Hyundai i20 N Line India bookings open

Hyundai has finally introduced its N performance brand in India with the i20 N Line being the first N Line model to hit our shores. The Hyundai i20 N Line gets a sportier cosmetic job inside and out, that is accompanied by a sportier suspension setup and exhaust note. 

Along with the unveiling, Hyundai also opened bookings for the i20 N Line in India. Customers can book the car online or at Hyundai dealerships for Rs 25,000. Prices could be announced in September. 

Although the i20 N Line debuts Hyundai's N performance brand in India, it must be noted that N Line models only get a sportier setup and cosmetic upgrades, and must not be confused with full-blown N cars that are much more powerful and focused performance cars. 

• Hyundai i20 N Line powered by 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
• Transmission options include 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT gearbox
• Will be available in two trims – N6 and N8

Hyundai i20 N Line: what's new on the outside?

The most prominent distinguishing factor about N Line models are their sportier cosmetic job on the outside. To that effect, up front, the Hyundai i20 N Line gets a sportier dual-tone front bumper with deep set fog lamp housing and sporty red accents, a sportier looking grille with a 'chequered flag' inspired design, a front splitter and N Line logo.

In profile, the i20 N Line sets itself apart with a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels. It also gets a side sill garnish with red inserts and red front brake calipers. At the rear, the i20 N Line gets a sportier bumper with a prominent diffuser and twin-exhaust pipes, a tail gate spoiler with side wings and a dark chrome garnish connecting the two tail-lamp units.

The i20 N Line is available in four monotone paint options - Thunder blue (new and exclusive), Fiery red, Titan grey and Polar white - and two dual-tone paint options - Thunder blue with Phantom black roof and Fiery red with Phantom black roof. 

Hyundai i20 N Line: interior updates and features

The overall dashboard layout is pretty identical to the standard car. However, the all-black interior has been spiced up with red highlights and red ambient lighting. It also gets a new chequered flag design with N logo for the leatherette seats, sporty metal pedals, a bespoke three-spoke steering wheel and N-branded leather gear knob.

In terms of features, the i20 N Line carries over all the equipment from the standard i20. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, cruise control, automatic climate control, a single-pane sunroof, 7-speaker Bose sound system and much more.

The i20 N Line additionally gets new voice recognition functions. Hyundai has also updated the Bluelink app to feature 16 free over-the-air map updates. Safety features include 6 airbags, TPMS, rear-view parking camera, automatic headlamps, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSC), hill assist control (HAC) and more. 

Hyundai i20 N Line: powertrain and mechanical upgrades

Under the hood, as we had previously reported, the India-spec i20 N Line is only offered with the 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit. Transmission options include the 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT gearbox. The DCT gearbox now comes with paddle shifters for more driver engagement. However, Hyundai has missed this opputunity to introduce a manual gearbox with the turbo-petrol engine on the i20. 

Although the powertrain configuration and tune remain unchanged from the standard i20, it does get a sportier exhaust note. The suspension has also been tweaked for a sportier setup, promising better handling around corners and a more planted drive. Additionally, the i20 N Line also gets disc brakes at all four corners, for better stopping power, while the standard i20 only gets front disc brakes. Hyundai also claims to have improved on-centre steering feel on the i20 N Line. 

Hyundai i20 N Line: expected price and rivals

With the launch expected in September, the i20 N Line will be the new top-spec model in the i20 range. Currently, the range tops out at Rs 11.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Asta(O) turbo-DCT variant. Expect the N Line to cost Rs 1-1.5 lakh more. For its price, the Hyundai i20 N Line will not have any direct competitors in India.

Also See:

2020 Hyundai i20 review, test drive

Hyundai Stargazer MPV to rival Ertiga

For ‘N-Performance’, say yes