A More Aggressive Hyundai i20 In The Works. Could It Be The N Line?

• Exterior changes include bigger wheels, red accents, a rear roof spoiler and taller hood.
• Interiors are likely to remain similar aside from variant specific tweaks.
• It is likely to be powered by a bigger, more powerful engine.
• Could debut in international markets by the end of this year.

Hyundai recently unveiled the next iteration of the i20 despite the 2020 Geneva Motor Show getting cancelled. However, it looks like the carmaker has more in store for the new i20. The carmaker silently sneaked in a teaser of what could be an aggressive variant with its i20 Youtube video. This could most likely be an N Line variant in the works. Here’s an analysis of the teaser image.

The first talking point of the teaser image is that it is nearly identical to the 2020 i20 in terms of the overall silhouette. While the carmaker’s Sensuous Sportiness design language is clearly visible, that’s where the similarities end with the regular i20 as the car in the video gets bits such as a larger set of wheels, a silver body shade and a red stripe on the side skirts. The rear features a roof spoiler which isn’t present in the standard i20. A closer look at the front and you’ll notice a taller hood, suggesting a bigger, more powerful motor under the hood.

We already know that the 2020 i20’s interior design features a major revamp with highlights such as a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that merges with the digital instrument display. There’s even a chunkier four-spoke steering wheel too. It also gets nifty features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Blue Link connected car tech, LED ambient lighting, and a wireless phone charger. Expect the more aggressive variant to feature exclusive upholstery with red accents like the exterior as well as minor tweaks to the pedals to give it a sporty look.

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Under the hood, the most powerful i20 engine is the 1.0-litre T-GDi motor offering 120PS, paired to a 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system. Expect the possible N Line variant to get a more powerful motor as well as chassis and suspension tweaks. It could also come with exclusive driving modes to unleash optimal performance for the hatchback. Meanwhile back home, the India-spec 2020 i20 will be powered by two BS6-compliant engines from the Venue: a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre CRDI diesel unit.

While there is no word on when Hyundai will bring this potential i20 N Line to international markets, it could happen towards the end of the year. On the other hand, the carmaker is likely to debut the next-gen i20 in Indian shores by mid-2020 with a hefty premium over the current hatchback that is priced from Rs 5.60 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. It will take on the likes of the Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza as well as the Honda Jazz post launch.  

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