Performance car enthusiasts in India now have a wide range of cars to choose from; from Italian supercars to German super-sedans, European manufacturers have carved up the high end of the market all for themselves. However, options at the mass end of the spectrum have been rather limited. That may, however, change soon. Hyundai has now unveiled its all-new i20 N Line hot hatch for the Indian market, and it looks very impressive.
Powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120bhp and 172Nm of torque, the i20 N Line is available with either a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual transmission) or a more sophisticated dual-clutch 7-speed automatic. With its sharp, sporty styling, 16-inch alloy wheels, low stance and specially tuned exhaust system, which according to Hyundai produces a ‘roaring, characterful exhaust note,’ the i20 N Line is a hot hatch for those who live to drive.
The i20 N Line can accelerate from zero to 100kph in 9.9 seconds, so stoplight GPs against cars like the VW Polo GT, Tata Altroz i-Turbo and Fiat Abarth Punto should be fun. In addition to its strong engine performance, the N Line also boasts high levels of efficiency, at 20kpl. Since this is a driver-focused car, the N Line’s suspension has been tuned for a taut, tight feel and there is a full suite of electronics – including electronic stability control (ESC) and vehicle stability management (VSM) – that further enhances high-speed handling.
In terms of the all-important connectivity and infotainment, the i20 N Line gets a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, fully digital instrumentation, voice commands, OTA map updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Safety is also taken care of, with six airbags, ABS, a tyre pressure monitoring system and automatic headlamps.
‘The N Line range will introduce customers to a car that truly epitomises driving passion, making sure sporty and fun driving experiences are accessible to all. Our first model to spearhead the range introduction to India, the i20 N Line showcases our commitment to redefining mobility for Indian customers,’ says SS Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.
The Hyundai i20 N Line comes with a range of warranty and roadside assistance options, and available colours include blue, red, grey and white. The car can now be booked at Hyundai dealerships across the country against a payment of Rs 25,000. Official prices will be announced next month though we think the ex-showroom price is likely to be around Rs 12.50-13 lakh. For those who love a bit of excitement in their cars, the new i20 N Line might just be the best hot hatch you can buy.
