IN PICS | Hyundai i20 N Line Review: 5 Seater Hatchback That Looks Great & Performs Well, Know All About It

For the past two years it seems we are interested in buying only SUVs and looking at the recent launches, you would be forgiven for thinking that. However, the launch of the i20 N Line seems like a breath of fresh air and something new along with being completely different. Till now if you are an enthusiast or someone who simply likes driving, then the choices were quite low. In-fact there was only one with the Polo GT. Others have tried but failed.

Hyundai thinks it can have another go and in its trademark fashion, the massive launch of the i20 N Line signals that. Unlike other car makers, the N Line is not treated as another variant for the i20. It is the launch of a new performance sub brand. The N Line i20 is also retailed via special Signature outlets while considerable efforts have been done to make it sportier over the standard i20. Launched in DCT and iMT form with only the turbo petrol, we tested the i20 N Line a few days back and while we appreciate this being an enthusiast's choice, we did not spare it and brought it under our road test lens.

First of all the i20 N Line looks good but thankfully Hyundai have not used cheap graphics or stripes at all. It is sporty and looks different from an i20 without embarrassing you. The front end gets a new grille, new front splitter which is also in contrast colour while there are new 16-inch alloys with the N logo, painted front brake calipers, red side sill garnish, tailgate spoiler and twin exhaust tips. We would have liked to delete the chrome altogether but that aside, the i20 N Line looks nice and even more so with its signature blue shade as seen here.

Inside, it is as well equipped as a standard i20 but the N Line packs in more features as standard equipment like a sunroof, sporty seats with N logo and more. The feature list also includes wireless charging, 10.25-inch screen, steering paddle shifters for the DCT variant, connected tech, Bose audio system etc. New to the N Line are the voice recognition commands to open the sunroof and more plus OTA map updates.

All said and done but we did not go all the way to Udaipur to listen to its audio system as the exhaust and the driving experience is what we were interested in the most. The i20 N Line is loud and you do hear it all the time with a sporty bass heavy tone. That pleased me but whether it would please your neighbour is another thing altogether. The new three spoke steering wheel and its new controls are nicer to hold/use while the new gear shift knob feels sporty too. The 120 bhp power output stays the same with the 1.0 turbo petrol being the only engine on offer with the N Line. It is fast and we did not think it needed more power. What has changed is the dynamics around it.

The steering weighs up nicely and feels better with more feedback for the enthusiast while the all around disc brakes cut down on braking distance. Which means you can play with it and drive it hard with no problems. It feels stable at high speeds too while updated suspension cuts down at the softness of the standard i20. It is a proper performance hatchback but without having a hard ride quality or poor mileage. Speaking of which, the iMT will give you 10kmpl and more or less the same with the DCT 7-speed automatic too.

The DCT auto also has steering paddles which makes the job of having fun more easy and you have manual control when you want. The iMT gearbox is also nice but we wanted a proper manual since this is a n enthusiast car remember? That said, being stuck in traffic you do realize the need for a clutchless manual. Prices start at Rs 9.8 lakh while the top-end DCT comes in at Rs 11.7 lakh. The i20 N Line is a proper effort and not just marketing. The improved dynamics transforms the i20 while it looks great too along with being spacious, comfortable and well equipped. India's only proper hot hatchback right now.

What we like - looks, performance, driving dynamics, features, value. What we do not like - No proper manual gearbox available.