Published : 24 March 2021
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Saransh Goyal
Hyundai launched the third-gen i20 in India in November 2020 and it became an instant hit. Now, it seems like the carmaker is planning to launch a sportier version of the premium hatchback as it was spotted testing recently. Although the test mule was heavily camouflaged, the dual exhaust pipes suggest that it is the N Line variant of the i20 hatchback.
For the uninitiated, Hyundai N is to Hyundai what M is to BMW and AMG is to Mercedes Benz. And N Line is a milder version of the Hyundai’s full-blown N performance arm. It’s like how BMW offers M Sport variants of its cars which are different from full-blown BMW M offerings like the M5 and M8.
Compared to the standard variants, the N Line variants feature various cosmetic updated while the mechanicals remain largely unchanged.
The i20 N Line gets a redesigned front grille with a “chequered flag” detailing with an N-Line badge and a sportier bumper featuring a black element connecting the fog lamp housing. The side profile remains unchanged save for the new a redesigned set of 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch units on the standard i20) and blacked-out side skirting. The rear gets slightly updated connected tail lamps and a sportier bumper with twin exhaust pipes.
On the inside, while the cabin layout remains unchanged, it gets an all-black treatment. It also gets some N-Line exclusive elements like N-branded sporty seats with red stitching and N logo as well as N-branded steering wheel, metal pedals, and N gear shift knob with red stitching. These red highlights are also present on the AC vents and door handles.
Under the hood, i20 N Line is expected to be offered with the same 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine as the standard i20. It makes 120PS and 172Nm paired to a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT. While the engine remains the same, Hyundai claims that on the i20 N Line, the setup has been refined to offer better suspension, engine response and exhaust note.
We expect Hyundai to launch the i20 N Line by the end of this year. It is likely to be slotted at a premium of around Rs 50,000 over the top-spec i20 petrol which retails at Rs 11.33 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The i20 competes with likes of the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Honda Jazz, Tata Altroz and the Volkswagen Polo.