IT’S safe to say that Hyundai’s first hot hatch, the i30 N, has been a runaway success. Long waiting lists and a string of accolades provide enough evidence, but there are still a few punters that remain critical of the Korean brand for some unknown reason.

But, back in reality, there’s no better way to capitalise on the i30 N’s hype than to introduce a new grade for the non-performance small hatch that brings enough heat to entice those buyers that are on a tighter budget. Enter the eagerly anticipated i30 N Line.

Make no mistake, the i30 N Line certainly looks the part, borrowing the majority of its looks from the tough i30 N, but is its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine spicy enough for a warm hatch? We gladly accepted the challenge of testing the newcomer to find out.