The Veloster N will be a game changer for Hyundai in the US - the first true high performance hot hatchback in the brand's history (though the Veloster Turbo is still pretty fun). The N division will sell the most high performance versions of Hyundai models, much like BMW M or Mercedes AMG. Like the German high performance divisions, Hyundai N will take advantage of its brand value to produce "semi-performance" models under the N Line name. The first of these models, the i30 N Line, has just arrived in Europe.

The i30 N is the European sister car to the Veloster N, and was the first Hyundai model to be affixed with the N badge. Now Hyundai has introduced the i30 N Line, which is meant to bridge the gap between the standard i30 and the high performance N model. Unfortunately, the N Line falls much closer to the base car than the N model. Similar to a Lexus F-Sport model, the i30 N Line has been given some handling and visual upgrades to help make it a bit sportier, but lacks a major bump in performance.

The N Line additions include i30 N-inspired bumpers, 18-inch wheels, twin-exit exhaust, stiffer chassis and suspension, larger brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and unique badging. On the interior, the i30 N Line looks very similar to the i30 N, with suede sport seats, perforated leather sport steering wheel, metal pedals, and N-branded gear lever.

Hyundai says it also tuned the engine response, but hasn't added any extra power. Buyers can choose from a 1.4-liter turbo gas engine with 138 horsepower and a 1.6-liter diesel with 134 hp. We didn't expect power to be close to the base i30 N's 248 hp output, but it would have been nice to see some kind of increase. We doubt that Hyundai will introduce a similar Veloster N Line in the US, because the Turbo already exists. Still, we expect to see N Line vehicles introduced for the US market sometime soon.