Hyundai i20 N Line launched at Rs. 9.84 lakh

Hyundai has finally launched the much anticipated i20 N Line in India, with introductory prices starting from Rs. 9.84 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Hyundai i20 N Line gets unique cosmetic bits inside and out, accompanied by a sportier suspension setup and exhaust note.

The i20 N Line is the first of Hyundai’s N performance division cars in India, more of which will follow in the coming years. N Line models only get cosmetic changes and a few mechanical upgrades. Full-blown N models in India still seem a distant reality.

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

Here's a look at the detailed price list of the new i20 N Line in India, and how it compares with a corresponding trim of the regular i20. Dual-tone colours will cost you an additional Rs 15,000 on the i20 N Line.

Hyundai i20 N Line – powertrain and mechanical upgrades

With the i20 N Line aimed at enthusiasts, let’s start with what’s under the hood. Hyundai is offering the i20 N Line with only the 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that already does duty on the regular i20. The engine comes mated to either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT gearbox now additionally comes with paddle shifters for even more driver engagement. Hyundai has yet again missed the opportunity to introduce a manual gearbox with the turbo-petrol engine on the i20.

Thankfully, there are a few notable mechanical upgrades that set it apart from the regular model. The i20 N Line boasts of a sportier exhaust note, thanks to new dual-tip exhaust pipes at the rear. The suspension has been tweaked for a sportier setup, promising better handling around corners and a more planted drive. Hyundai also claims to have improved on-centre steering feel on the i20 N Line. A significant upgrade is also the inclusion of rear disc brakes for better stopping power, as against the standard i20, which only gets front disc brakes.

Hyundai i20 N Line: exterior design

It’s mainly the styling that’s the talking point of the i20 N Line, and it sure looks racy. Up front, it gets a sportier dual-tone bumper with deep set fog lamp housings and a new front splitter. The grille has been revised with a new 'chequered flag' inspired design and the N Line logo. The red accents on the bumper further add a dash of sportiness.

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 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.

The i20 N Line carries over all equipment from the top-spec version of the regular i20. That means it gets the 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 along with an updated Bluelink app that features 16 free over-the-air map updates. Safety features include 6 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (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: pricing and rivals

Hyundai has priced the i20 N Line competitively. The N8 DCT costs just Rs 50,000 more than the Asta(O) DCT. For that premium, you get a much sportier looking car, better appointed interiors, a few mechanical upgrades to the suspension and steering, better safety with rear disc brakes and of course, twin-exhaust tips.

While there aren't real hot hatches in this segment, the i20 N Line will compete with the other enthusiast's choice in this segment, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, which is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).