Hyundai i20 N Line

The Hyundai i20 is a premium hatchback that caters to a variety of driving preferences with its range of engine and transmission options. Among these choices is the i20 CVT, which comes in two variants: Magna and Asta. Both of these variants are well-equipped, featuring a host of appealing features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, rear AC vents, and a sunroof. In the competitive world of premium hatchbacks, the i20 CVT faces off against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz, all of which also offer automatic transmission options.

Design and Styling

The Hyundai i20 boasts a sleek and sporty design that sets it apart from the crowd. Its front fascia is adorned with a large hexagonal grille enhanced by chrome accents, paired with swept-back headlamps featuring LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and integrated DRLs within the fog lamps. The side profile showcases dynamic character lines, flared wheel arches, and stylish 15-inch alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, you'll find a wraparound LED tail lamp cluster, a roof spoiler, and an elegant chrome garnish on the boot lid. The i20 CVT is available in an array of six colors: Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Fiery Red, Starry Night, Metallic Copper, and Marina Blue.

Interior and Features

Inside the Hyundai i20, you'll discover a roomy and comfortable cabin capable of accommodating five passengers. The dashboard employs a dual-tone color scheme with silver accents and boasts a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. In addition to these features, the i20 CVT offers wireless charging, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), push-button start/stop functionality, and a sunroof. The instrument cluster is comprised of an analog speedometer and tachometer, along with a digital multi-information display (MID) that provides data such as fuel efficiency, distance to empty, gear position indicator, and more.

Safety and ADAS

The Hyundai i20 CVT places a strong emphasis on safety, offering standard features like dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (ABS with EBD), rear parking sensors with a camera, speed-sensing auto door locking, impact-sensing auto door unlocking, seat belt reminders, a high-speed alert system, and more. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) also find their way into the i20 CVT, including hill start assist control (HAC), vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), and a brake assist system (BAS). It's worth noting that the i20 CVT, while well-equipped, does omit certain features that can be found in the higher-spec Asta (O) variant of the manual version, such as six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, projector headlamps with cornering lights, auto headlamps, and so forth.

Engine and Performance

Powering the Hyundai i20 CVT is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 82 bhp of peak power and 115 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that ensures smooth and seamless gear shifts. The i20 CVT handles city driving conditions admirably, offering sufficient response and acceleration. However, it may struggle at higher speeds and under hard acceleration, as the engine becomes noisier and the CVT's rubber band effect becomes more apparent. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of the i20 CVT is 19.65 kmpl, slightly lower than the manual version, which claims 20.35 kmpl.

Ride and Handling

The Hyundai i20 CVT boasts a well-tuned suspension setup, resulting in a comfortable ride quality across most road surfaces. The vehicle adeptly absorbs bumps and potholes without unsettling its passengers. The light and responsive steering wheel make city driving a breeze, but it lacks the feedback and precision desired at higher speeds and when navigating corners. While the braking performance is decent, offering adequate stopping power and pedal feel, the i20 CVT could benefit from having disc brakes on all four wheels, not just the front.

Pricing

The Hyundai i20 CVT is reasonably priced between Rs 7.04 lakh and Rs 8.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This positioning makes it one of the most affordable automatic premium hatchbacks on the market. The difference in price between the manual and automatic variants of the i20 is around Rs 1 lakh, a reasonable premium considering the convenience and features offered by the CVT gearbox. However, it's important to note that the i20 CVT remains more expensive than some of its competitors, such as the Maruti Baleno CVT (Rs 7.10 lakh to Rs 8.41 lakh) and the Tata Altroz AMT (Rs 6.99 lakh to Rs 8.25 lakh).

Which Variant to Buy?

The Hyundai i20 CVT is available in two variants: Magna and Asta. The Magna variant serves as the base model, offering basic features including dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, power windows, central locking, and more. Meanwhile, the Asta variant is the top model, providing additional features like a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, rear AC vents, a sunroof, push-button start/stop, and more. For most buyers, the Asta variant delivers better value for money with added comfort and convenience features. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Magna variant remains a respectable choice.

Competition

The Hyundai i20 CVT competes with other premium hatchbacks that offer automatic transmission options. Rivals include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CVT and Toyota Glanza CVT, which are essentially identical cars with different badges. These vehicles offer a spacious cabin, a lively engine, and a smooth CVT gearbox. They also benefit from a wide service network and low maintenance costs. The Tata Altroz AMT is the segment's newest entrant, bringing to the table a stylish design, a feature-rich cabin, and a refined engine. However, the Altroz is hampered by a jerky AMT gearbox that detracts from the driving experience. The Honda Jazz CVT stands out as one of the most spacious and practical cars in its class, offering a refined engine, a smooth CVT gearbox, and a versatile magic seat feature that supports various seating configurations. Yet, it remains one of the more expensive vehicles in the segment. Finally, the Volkswagen Polo AT offers a fun-to-drive experience, thanks to its potent turbo-petrol engine and rapid-shifting DSG gearbox, while also boasting solid build quality. However, it suffers from a cramped cabin, a dated design, and higher maintenance costs.