Hyundai Reveals Adorable New N-Line Model

With N vehicles such as the Veloster N, Elantra N, and Kona N, Hyundai has brought performance cars at a reasonable price. And for buyers who like the sporty N flavor but don't need quite as much speed, there are N-Line models like the Tucson, Sonata, and Elantra. Much like the full-fledged N models, including the i30 N hatchback, not all of these N-Line variants are brought stateside. The 2022 Hyundai Creta N-Line is the latest example.

Based on the Hyundai Creta, also known as the ix25 in China and Cantus in the Dominican Republic, this tiny N-Line crossover is loosely similar to the 2022 Hyundai Venue we get in the US, only it's way cooler. The Creta N-Line is sold in markets such as Brazil, India, and China, but would we ever buy it here in the US?

The Creta's styling is pretty interesting, sportier than the Venue thanks to the N-Line touches. It gets a parametric jewel pattern grille like the Tuscon with sleek black bumpers and skid plates. Other N-Line touches include 17-inch wheels, new front and rear fascias, and dual exhaust. Of course, there are a few N-Line badges too.

Sadly, since this is only an N-Line and not an N, it doesn't receive any performance bumps, in handling or power. Buyers can choose either a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDi engine with just 120 horsepower, or a 138-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Some markets will reportedly get a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-pot engine as well. For reference, the Venue's engine produces 121 hp.

This is mainly a styling exercise, both inside and out. The cabin includes black seats with N logos and red stitching, plus a sportier steering wheel and shifter. Though it's not an insane performance model, this interior is leaps and bounds better than the Venue. It boasts a larger touchscreen, panoramic roof, and nicer materials than you'd find in a Venue. There's even a larger Grand Creta variant with seven seats. Though we wouldn't fight hard for it, we wouldn't mind if the next-generation Venue borrows more from the Creta.