Hyundai is planning to launch the N Line, the performance-oriented model of the all-new Hyundai i20 in the Indian market. The hot hatchback comes with features such as aggressive front and rear bumpers, a tweaked exhaust, N Line spec interiors with distinctive features such as a new N branded steering wheel and gear selector and other motorsport-inspired features. But the price on the N Line is expected to be not too steep and is expected to cost only around INR 12 lakh ex-showroom which is nearly INR 70,000 more than the top-end Hyundai i20 on sale in the Indian market.
Hyundai’s ‘N’ brand is named after the Namyang Research & Development centre and the company’s European Technical Centre based in Nurburgring Germany. The brand reverberates with Hyundai success at the World Rally Championships and offers its customers a chance the experience and own the line of performance cars tuned for everyday use.
While the N Line cars come with cosmetic upgrades, a differently tuned engine and exhaust, some suspension modifications, uprated wheels and tyres, as well as notable features to the interiors such as sporty steering wheel, red-accented interior trim etc. the full-blown N performance cars feature a completely different engine made to deliver oodles of performance, race-derived exteriors, performance exhaust, stiffened chassis, performance spec springs and dampers, enhanced steering, aero-tuned body and wheels, uprated brakes and motorsport-inspired interior features.
The Hyundai i20 N Line which was unveiled recently in the international market is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine the delivers 120 PS of power and comes with a 48 Volt mild-hybrid system. The brand is expected to offer only one engine option if the N Line comes to the Indian market. The Hyundai i20 N, however, features a 1.6-litre Gamma II turbo-petrol motor that belts out 204 PS of power and is capable of speeds of up to 230 kmph.
While India is expected to only get the former N Line avatar of the i20, the brand is also likely to import the i20 N performance car in limited numbers under the homologation-free 2,500 cars per year rule. The N performance model, however, is expected to be priced in the INR 25-30 lakh ex-showroom price bracket.