The interior of the car is completely black, including the entire ceiling. Sports seats with good lateral guidance, which we know from the recently tested N Performance version, are also a matter of course. As a result, the interior looks very good, the black treatment contrasted very effectively with the white color design of the car's exterior. This is a really good combination.
Thanks to the "fastback" body, the luggage compartment offers very good access and a volume of 450 l.
Sportiness and unsportiness of a petrol fourteen-hundred-litre
The drive unit of the tested car was a gasoline, turbocharged, fourteen-cylinder engine with an output of 103 kW (140 hp), which is available at 6,000 rpm. The engine is characterized by a very quiet and refined operation. Unfortunately, its dark side includes a certain "dull" reaction to the gas pedal. Unfortunately, the sportiness of the car's exterior concept is completely lost in the driving performance. The only rescue I used a lot was to put the car in sport mode. Here, the car comes to life quite pleasantly, the reaction to the gas pedal changes, the operation of the automatic transmission is adjusted and the effectiveness of the power steering is also adjusted. Subsequently, the i30 Fastback N Line will give you at least a little of that sportiness.
The Fastback N Line configured in this way can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. The maximum speed is 205 km/h and in terms of consumption, I drove it for 6.8 l/100 km during the weekly test.
I definitely have to praise the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox. She ranks very judiciously and really promptly.
The chassis of the i30 Fastback N Line is very neutral. The main limitation of the chassis itself is its 18-inch discs shod with low-profile tires.
In conclusion
Looking at the current price list of the i30 N Line model, which is valid from August 1, 2019, the currently offered versions are discounted by the amount of CZK 40,000. Thus, the tested version with a gasoline turbocharged 14-cylinder (1.4 T-GDI) and a six-speed manual is offered from CZK 479,990 including VAT, a diesel 16-cylinder (1.6 CRDi) also with a manual from 509,990 CZK including VAT. Both engines are subsequently available with a seven-speed DCT automatic.
For comparison, let's look at the price of the classic i30 Fastback with a turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed manual. If you want this engine, you have to go for the higher KOMFORT equipment, the i30 Fastback described here, after discount, you can get it for 409,990 CZK including VAT. The "sharp" version of the i30 Fastback N is available from CZK 719,990 including VAT, the N Performance version from CZK 759,990 including VAT. In terms of price, the basic version of the N Line logically and correctly leans towards the classic i30 Fastback.
However, the tested car also had a seven-speed dual-clutch DCT transmission with automatic shifting and the possibility of sequential shifting with paddles under the steering wheel, which is available for an extra charge of 50,000 CZK including VAT. Furthermore, as part of the additional equipment, this piece was completed with the Ultimate package, which had sports anatomically shaped seats with suede/leather upholstery and intelligent adaptive cruise control with a complete stop and restart function, all for an additional charge of CZK 60,000 including VAT. Overall, the price of the tested model rose to CZK 589,990 including VAT.
With its N Line optical package, Hyundai has certainly expanded the field of its potential customers. So the car is really very attractive in terms of exterior design. Just keep in mind that the i30 N Line looks a bit better than it actually drives.
