New Hyundai i30 N Line prices start at £21,255

Hyundai has launched its first N Line model for the Hyundai i30 hatchback, with prices starting from £21,255.

The i30 N Line uses new bumpers influenced by those fitted to the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch and it’s the first 'regular' i30 model to be offered with 18in wheels. There are also twin-exit exhaust tailpipes and wing-mounted N Line badges to illustrate the car’s N-inspired status.

Two tiers are available - N Line and N Line+, with N Line+ cars gaining a heated steering wheel, leather and suede seats with memory function on the driver’s seat and electrically-adjustable lumbar support for the passenger, dual-zone climate control and automatic wipers. The range-topping N Line+ automatic costs £24,255. The N Line goes on sale on 3 September.

Changes have been made beneath the skin, too, because the i30 N Line gets a slightly sportier chassis set-up to bridge the gap between the standard line-up and the red-blooded i30N. There are larger front brake discs and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

The car is available with the 138bhp 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol engine, which is the most powerful unit offered in the regular range.

Inside, a perforated leather steering wheel and N-branded gearlever knob are nods to the car’s ranking. N-branded suede sport seats that provide better lateral support are available as an option.

Hyundai Europe marketing and product boss Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said the success of the i30N has spurred on the launch of this new variant.