VW Polo GT TSI To Soon Face Competition From Hyundai i20 N Line

• i20 N Line to be Hyundai’s first hot hatch in India.
• Will be powered by Hyundai’s 1-litre turbo-petrol engine.
• Could get stiffer springs, sharper engine response, and a throatier exhaust.
• Likely to be priced at a premium of Rs 50,000 over the top-spec i20.

Hyundai India is set to launch the hot N Line variant of the i20, its first hot hatch in the country, in September 2021. Before we delve into the details, let’s get one thing out of the way: the i20 N Line is a hot hatch with sportier cosmetic enhancements, instead of a full-blown i20 N. 

The Korean carmaker has done a good job to differentiate the N Line from the bog-standard hatch. It will feature more aggressively styled bumpers, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhausts in the rear bumper. It will also get a chequered flag pattern grille with the N Line badge. 

The sportier theme has been carried forward on the inside as well. Like the i20 Turbo, the N Line gets plenty of red inserts and stitching on the seats, gear lever, and steering wheel. The hot hatch also gets a digital driver’s display (similar to the Alcazar), a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a differently styled steering wheel. 

Under the hood, the India-spec hatch should utilise the 120PS 1-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with either the 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or 7-speed DCT. To make the driving experience more fun, it could sit on stiffer springs and get a throatier exhaust note as well as a sharper engine response. 

The Hyundai i20 N Line will be sold at a premium over the top-spec variant priced at Rs 11.40 lakh (ex-showroom). It will lock horns with the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI.