Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the sportier Hyundai Kona N-Line in July when the country was in total lockdown. Due to travel restrictions, we were unable to pay the car a visit, but now here it is in all its glory.

The Hyundai Kona N-Line is fully-imported (CBU) from Korea. Prices start from RM 156,888 on-the-road without insurance with SST discount.

Also read: Priced from RM 146k, 2021 Hyundai Kona 1.6T and N Line launched in Malaysia

But first, allow us to explain what N-Line is. N-Line is similar to what BMW knows as the M-Sport package and Toyota’s GR Sport accessories. It includes a series of equipment upgrades to make the car sportier while the engine output remains unchanged.

The Kona N-Line is different from the Kona N. The former is a kitted-up version of the standard Kona while the latter gets the complete souped-up package from Hyundai’s N division based in Namyang.

However, unlike the usual accessory pack cars, the Kona N-Line is more than just an accessory slapping exercise. The SUV looks largely different from its standard siblings.

Also read: Priced from RM 120k, 2021 Hyundai Kona facelift launched in Malaysia, no turbo for now

Instead of the slightly amphibious look the standard Kona sports, the Kona N-Line’s gets a slightly smaller front grille, and characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins.

The air intakes are slightly larger than the standard Kona while the 18-inch wheels is a sportier play on the standard Kona’s more sophisticated rims.

Also read: 280 PS/392 Nm, 8-speed DCT - 2021 Hyundai Kona N debuts, Malaysia's forbidden fruit

At the back, the Kona N-Line is easily distinguishable from its standard counterparts thanks to the rear diffuser and dual-exhaust pipes.

Inside, the Kona N-line gets a sportier gearshift with N logo and red stitching. The red stitching continues on the steering wheel and the all-black mixed leather and suede seats. The N-Line also gets metal foot pedals.

Other than that, the N-Line’s interior layout is similar to the standard Kona. That includes the 10.25-inch digital cluster in addition to the 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Powering the Kona N-Line is a Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder mill. The engine makes 198 PS and 265 Nm, and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Also read: Hyundai has 10 SUVs on sale globally and 3 of them are in the same segment, here’s a guide

The 2021 Hyundai Kona comes with a five-year or 300,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty and a 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free maintenance service. Interested parties may place their bookings online via Hyundai’s new online shopping platform.