Hyundai brought in the Hyundai CRETA N Line when they launched the refreshed version of the car earlier this year. Beyond the sportier styling, it has real mechanical improvements over the standard variants making it enticing for the rev happy.

While the standard CRETA runs with a 1.5-liter mill making 115 horsepower and 144 Nm, the N Line was given a turbo for more output. Its numbers rose to 160 horses and 253 Nm of torque which you’ll definitely feel, especially when overtaking. Power is sent to the wheels via a quick-reacting, quick-response 7-speed dual clutch automatic. This was done so you can utilize all that turbo power efficiently and for better response from the throttle. It also has an exclusive Traction Mode Select for more confident driving through different terrains.

The CRETA N Line is also instantly recognizable, but also avoids outlandishly sporty aesthetics. There’s a honeycomb grille, a different lower bumper, and a different wheel design. The rear is a bit more obvious with its protruding spoiler, built-in diffuser, and twin-tailpipe exhaust.

Looks can be deceiving as the CRETA seems to be a small crossover. But open the rear door and there’s 420 liters of space, even with the rear seats up. Fold that down and it expands to 1,390 liters for all your belongings.

A pair of sizable screens greet the driver once they step into the cabin. 10.25-inch LCDs are in front of the driver for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen that has Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Then your eyes will surely lead you to the red bezel of the panoramic screen, that matches that of the shifter and seats. That’s to remind you that you’re in no ordinary CRETA. The N logo on the front seats, as well as the seat pattern on the backrests are great ornaments in this sporty cabin.

The N might connote sportiness, but this N Line trim of the CRETA has extra safety bits too. It already has Hyundai SmartSense but they went ahead and fitted it with Blind Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor for a safety-boosted experience in your daily drive. Tight parking spots are now a cinch even for the newbie driver in the CRETA N Line.

Hyundai N is known for bringing the sporty DNA into Hyundai’s cars, and now, the CRETA N Line offers more Filipinos that chance to experience an adrenaline rush. Above all, it’s a nexus of comfort, aesthetic, power, and safety. Who says raw grunt is all that’s on the table? The CRETA N Line delivers that, and more, in a package that’s easy on the eyes and won’t burn a hole in the pocket.