i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.

Hyundai i10 N Line (2020) Front Side

Although city cars with performance aspirations are fairly rare nowadays, the Volkswagen Up! GTI is an obvious rival for the Hyundai.

The figures below show how they compare across various key benchmarks. Despite their similar mechanical arrangements, the Up! GTI’s higher output and extra pace immediately stand out. The Volkswagen boasts slightly better efficiency, too.

Model Hyundai
i10 N Line
Volkswagen
Up! GTI
OTR 3-door N/A £16,140
OTR 5-door £16,195 £16,540
Engine 1.0 litre T-GDi 1.0 litre TSI
Type 3 cylinders,
petrol,
turbocharged
3 cylinders,
petrol,
turbocharged
Power 98 bhp
(73 kW /
100 PS)
113 bhp
(85 kW /
115 PS)
Torque 172 Nm
(126 lb-ft)
200 Nm
(148 lb-ft)
Gearbox 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
0-62 mph
(100 km/h)
10.5 secs 8.8 secs
Top speed 115 mph
(185 km/h)
122 mph
(197 km/h)
WLTP combined cycle 52.3 mpg
(5.4 l/100km)
53.3 mpg
(5.3 l/100km)
WLTP CO2 123 g/km 121 g/km

However, the five-door-only i10 N Line does cost a little less than the equivalent Up! GTI. That monetary advantage is reinforced when considering equipment levels.

Both contenders come with alloy wheels (16” on the Hyundai, 17” on the Volkswagen), manual air conditioning, Bluetooth and a DAB radio.

The Up! GTI features heated front seats and a 5.0” ‘Composition Colour’ smartphone mirroring screen as well.

Climate control is a £280 option, while the £440 Cruise and Park pack comprises cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Prospective purchasers should also be aware that any paint colour apart from Tornado Red will add between £350 and £700 to the Volkswagen’s invoice.

By contrast, the i10 N Line standard kit list includes an 8” touchscreen for the infotainment system (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, incidentally), a rear-view camera, cruise control and automatic headlights.

Hyundai i10 N Line (2020) Dashboard

Furthermore, the Hyundai is fitted with SmartSense. It’s a suite of advanced safety technologies that combines Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, eCall and High Beam Assist.

£1,000 buys the Tech Pack which consists of satellite navigation, Bluelink telematics, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and wireless device charging. Unless they’re happy with Polar White solid paintwork, i10 N Line customers are going to have to spend another £550 to get a Phantom Black, Slate Blue or Dragon Red metallic finish instead.

In summary, the Up! GTI appears to be the quicker choice. The much more modern i10 N Line certainly shouldn’t be dismissed though, because its superior specification, competitive pricing and five-year warranty (two years longer than Volkswagen gives) are all very strong selling points.

Related posts:
A major mid-life refresh for Hyundai’s Santa Fe
The Hyundai i30 gets a facelift for 2020
UK prices for the 2020 Hyundai i10

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