Introduction
Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has launched it’s highly anticipated i20 N Line, the first model to debut under Hyundai’s N Line range of cars for India. The N Line range aspires to introduce customers to a car that ignites driving passion, making sure sporty and fun driving experiences are accessible to all. Deriving inspiration from motorsports styling, i20 N Line offers a blend of style with an exciting driving experience. We were invited to an exclusive media drive in the City of Lakes – Udaipur to spend some quality time behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N Line. So buckle up your seat belt and brace up for the ride.
Design and Engineering
Based on Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, the sharp and dynamic aesthetic of i20 N Line exudes the car’s motorsport inspired design cues. The facade of the i20 N Line features a striking chequered flag inspired front grille that also boldly displays the N Line logo. Featuring a two tone bumper with red inserts, i20 N Line projects an aerodynamic and sporty allure. Additionally, front hood lines accentuate the dynamic and athletic stance of the Hyundai i20 N Line.
On the side, the striking design of the R16 diamond cut alloy wheels with N Logo on the hub lends it a dash of style. Accentuating the hatchback’s stance, i20 N Line has been equipped with red front brake callipers while the side sill garnish with red inserts add to the overall sporty attitude of the car.
The i20 N Line’s rear design further amplifies the dynamic look with a sporty tail gate spoiler with side wings. A dark chrome connecting tail lamp garnish rounds up the i20 N Line’s exciting design, while the twin tip muffler builds on the hatchback’s sporty and athletic imagery. The i20 N Line will also feature the N Line emblem on the tailgate, a feature unique to India.
Hyundai i20 N Line will be offered with four mono tone colour options – thunder blue, fiery red, titan grey and polar white; as well as two dual tone colour options which include thunder blue with phantom black roof and fiery red with phantom black roof.
Interior and Comfort
As you step inside the cabin of the i20 N Line, a sporty black interior with red inserts create an attractive surrounding. Boosting its sporty appeal, the i20 N Line has been equipped with chequered flag design leather seats with N Logo, red interior highlights, red ambient lights, sporty metal pedals, iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) gear knob with N Logo, DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gear knob with N Logo, and 3-spoke steering wheel with N Logo.
Hyundai i20 N Line with Hyundai Bluelink offers a voice enabled smart electric sunroof. The i20 N Line has also been equipped with an Electro Chromic Mirror (ECM) with telematics buttons (RSA, SOS and Bluelink). Through the Bluelink App, customers can avail enhanced safety, security and convenience, while enjoying a vast list of features that curate up a seamlessly connected drive experience.
Hyundai i20 N Line will get a Welcome Greeting function that lends a warm feeling every time you step inside the cabin. The cool experience is further accentuated with Bose Premium 7 Speaker System that ensures an acoustic indulgence.
The Hyundai i20 N Line features a 26.03 cm (10.25-inch) HD touchscreen infotainment & navigation system and digital cluster with TFT multi information display (MID) that lets you access a host of information and functions. Further, Hyundai Bluelink with over-the-air (OTA) map updates (16 Free OTA Map Updates over 8 Years) will add to the convenience of driving around in the i20 N Line. Offering a total of 58 connected features, i20 N Line also gets New VR (Voice Recognition) commands.
Performance and Handling
At the heart of the i20 N Line is a power packed 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine that is offered with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) or a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The engine has been configured to deliver a sporty and fun driving experience to set your pulse racing and draws inspiration from Motorsport DNA.
The 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine is tuned to produce 120 PS of maximum power at 6000 rpm and 172 Nm of peak torque between 1500 – 4000 rpm. The i20 N Line is capable of racing from 0 – 100 kmph in just under 10 seconds. While easily achieving a sporty and exhilarating drive, i20 N Line is also fuel efficient and achieves a mileage of 20 kmpl (as per Hyundai’s internal testing).
Hyundai i20 N Line has been engineered for agility, ensuring an enthralling experience every time you start the engine. The handling of the i20 N Line is both agile and dynamic and benefits from a sportier suspension tuning aimed an offering a pure adrenaline rush. To enhance the ride quality, Hyundai has further improved the front body control and pitch control that delivers a solid and planted feel. Further, to equip drivers with fun drive dynamics, the handling of i20 N Line has been enhanced to feature an improved cornering stability and high speed stability for a confident drive. Steering feedback is confidence inspiring. Brakes are spot on bring the i20 N Line to halt with tremendous precision.
To offer an enthusiastic driving experience the i20 N Line has been equipped with paddle shifters for 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7 DCT) variants, enabling drivers to quick shift and get the best out of their i20 N Line. Complementing the hatchback’s sporty and exciting drive, a roaring and grunting exhaust note never lets you go unnoticed.
Verdict
The main thought behind the Hyundai i20 N Line was to develop a vehicle capable of delivering sporty and fun driving experiences, making every day commutes playful and fun. And in that aspect, the i20 N Line is a hit the bull’s eye. The Hyundai i20 N Line was a great fun to drive. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is punchy and responds well to throttle inputs. The power delivery is linear across rev range. The exhaust note is orgasmic and the ride & handling is simply impressive offering a seamlessly sporty drive. The interior looks smart in black with red inserts. A host of technologies and connected features makes life easier for both driver and passengers. The robust air-conditioning cools down the compartment in no time and the acoustics of the Bose sound system is quite indulging. In terms of safety, the Hyundai is offering advanced drive controls with standard safety features such as all four disc brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). For a mere premium of only INR 50000 over the regular i20 Asta (O) DCT, you could own the Hyundai i20 N8 DCT which comes with 27 additional features making the N Line a great value proposition and an enthusiast’s choice.
Power Drive 