With a flattering design highlighted by sporty attributes, the Hyundai i20 N Line comes for the Peugeot 208 GT Pack, which sets the benchmark in this field. But in both cases, the ramage is modest, with a small engine of 100 hp and an automatic transmission: sufficient for the sensations?
Cars to test: Hyundai i20 vs Peugeot 208
| Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 100 ch DCT-7 N Line Michel Vaillant DCT-7 Hybrid | |
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€ 23,600 no bonus |
| Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 100 hp GT Pack EAT8 | |
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€ 26,500 no bonus |
The new Hyundai i20, released at the end of 2020, offers a sporty aesthetic in its N Line version. It is equipped with the small three-cylinder 1.0 with a light hybridization, developing 100 hp. Modest power compared to the sports model badged N, strong 204 hp, which serves as aesthetic inspiration to the N Line. Launched in the colors of Michel Vaillant for a series limited to the first 500 copies, the N Line is however not just a simple look on a very wise basis since suspensions, exhaust and steering have been retouched to give this version additional advantages.
None of this at Peugeot where the GT Pack version corresponds totop of the range 208, presented in a more sporty and marked design, but without any technical modification. Should we still present this reference, with its title of European Car of the Year in 2020 and its position at the top of sales in Europe? Here with the PureTech engine in 100 hp version matched with the EAT8 gearbox, the little Peugeot continues to attract attention, especially in our yellow “Faro” version which contrasts with the billant black lines that dot the body.
Hyundai i20 price
With an aggressive price of € 23,600, the i20 N Line Michel Vaillant is strong, especially since the endowment is generous with parking aids, keyless start or LED lights. On the other hand, it lacks the driving aids reserved for the top of the range Executive, such as adaptive cruise control with active lane-keeping assistance or blind spot monitoring, included in the 208. Based on the Creative model which is just in- below the top of the range, it adds a whole range of sports cosmetics reminiscent of the “real” sportswoman N, with its aggressive side shields and skirts, specific 17 ”rims, sports steering wheel and aluminum-style pedals.
The only options were the metal paintwork (€ 550), the roof and the contrasting black mirrors (€ 400) and the navigation with 10.25 ” screen (€ 990) which fitted our test car, as was the rear spoiler and the blue-white-red bands as accessories for which Hyundai charges 815 €. What to seriously climb the note and catch up with its rival of the day. Finally, the Hyundai adds a massive advantage: its 5-year warranty.
Peugeot 208 price
Our 208 GT Pack is for its part the highest offer from the little Frenchwoman, which she charges at a high price: € 26,500. But at this price, the standard equipment is much more complete here with GPS navigation, active safety equipment which is lacking in its rival and the electric parking brake. Visually, she plays a score less purely sporty but just as spectacular with its shiny black wheel arches, a color that can be found in part on the shields, while the aluminum pedals and stainless steel door sills add touches of interior refinement. The beautiful flashy yellow paint of our test car is offered at no extra charge. A panoramic roof or leather upholstery are available as an option.
To drive
From the start, we understand that Hyundai has reserved for this version a specific exhaust line and not a simple double purely cosmetic outlet cannula. The roar of the 3 cylinders is in amplified mode, frankly sound. A choice that may please, but we must be sure: here, no active valve on the exhaust to offer a discreet mode, it is better to have tolerant neighbors. But strangely, this sound diminishes as soon as the engine takes turns. It must be said that the management of the Korean bloc helped by 48 volt mild hybridization has not been changed here and its character is far from sporty, with its efficient freewheeling phases.
A contrast confirmed by the management of the dual-clutch gearbox with 7 long, rather slow stages. Result, average performance with 11.4 s from 0 to 100 km / h but despite all this, consumption does not offer spectacular results, with 7 l / 100 km in the city and 7.8 l / 100 km on the motorway recorded during our test. Note, at 130 km / h, the aerodynamic noise is a bit high. Behavior is focused on efficiency and the car is firmly riveted to the ground, not leaving room for mobility which could be more fun. The reinforced settings here stiffen the whole thing a little, generating a very acceptable comfort, but very firm which, again, contrasts with the limited performance of the car. So here is a somewhat strange set of choices, which lacks consistency to make her the modest, but fun little sportswoman that she could have been in another technical definition.
Where the Hyundai is a bit off the wall with its very sonorous exhaust, the French retains a classic score, but effective. Its 1.2 PureTech engine offers a more natural tone, which gains in sympathetic vocalizations while going up in the turns. Despite its 20% larger displacement, its power and torque are obtained at higher speeds, which does not prevent a very high elasticity. Its three-cylinder character is also more assertive, including its somewhat annoying vibrations at idle. This gives a more joyful driving experience, well supported by the 8-speed automatic gearbox, more lively.
Regarding behavior, if the Peugeot 208 is not more playful, for it it has a better impression of liveliness, helped it is true by the small steering wheel of the i-Cockpit. The comfort-behavior compromise is remarkable and, despite a comparable weight around 1,100 kilos, it seems lighter at the wheel. We also appreciate the comfort of its semi-autonomous driving with stop and go in the caps, very pleasant to use. On the consumption side, despite the absence of micro-hybridization and less good homologation figures, the Peugeot does better on the motorway at 130 km / h with just 6 l / 100 km, while on the road, it is a level close to its rival.
To live
Modern and pleasing to the eye, the dashboard of the little Korean is embellished here with small red touches to underline the sporty style of this version. Its assembly is flawless but its shiny plastics sometimes give it a more inexpensive appearance. This version cultivates sure values: the pretty steering wheel does not give in to the flattened fashion and the transmission selection lever remains a good old mechanical model, like the handbrake. The driving position is good, as is the visibility offered to the driver. The digital instrumentation and the infotainment system are those of the latest generation of the Korean group, modern, responsive and graphically successful, but with certain inconsistencies in the logic of the menus. There are some pettiness in the equipment, for example, only the driver’s window is entitled to a sequential control for example.
The rear passengers of the i20 are much better off than aboard its French rival, with unparalleled legroom. Even the middle seat is comfortable. Side trunk, the i20 wins points with a volume of 352 l, almost 50 l better than its rival, or even nearly 90 l if we take the same measurement method according to the VDA standard. We have already said everything about the famous i-Cockpit of the 208 but one thing is certain, it still has its small effect, especially with its 3D instrumentation, spectacular failing to make it easier to read. The driving position is good but, depending on the templates, the steering wheel may interfere with the vision of the instrumentation. We find the classic PSA infotainment system, dated and often annoying, but, like in the Hyundai, it is easy to use the functions of your smartphone on the main screen thanks to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
