The next generation i20 managed did manage to keep itself hidden from the auto paparazzi for months now, but Hyundai dealers have now completely lifted off all the camouflage revealing the premium hatchback inside out. A major product for the South Korean automaker, the i20 will bow into its second generation on 11th August in India, while the international launch is expected at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. Revealing complete details of the next gen i20, our reader Ronak managed to snap the model inside out with very little left to imagination and the car promises to replicate the success of the current generation i20.
Christened as the ‘Hyundai Elite i20’, the next generation model takes design cues from the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 philosophy that is also seen on the next generation Sonata as well as the Santa Fe SUV. The front manages a more upright and bold stance, and loses the soft overtone in design. The hood loses the curves in favour of a sharp and masculine feature, while the grille gets bigger and wider than the outgoing model. The headlights now feature LED DRLs, while the tail lights sport LEDs and are gorgeous. The blacked out C-pillar is also a nice touch and gives the appearance of a wraparound rear windscreen.
On the inside, there are a plethora of features and tech wizardry that has been added. From the basic creature comforts to some segment firsts, Hyundai has managed to pack in a lot of equipment than anticipated. Some of the new features include smart pedals (applied brakes in case you step on both the acceleration and brake pedals simultaneously), follow me home headlamps, steering adaptive parking assist, one-touch lane change indicators, in-built service reminder, rear air-con vents, dual-tone dashboard as well as upholstery. You also get electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, auto up-down power windows, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, 2-DIN audio system with USB, AUX, Bluetooth connectivity and 1 GB storage as well as an electro-chromatic rear view mirror that also doubles up as a reverse parking camera display.
Hyundai has also skipped on several features like the sunroof that was available on the current generation model. The automaker will only offer dual front driver and passenger airbags, instead of the airbag system present on the current model. You will also get ABS and EBD as standard though on the top-end variants. The i20 will be riding on 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels for the top-end variant, while the base variants will get 14-inch tyres.
The i20 has been engineered at Hyundai’s new testing facility in Nurburgring, Germany, while the design inputs come from the automaker’s European design centre in Rüsselsheim. Engine options include the 1.2-litre petrol motor paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and the 1.4-litre diesel engine paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Dealers suggest that the 1.4-litre automatic version won’t be available at the time of launch. The variant lineup include the Magna, Sportz, Sportz (O) and Asta trims, while the base Era trim has been discontinued.
Our sources who have seen the new Hyundai i20 in person claim that the build quality is much better than the existing model and the cabin has been well put together. The NVH levels are also expected to be much lower than the existing model and we expect to see a huge improvement in steering feedback and the ride quality of the premium hatchback. The wheelbase of the i20 has also grown longer by 45 mm, despite the overall length being shortened by 10 mm. With complete design changes and the addition of a lot of new equipment, the 2015 Hyundai i20 has upgraded certainly from the Uber to Elite class.
