First-ever Hyundai i20 N Line revealed, with same mechanicals but sportier looks

Hyundai has revealed its first-ever N Line model for the i20, ahead of the full-bore Hyundai i20 N model that's been spied testing internationally before. The 2021 Hyundai i20 N Line bears mild exterior tweaks for a more sporty look overall, with minor revisions to the cabin as well, while little to no mechanical changes have been made over the regular car, with the exception of tweaked suspension. Internationally powertrain options range from a 1.2-litre with 84PS, to a 1-litre turbo-petrol in either 100/120PS tune, with 48V mild-hybrid assistance available as standard with the 120PS tune, for greater efficiency. The next-gen Hyundai i20 is expected in India soon, in time for the festive season, and we hear Hyundai is bringing in the 1-litre T-GDi engine in its 120PS tune.

Internationally, this engine will be offered with an iMT clutchless manual gearbox, and it seems like that would be a valuable addition to the range in India as well, apart from the six-speed manual transmission as available on the Venue Turbo. As for the specifics to what's different on the Hyundai i20 N Line, versus the regular car, there's a new grille with the N 'chequered flag' motif, subtle side skirts, and a revised rear bumper with twin tailpipe exits and signature N triangular reflector, apart from gloss black appliques all around.

A set of N Line 17-inch wheels round off exterior changes, with the hint of rear disc brakes on this international model. Notably, changes spotted through heavy camouflage on the spied Hyundai i20 N model point to a largely similar effect (with 18-inch wheels), though the larger brake rotors and red brake callipers of the N performance models are a clear indicator of the extra performance on that model.

Additions to the cabin bring the Hyundai i20 close to what one would get with a full hardcore N performance model, with an N-specific steering wheel, N-badged upholstery, metal pedals and gear shifter, adding to the regular car's fully-digital instrumentation and 10.25-inch central touchscreen, BlueLink connectivity and Hyundai SmartSense safety tech.

The Hyundai i20 N Line will go on sale in international markets early next year. Considering the Hyundai i20 with the 120PS 1-litre engine will most certainly get a Turbo badge in India, it seems like the ideal candidate for Hyundai to instead introduce its N Line to the country with. Considering the Grand i10 Nios Turbo also gets a tweaked steering and suspension package in addition to the 1-litre turbo engine, with the only thing missing being a little more differentiation to help set it apart, the N Line would be a good place to start.