Hyundai, the South Korean brand, currently offers CNG with the Grand i10 NIOS and Aura. That said, Hyundai’s CNG portfolio is not as strong as Maruti Suzuki’s. Also, there has been a new change in BS6 emission norms which requires powertrains to meet RDE conditions from April 2023. Most sub-2.0L engines are said to be reworked to comply if demand permits. If not, such vehicles will be axed. There are 17 vehicles that will be finished soon. This shows us that emission norms mean business and are quite strict, and meeting them is an important and difficult task for automakers. Well, that’s why the Hyundai i20 N Line test mule has been spotted on the road with emissions testing equipment. It had the sticker – on test by ARAI. This i20 N Line test mule could be a CNG variant or the current version that tests compliance with the upcoming RDE norms.
It is understandable to offer CNG bi-fuel options on entry-level hatchbacks and budget cars. With ever-increasing fuel prices and environmental awareness, the automotive bubble has undergone a paradigm shift in the recent past. Now, the CNG tech has extended its range from entry-level cars to premium hatchbacks, premium MPVs, and even compact SUVs. With the Baleno and Glanza starting the trend in the premium hatchback space, Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 also seem to be jumping on the bandwagon, which is quite a logical and predictable move. New spy shots of the Hyundai i20 N line with emissions testing equipment hint that Hyundai wants to make it an entertaining alternative to non-turbo engined rivals. Currently, the price of CNG fitted at the factory by Hyundai is around Rs. 1 lakh to 1.10 lakh on Aura and NIOS. We can expect a similar pricing strategy with the i20 N Line CNG variants as well. The I20 N line starts at Rs. 10 lakh for the N6 iMT variant and goes up to Rs. 12.11 lakh for the top-spec N8 variant with DCT. A price hike of up to Rs. 1 lakh is expected with CNG.
It is logical that Hyundai will keep the 1.0L turbo-petrol alive and transition to the new stricter emission policies that are set to come into effect from April 2023. This 998cc engine produces 120 bhp of power and 172 Nm of torque in the Hyundai i20. Online. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT. In related news, the 2023 Hyundai i20 facelift is also under test.