Hyundai i20 N-Line N8 DCT

Finding your perfect car in India involves a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, what safety features are non-negotiable, how much monthly maintenance will cost, whether it has the latest tech, and if the company offers reliable service. These are all excellent points, and today we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes with a sporty twist: the new Hyundai i20 N-Line N8 DCT. If you are looking for a premium hatchback that offers a thrill without compromising on practicality, keep reading.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the i20 N-Line N8 DCT is its peppy engine.

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine
• Maximum Power: 120 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 172 Nm (between 1500-4000 rpm)
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Design Overview

The i20 N-Line is not just another i20; it is a sportier, more aggressive version.

• Exterior:
• Front: A unique chequered flag inspired grille with N-Line logo, sportier front bumper with red inserts, and sharp LED headlamps.
• Side: Dual-tone alloy wheels with red brake calipers, side skirts with red accents, and N-Line badging.
• Rear: A more aggressive bumper with a prominent diffuser, twin exhaust tips, and a spoiler that enhances its sporty look.
• Interior:
• The cabin gets an all-black theme with striking red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and gear knob.
• N-Line specific gear knob and steering wheel with the N logo.
• Sporty metal pedals add to the performance feel.
• Overall, the cabin feels premium and driver-focused.

Key Features

Hyundai is known for loading its cars with features, and the i20 N-Line N8 DCT is no exception.

• Infotainment: Large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: BlueLink connected car technology with over 50 features
• Comfort: Electric sunroof, automatic climate control
• Convenience: Wireless phone charging, rear AC vents, cruise control
• Parking Assist: 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors
• Audio: Bose premium 7-speaker sound system
• Other Highlights: Digital instrument cluster, LED ambient lighting, cooled glove box

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai i20 N-Line?

The Hyundai i20 N-Line offers a ground clearance of approximately 170 mm. This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, helping you navigate speed breakers and minor undulations with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai i20 N-Line?

The boot space available in the Hyundai i20 N-Line is around 311 litres. This is a decent size for a premium hatchback, sufficient for your weekend luggage or grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai i20 N-Line?

Here are the key dimensions of the i20 N-Line:

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1775 mm
• Height: 1505 mm
• Wheelbase: 2580 mm

Powertrain Options

While the focus here is the N8 DCT variant, the i20 N-Line primarily offers the 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or the smooth and quick 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The N8 DCT, as discussed, is the top-of-the-line automatic variant, offering a blend of performance and convenience.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the i20 N-Line comes equipped with a comprehensive list of features:

• 6 Airbags (front, side, curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Camera with guidelines
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Automatic Headlamps

NCAP Rating Table

It is important to know how a car performs in crash tests.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP (for standard i20, 2022)	3 Stars	3 Stars	Tested under older protocols (2 airbags)
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated	Rating for i20 awaited

Note: The i20 N-Line shares its platform and structure with the standard i20. The Global NCAP rating shown above is for the 3rd generation Hyundai i20, tested with 2 airbags. The N-Line comes with 6 airbags, which would likely improve its score in a similar test.

Rivals of Hyundai i20 N-Line N8 DCT

In the Indian market, the Hyundai i20 N-Line N8 DCT competes with other premium hatchbacks and even some compact SUVs, especially those with turbo petrol engines.

• Tata Altroz i-Turbo
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx (Turbo variants)
• Hyundai Venue (base turbo variants) - for those considering a compact SUV
• Kia Sonet (base turbo variants) - also a compact SUV alternative

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us break down what works and what might not be ideal for everyone.

Pros:

• Exhilarating Performance: The 1.0L Turbo GDi engine paired with the DCT offers quick acceleration and an engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode.
• Sporty Design: The N-Line specific styling cues make it stand out from the regular i20 and other hatchbacks.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with premium features like a 10.25-inch screen, sunroof, connected car tech, and Bose audio.
• Safety Kit: Comes with 6 airbags and a host of active safety features, offering good peace of mind.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Backed by Hyundai's extensive service network and reputation for build quality.
• Improved Dynamics: The N-Line also features slightly stiffer suspension and a sportier exhaust note for a more immersive drive.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: The N-Line variants are priced at a premium compared to the standard i20 and some direct rivals.
• Fuel Efficiency: The turbo petrol DCT combination, while fun, might not be as fuel-efficient as some naturally aspirated engines, especially in city driving.
• Rear Seat Space: While decent, it is not the most spacious in its class, especially for three adults.
• Stiff Ride: The sportier suspension setup, while good for handling, can feel a bit firm over broken roads compared to softer-sprung cars.
• Niche Appeal: The sporty nature might not appeal to everyone looking for a pure family hatchback.

Conclusion

The Hyundai i20 N-Line N8 DCT is a fantastic option for car buyers in India who want something more than just a regular hatchback. It offers a blend of thrilling performance, head-turning design, a feature-packed cabin, and solid safety. Yes, it comes with a slightly higher price tag and might not be the absolute best in fuel efficiency or rear space, but what it delivers in terms of driving pleasure and ownership experience is truly compelling.

If your budget allows for it and you appreciate a car that feels special every time you get behind the wheel, the i20 N-Line N8 DCT deserves a top spot on your shortlist. It is a car that genuinely excites and offers a premium, sporty alternative in the hatchback segment. Go for a test drive and experience the N-Line thrill yourself!