The heart of the Hyundai i20 N Line DCT is its 1.0-litre three-cylinder Kappa GDI turbo-petrol engine. This powerplant delivers a maximum power output of 118 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 172 Nm, which is available across a wide band from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. This torque spread ensures good drivability in various conditions, from navigating city traffic to maintaining momentum on highway drives.

The engine's character is such that it feels responsive from relatively low revs, although the typical turbo lag associated with small displacement turbocharged engines is present, albeit minimal. Once the turbo spools up, the engine provides a noticeable surge, making acceleration brisk and overtaking maneuvers confident.

The 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) is a significant contributor to the i20 N Line's performance and driving appeal. It offers quick and seamless gear changes, enhancing both the convenience of automatic driving in congested areas and the thrill of manual-like control when using the gear lever or paddle shifters.

It behaves quite sluggishly in D mode and stays under and around 1900-2000 rpm to eke out the best mileage possible. But once in sports mode, it's a completely different animal and always stays in boost at above 2000 rpm and pulls all the way to redline.

The exhaust system is quite special and even crackles after you let off the throttle. The dual exhaust tips from the factory give it a bit of a boy racer attitude, which I prefer.

Ride and Handling:

The Hyundai i20 N Line distinguishes itself from its standard sibling through specific enhancements to its ride and handling characteristics. The suspension setup is notably firmer, with retuned dampers and springs. Hyundai claims up to 30 percent. This results in a more controlled ride, especially when cornering, with significantly reduced body roll compared to the regular i20.

This firmer setup allows drivers to feel more connected to the road and provides a greater sense of confidence when tackling winding sections of highway or navigating sharp turns in the city. The trade-off is a reduction in outright comfort, particularly at lower speeds where the N Line tends to transmit more of the road imperfections into the cabin. While not uncomfortable, it's a firmer ride that prioritizes handling over plushness.

The steering system in the i20 N Line is also calibrated to be more direct and offers a heavier feel compared to the standard model. This contributes to a more engaging driving experience, providing better feedback and allowing the driver to feel more in control of the car's direction.

The overall handling package of the i20 N Line makes it a more engaging and enjoyable car to drive for those who prioritize dynamics over outright comfort.

The interior of the Hyundai i20 N Line builds upon the already well-appointed cabin of the standard i20, adding several sporty touches to enhance the driving experience. The all-black interior theme provides a focused and sporty ambiance.

The steering wheel is a standout feature, unique to the N Line, with a perforated leather wrap, a thicker rim for a more substantial feel, an "N" badge at the bottom, and contrasting red stitching. The gear shifter, specific to the N Line DCT, also features a leather boot with red stitching and an "N" badge, adding to the sporty feel of the cockpit.

The seats are upholstered in a combination of leatherette and fabric, featuring an "N" logo embossed on the backrests and red stitching accents. They offer adequate bolstering to keep occupants in place during more spirited driving.

Red ambient lighting strips are integrated into the door pads and footwells, providing a subtle sporty glow at night. The dashboard layout is modern and user-friendly, dominated by the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, catering to the connectivity needs of today's drivers. A digital instrument cluster provides a modern and informative display for the driver.

The exterior design of the Hyundai i20 N Line is a key differentiator, immediately signaling its sporty intentions. The front fascia is dominated by a gloss black parametric grille, which features a prominent "N Line" badge, clearly marking its performance-oriented nature. The front bumper is more aggressively styled than the standard i20, incorporating larger air intakes and red accents along the lower edge, further emphasizing its sporty character. The LED projector headlamps and distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights are carried over from the top-spec i20, providing good visibility and a premium look.

Moving along the sides, the i20 N Line rides on sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, unique to this variant, and adorned with the "N" logo. The side skirts are also specific to the N Line and feature red accents, visually lowering the car and adding to its dynamic stance. The ORVMs are finished in a contrasting black color and include integrated turn indicators, along with the convenience of electric adjustability and folding.

The rear of the i20 N Line is perhaps its most distinctive angle. A sporty rear bumper houses a prominent diffuser element, finished in black and accented with red highlights. The twin-tip exhaust outlets are a signature N Line design cue, not only looking sporty but also contributing to the car's audible character. A roof spoiler, complete with side wings, extends the sporty silhouette and likely contributes to aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds.

The tailgate also features an "N Line" badge, leaving no doubt about the car's performance-oriented positioning within the i20 range. The overall exterior design effectively communicates the i20 N Line's sporty intentions, making it a visually appealing option for those seeking a hatchback with added flair.

Safety is a key consideration in the Hyundai i20 N Line DCT, with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants. Standard across all variants are 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain), providing a significant level of protection in the event of a collision. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) ensures controlled braking, preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) work together to help maintain control of the vehicle during challenging driving situations. Hill Assist Control (HAC) prevents the car from rolling back when starting on an incline, a useful feature in hilly areas or when dealing with inclines in city traffic.

Tata Altroz Racer: Equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque, the Altroz Racer offers a 6-speed manual transmission.It stands out with its feature-rich package and competitive pricing, making it a strong contender in the segment. ​

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS: Although discontinued, the Baleno RS was known for its 1.0-liter BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine delivering 100 bhp and 150 Nm of torque.Its legacy continues to influence the segment, with the standard Baleno remaining a popular choice among buyers.​

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI: Another notable ex-competitor, the Polo GT TSI, features a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 110 bhp and 175 Nm of torque, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.Its solid build quality and driving dynamics appeal to enthusiasts seeking a spirited driving experience.​

When choosing something like an i20 N, you have to keep your expectations in check. It's a stiff-riding, point-and-shoot, hot hatch with very sporty dynamics. Hyundai has decided to forego a little bit of comfort for a much better driving experience. If you are looking for a comfortable hatchback that does 85 percent of what the N Line does, go for the standard i20 Asta or any variant and save yourself quite a few lakhs.