Hyundai i20 N Line – Performance with Practicality

September 9, 2021 Admin 2021, HMIL, Hyundai i20 N Line, Hyundai India, Korea, Motorworldindia, N line, performance, Review, Road Test, Udaipur

Hyundai has got its performance brand N Line into India with the i20 N Line that was launched recently. We landed in the city of lakes Udaipur once again to get behind the wheels of this performance hot hatch from the Korean car maker to find out how different it actually is compared to the regular i20. Read on to know all on the Hyundai i20 N Line.

Food for Thought

The N gets its name from a place in South Korea called Namyang where Hyundai has its R&D Centre. The N Division was founded in 2016 while Hyundai N debuted in 2013 with the i20 WRC Concept. Hyundai launched the first N Line model with the i30 N in 2017. Hyundai hired Albert Biermann who headed BMW M as the Executive President at the N Division. N models lineup includes the Elantra, i20, i30, Kona and the Veloster. While N Line is the optional sports trim package over the regular Hyundai models.

New item by Motor World India / Google Photos

Exteriors

The latest generation of the i20 was launched recently and the N Line version is based on it. The exteriors come with a few N Line additions. The front gets an all new chequered flag pattern insert grill finished in glossy black. This wide grill houses the N badge on it boldly stating its performance genes. You also get a all new N front bumper that’s sharper and much more aerodynamic in appearance. The bumper gets a red lip spoiler along with round projector fog lamps placed on it. Headlights come with projector glow and LED DRL’s while the bonnet retails the defining character lines that complete the face of the i20 N Line.

Coming to the sides the fenders get the N Line badging while the running board comes with red insert again reminding you this is the N Line version of the i20. The i20 N Line drives on 195/55 R16 spec tyres mounted on special N design dual tone alloy wheels with special badging on them. The car comes with a all wheel disc brake setup with the front brake calipers getting red finish on them. Wing mirrors get glossy black housing on them and so does the roof of the N8 DCT top of the line trim that we were driving. The roof also comes with standard electric sunroof across all the trims.

Coming to the rear, the N Line updates here include a all new N Line bumper with diffusers and stop reflectors on it. You also get a large spoiler with side wings on it. The LED stop lamps with ‘Z’ glow and a thick chrome band running across the width of the car are retained and look very sporty on the N Line. The key highlight of the rear profile is the twin chrome tipped exhaust that are not only for ornamental use but are practical ones.

Interiors

Step into the i20 N Line and you are instantly welcomed with an all black interior theme. The cabin basic layout remains the same as the regular i20 but with a few N Line tweaks. The dashboard comes in all black finish the N Line touch here are the red inserts on the AC vents and the climate control buttons. The steering is a three spoke N Line unit with N Line badging and sporty looking MFD buttons on it. You also get large sized paddle shifter on this leather wrapped and perforated steering. This unit feels very premium and comfortable to grip. You get manual adjust for height and reach on it.

The AVN unit here is the same 10.25 inch one that comes with all the connectivity functions for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FM Radio, Bluetooth, Navigation etc. The instrument cluster is an all digital screen just like the one on the regular i20, crisp and clear unit this one is. The centre console comes with wireless mobile charging dock, USB charge ports and an all new N Line DCT shifter with badging, red stitching and leather wrapping on it.

The seats get all black leather upholstery with special chequered inserts and N Line badging on them along with red piping on the edges. Doors also get red inserts around the pull area reminding you of the N Line version that this is. Also on the cabin feature list is a special red ambient light included on the N Line i20 along with sports metal pedals. Seat comfort both in the front and rear remain the same with loads of space, knee room and leg room available.

Engine – Transmission – Drive

Powering the Hyundai i20 N Line is the 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo Petrol engine. This T-GDI engine as it is called makes 120PS of power and 172Nm of torque. Transmission options are either the 7-speed DCT automatic or the iMT options to choose from.

Now though the engine output on the i20 N Line remains the same as the regular i20 the performance version gets a stiffer suspension setup and a heavier steering keeping in mind the overall sporty dynamics of the car. We always have been fans of the T-GDi petrol engines from Hyundai and Kia and the love the way they drive perfectly balanced with the automatic transmissions. This is the same engine that you also get in the Verna Turbo, and in the exact same spec. Start the engine and you instantly hear the engine roar thanks to the twin sports exhaust. On the move the engine feels highly refined and very agile. Power delivery is quick with the turbo pushing in early. The stiffened steering and suspension does a wonderful job in enhancing the drive pleasure in a big way and it also boosts the cornering ability of the hot hatch by a huge amount.

The i20 N Line is a fun car to drive around twisty roads, narrow patches and bad roads too as the suspension feel very well sorted handling whatever is put in front of it. On highways is where the i20 N Line come into its real character. The car feels solidly planted at high speeds and the driver feels always connected. The all wheel disc brakes offer perfect bite and a reassuring braking feedback. Transmission shifts are lightening fast on the DCT automatic, you also have the option of shifting using the tiptronic or the paddle shifters. If you want some more action then the i20 N Line needs to be put into the sport mode.

Verdict

The i20 has always been an excellent car in its segment and the N Line version is aimed at the young at heart those who want a extra sporty looking hot hatch that stands out from the crowd. The car comes with all the usual traits from the Hyundai family includes the tons of features that are loaded on to it. The car looks uniquely different as compared to the regular i20 and has its own identity. This is a perfect performance hot hatch that is very practical for daily use and won’t even burn your pockets with its pricing. Highly recommended car model if you looking for a car that’s stylish, sporty, different and highly practical for everyday use.