Hyundai Grand i10 Nios could get a sporty N Line variant internationally

Team OD Updated: September 21, 2020, 10:35 AM IST

The recently launched Hyundai Grand i10 Nios will be the third generation i10 when the hatchback launches internationally at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. These pictures suggest the Hyundai is working on a sporty version from its N performance division to follow up with this.

The Nios' sporty version will most likely be an N Line version and not a full-fledged N model, to start things off at least. These cars form a middle-ground between the more hardcore N models and regular Hyundai. The styling changes to this test mule also seem to suggest this. These cars seem to get a more extroverted gloss-black cascading grille with different LED elements, larger intakes in the front bumpers, blacked-out lamps, lowered ride-height, larger 16 or 17-inch wheels and a double-barrel exhaust. The interiors are also expected to follow this sportier theme and get an all-black look with contrasting elements, sportier seats and instrumentation and some performance-oriented features like uprated brakes and suspension.

A viable powerplant for this hot hatchback could be the 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder turbo petrol that does duty in the Venue. This motor puts out 120PS and 172 Nm and could be paired with either the seven-speed DCt or a six-speed manual.

Hyundai has said it is considering N Line cars for India so we wouldn't rule this car out for a lunch here altogether. If it does come here we expect it to cost around the Rs 10 lakh mark, on road, and compete with cars like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and Tata Tiago JTP.

Also see: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | First Drive Review