Hyundai N, Hyundai’s high-performance sub-brand, has been finally given the green signal for entering India. The latest development is a confirmation straight from Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D, Hyundai Motor Group.
Biermann had joined Hyundai Motor Group as Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development in 2015 and was promoted to President of the same in 2018. In a recent interview, he was asked how far away was the Hyundai N division from reaching India. “I would say within three years,” he responded.
We are studying the feasibility of bringing the N lineup to India. We see some demand and customer growth in India, they are very aspirational and quite young and progressive.
Currently, Hyundai N has only one high-performance car - the Hyundai i30 N (available in hatchback and fastback body styles). Reports say that a Hyundai i20 N likely powered by a 1.6L T-GDI engine is in the pipeline, but it will be introduced only in the next generation.
To cater to a wider band of customers requiring a little less sporty and a more economical, performance vehicle, there’s also a Hyundai i30 N Line. The softer and more pocket-friendly N Line variant is useful for even SUVs, for which there won’t be a great demand for a full-blown N variant. At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March, the Hyundai Tucson N Line was unveiled with the same idea.
Also Read: Next-gen Hyundai Grand i10 and i20 could come with 1.0L T-GDI engine
In India, expect Hyundai N to enter with an N Line car. The first model to get an N Line variant here could be the next-gen Hyundai i20 that will likely reach showrooms in mid-2020. A year or so after it’s launched, its N Line variant could go on sale here, with a 1.0L T-GDI petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed MT/7-speed DCT as standard.
[Source: overdrive.in]
