After months of tests, speculations and spy shots; the 2015 Hyundai Elite i20 has officially been launched in India, priced from Rs. 4.89 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). India is the first market to get the second generation i20, while the global debut of the hatchback will take place at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. Christened as the ‘Elite i20’, the hatchback has been designed at Hyundai’s R&D facility in Russelsheim, Germany and engineered at the automaker’s new Nurburgring test centre.
The second generation Hyundai i20 has grown more compact than the outgoing model. The hatchback measures 3985 mm in length (10 mm shorter than the current gen i20) but has gone wider by 1794 mm (1710 mm on outgoing i20), while the height remains the same at 1505 mm. The wheelbase though has increased by 45 mm and measures 2570 mm, improving the cabin space of the car. The hatchback continues to ride on the same platform, but gets a completely new design language featuring Fluidic design sculpture 2.0 philosophy.
The 2015 Elite i20 loses the curves in favour of sharper lines and a bold appearance, which lend a sporty look. The front gets a new upright and wide trapezoidal-shaped grille, while a smaller flat grille replaces the earlier V-unit in the centre. It comes with large sweptback headlights and the redesigned bumper features angular shaped fog lamps. The side profile looks appealing with a sharp shoulder line and also gets new diamond cut alloy wheels as well as ORVM integrated turn indicators.
An interesting addition is the blacked out C-pillar that adds a sporty touch to the side profile. The rear on the other hand is a complete departure from the outgoing model and features a completely new design. The boot-lid now gets a more bulbous appearance and houses the wraparound LED tail lights that look splendid. Hyundai has played well with the looks by restraining the curves and emphasising the on the lines of the new i20.
On the inside, the Elite i20’s cabin has come far ahead of its predecessor and looks well put together with better quality. The 2015 i20 gets a redesigned dashboard done up in beige-black complimented by dual-tone upholstery. While most of features have been carried over from the predecessor, the car gets some new ones added to the list inclusive of steering adaptive parking assist, lane change indicator, in-built service reminder and rear air-con vents.
You also get multi-function steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air-con control, 2-DIN audio system with 1 GB internal memory, cooled glovebox, impact sensing door locks, gear shift indicator, rear view camera and an electro-chromatic rear view mirror. The top-end variants trims feature automatic headlights, rear wiper and washer, rain sensing wipers, clutch lock and a second power outlet. The boot capacity is 285-litres and the vehicle is offered in 7 colours.
Powertrain options include the same 1.2-litre VTVT petrol motor that produces 83 PS at 6000 RPM and 115 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. You also get the 1.4-litre CRDi U2 diesel engine that produces 90 PS at 4000 RPM and 220 Nm of torque between 1750-2750 RPM, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai has discontinued the 1.4-litre petrol automatic variant from the Elite i20’s lineup. The i20 remains easy on the pocket as well with an ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of 18.60 km/l for the petrol and 22.54 km/l for the diesel model. The aforementioned mileage is for the Era and Magna trims while the Sportz, Sportz (O) and Asta are rated at 18.24 km/l for the petrol and 21.76 km/l for the diesel.
The Hyundai Elite i20 is available in 5 variants namely Era, Magna, Sportz, Sportz (O) and Asta. The base variants feature 14-inch tyres, while the top-end Sportz (O) and Asta trims get 16-inch alloys. Keeping the occupants safe are features like ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, smart pedal, front impact sensor and dual front airbags. While the current generation model lacked in dynamic appeal, Hyundai claims that the new i20 gets better ride quality, handling and stability.
Moreover, the new heavily inspired European design language gives the hatchback a complete new feel. The i20 has always been a consistent performer on the sales charts and now expect the numbers to flow-in even faster. Competing against the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Punto and the likes in the segment, the hatchback offers a lot more than competition at an almost equivalent price (the price hike between the old and new car isn’t drastic and varies from variant to variant with the difference being as low as Rs. 9000/- on some variants). The 2015 Elite i20 has certainly moved the premium hatchback segment up by a few notches.
2015 Hyundai Elite i20 Petrol Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Elite i20 1.2 Era – Rs. 4.90 lakhs (old price Rs. 4.81 lakhs)
* Elite i20 1.2 Magna- Rs. 5.42 lakhs (old price Rs. 5.33 lakhs for the Magna (O))
* Elite i20 1.2 Sportz – Rs. 5.94 lakhs (old price Rs. 5.79 lakhs)
* Elite i20 1.2 Asta – Rs. 6.47 lakhs (old price Rs. 6.31 lakhs)
2015 Hyundai Elite i20 Diesel Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Elite i20 1.4 Era – Rs. 6.10 lakhs (old price Rs. 5.95 lakhs)
* Elite i20 1.4 Magna- Rs. 6.62 lakhs (old price Rs. 6.55 lakhs for the Magna (O))
* Elite i20 1.4 Sportz – Rs. 7.14 lakhs (old price Rs. 7.09 lakhs)
* Elite i20 1.4 Asta – Rs. 7.67 lakhs (old price Rs. 7.53 lakhs)
* prices are introductory.
