Those like me who grew up during the golden era of Need for Speed — the days of Underground 2, Most Wanted, and Carbon — wouldn’t be surprised to find the Hyundai i10 N Line among the playable cars today. It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s designed for those who want to have some fun without spending a lot, while still keeping fuel consumption in check.
This is the latest version, featuring engine updates and some cosmetic tweaks. Beyond just the trim level, it confirms the model’s suitability for every use – despite we won’t see anymore in Denmark, and is already out of sale in Norway for years.
Hyundai i10 N-Line: our tops&flops
Do you remember the starter cars in the most iconic Need for Speed games, like Underground 1 and 2? The Hyundai i10 N Line could easily be included as a playable car if they ever released an updated edition. It’s not exactly a small hot hatch: the engine is a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder T-GDI — meaning turbocharged — producing 90 hp, paired here with a 5-speed manual gearbox (the only available option, unlike the Picanto GT-Line, which offers an automatic but loses the turbo). It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds, which also allows it to achieve excellent fuel efficiency, up to 21 km/l. Yet despite this, it’s really fun to drive: not a sluggish 3-cylinder, but actually quite lively, with an emphasized sound from the dual rear exhausts. Plus, the four disc brakes — a rare feature for a car in this category — guarantee braking that’s both progressive and safe. Stable and light, the car combines modern interiors with a retro touch, as shown by the manual climate control knobs. For today’s 18-year-old car enthusiasts — or anyone looking for fun on a budget — it could be a real hit.
What we like:
- Combines excellent fuel economy with great fun;
- Four disc brakes, even when some C-segment cars use drums nowadays;
- The 3-cylinder engine is lively and spirited.
What we don’t like:
- No front armrest;
- No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto;
- Naturally, the trunk space is quite limited.
Prices in Scandinavia
- Denmark: 154,995 DKK (It will soon no longer be sold);
- Sweden: from 211,900 SEK;
- Norway: Not available;
Hyundai i10: A truly compact car
As compact as cars rarely are nowadays, this is a petrol-only vehicle, with no form of electrification — something almost unusual for a brand like Hyundai. Still, it’s a surprising and positive choice.
It’s perfect for city driving, but also capable of handling longer trips: very comfortable, lively, and versatile. It’s suitable for everything — as a company benefit car, for carpooling, or even as a rental vehicle. It’s fun to drive, safe, and offers good interior space, especially considering its segment.
The trunk isn’t huge, true, but passenger comfort was clearly prioritized. Even tall passengers fit comfortably — I’m 1.94 meters tall, and I sit easily in the back. There’s also a Thunderbolt USB-C charging port integrated into the center tunnel, which also houses two cup holders.
From an aesthetic point of view, the changes are quite noticeable, especially at the front. The grille is much larger compared to the other trims, almost reminiscent of the Tucson, with LED daytime running lights integrated directly into the grille.
Typical of the N Line trim are the red accents: the three grille elements, the lower rear trim surrounding the twin exhaust tips (which are also specific to this version), and several touches inside the cabin — such as the air vent surrounds and the contrasting stitching on the steering wheel and the sport-patterned fabric seats.
The 16″ alloy wheels have a detailed design and reveal the four disc brakes — a very rare technical feature for this category, emphasizing the car’s dynamic nature.
The proportions are well-balanced, with a short hood, tight overhangs, and aggressive creases: it has real character, especially when viewed from the front.
A modern cabin
The interior features a layout that blends modernity with practicality. The central display, about 8″ in size, has a matte finish — a great choice, as it’s easy to read even under direct sunlight.
The digital instrument cluster is also matte and recessed, so it remains clearly visible at all times. I really appreciated details like the physical knobs for the single-zone climate control: they’re comfortable, intuitive, and have a nice “old-school” feel.
There are two USB ports: a Type-A port, which is the only one compatible with smartphone projection, and a Thunderbolt USB-C port for charging only. It’s a bit of a shame that it still only supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, since it’s still running the older BlueLink system.
Space has been optimized more for passengers than for luggage. The rear hatch opens easily, and the opening height is convenient. Overall, the ergonomics are very well thought out.
Small, but ful of character
Now let’s talk about the part that impressed me the most: the engine. Only the N Line version comes with the 1.0 T-GDI turbo, a three-cylinder engine with 90 hp — a few horsepower less than the previous 100/101, but honestly, you don’t feel the difference. On the contrary, it’s very lively, with a strong torque delivery that makes the driving experience dynamic, especially around town.
It has a pronounced sound, clearly by design, amplified by the dual rear exhausts. In the city, it feels lively, agile, and fun to drive, without ever feeling sluggish.
Fuel economy is another strong point: it easily achieves 20 km/l. In the city, it averages around 16–17 km/l, while on country roads it can even reach 21 km/l if driven calmly. On the highway, it maintains about 18 km/l, which is excellent for a petrol-only car in 2025.
The chassis has also been revised. The front uses MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar, while the rear features a torsion beam axle with interconnected wheels. Road holding is excellent, even on tight corners: the car always stays firmly planted. It may even be slightly wider than the regular i10.
The four disc brakes are a real treat: responsive, safe, and perfect for both daily driving and more aggressive braking when needed. Compared to other city cars that still use drum brakes, the difference is really noticeable.
In terms of safety, this Hyundai i10 N Line offers ADAS features usually found in higher segments. There are B-segment cars that don’t have this level of equipment.
Beyond the hardware, there’s a real feeling of stability: the steering is precise, well-balanced, and has a good amount of feedback.
The 5-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use, with a well-built gear lever and a perfectly calibrated clutch — neither too stiff nor too soft.
A small downside? There’s no central armrest, and I would have liked one, even one of those integrated into the seat that can be raised or lowered. It would have been convenient for everyday driving.
Sound insulation is decent: the engine makes itself heard, especially when you push the throttle, but it’s part of the fun. The car is so engaging that you often find yourself at higher speeds without even realizing it.
