India-spec Hyundai i20 N line unveiled; bookings open

Hyundai has finally introduced its N performance brand in India with the i20 N Line, which is the first of more N Line models that will follow over the next few years. The Hyundai i20 N Line gets a sportier cosmetic job inside and out, that is accompanied by a sportier suspension setup and exhaust note.

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

• 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. 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 and N Line logo and a front splitter as well.

In profile, the i20 N Line distinguishes itself with a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels. It also gets a side sill garnish with red inserts. Even the front brake calipers are finished in red.  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.

Hyundai i20 N Line: interior updates and features

The updates to the cabin of the i20 N Line aren’t as comprehensive as the exterior. The overall dashboard layout is pretty much 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 pedals and N-branded leather gear knob.

In terms of features, the i20 N Line carries over all the equipment from the standard car. It’s 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.

Hyundai i20 N Line: engine and gearbox options

Under the hood, as we had previously reported, the India-spec i20 N Line is offered with the 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit as the sole engine option. Transmission options include the 6-speed iMT gearbox or the 7-speed DCT gearbox. Hyundai has, however, missed this opputunity to introduce a proper manual gearbox with the turbo-petrol engine on the i20. 

Although the powertrain configuration and tune remains unchanged from the standard i20, it does get a sportier exhaust note and suspension setup for a better handling experience. 

Hyundai i20 N Line: expected price and rivals

When launched 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.