I bought the i20 N Line N6 in May 2025, before the GST cuts. Having previously owned and driven a Ford, Gypsy, and Tata, my requirements were simple: a fun-to-drive car with good pull and capable chassis, basic safety for a city car, and hassle-free maintenance.

Why the i20 N Line

To me, Hatchbacks and Sedans are proper cars. I am not into SUVs or CSUVs. The only exception is Kylaq. With a ₹12L budget, I shortlisted two cars: the Kylaq and i20 N Line. I almost booked the Kylaq, but the waiting period where I live was too long, so I test drove the N Line and went with it. After 8+ months, here are my impressions.

The Good

1.0L TGDI Engine – Often compared to the 1.0 TSI. While the TSI is slightly better, the TGDI manual is still very enjoyable. After 2000 rpm, it pulls nicely and highway overtakes are easy. Within ₹12L it’s among the most fun options left after the Polo.

Interiors – Possibly the best in the segment. Many people have complimented it, and even Sundardeep Singh has praised the cabin quality.

Steering – Very precise, inspired by the European i20 N. It gives a light go-kart-like feel in the city and on twisty roads, reminding me of the Polo.

Suspension – The stiff setup is the car’s character. Not everyone will like it, but enthusiasts will appreciate how planted it feels, especially at triple-digit speeds and corners.

Brakes – Four disc brakes; performance is excellent.

Active Safety – Comes with the expected active safety tech for the price.

What I Didn’t Like

Safety Rating – Despite being heavier than many hatchbacks, the i20 scored 3 stars in GNCAP (2021) with the 2-airbag version. Even if the N line could theoretically score 4 stars, passive safety still feels average.

Paint Quality – Better than most Hyundai/Kia entry cars but still not at VW/Skoda levels. The Kylaq especially impressed me in this area.

Upgrades I Did

Headlights & Fog Lamps – Stock lights were poor. Upgraded to Blaupunkt projector headlights and replaced all halogen bulbs with Osram LEDs.

Horn – Tried a Hella Chrome Trumpet horn for a more premium sound but switched back to stock due to harness issues.

Tyres – Upgraded to Continental UltraContact 6. Major improvement: better grip, sharper braking, less body roll, and slightly more comfort despite the stiff suspension. The wider tyres also improved the stance.

Sunfilm – 3M CR70 on windshield and 50% on sides and rear.

Future Plans

This car will likely pave the way for my second car in a year or two, probably a VW or Skoda. For now, I plan to keep the N Line as long as possible since it’s my first purchase. It’s still a fun-to-drive hatch that puts a smile on my face every time I take it out.

i20 N Line 8 months Review