On the sidelines of the Indian launch, Hyundai has also unveiled the European spec second generation i20 in pictures ahead of the global debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October. Compared to the Indian spec i20, the European model gets a host of new goodies added to the features list, while there is not much difference in the appearance of the B-segment hatchback. Both the versions have come out from the Russelheim design centre featuring the Fluidic Design Sculpture 2.0 philosophy and are engineered at Hyundai’s new Nurburgring technical centre in Germany.
The European spec 2015 Hyundai i20 is longer the Indian version and measures at 4035 mm (Indian spec measures 3985 mm), while the wheelbase is the same at 2570 mm. The increase in length also results in better boot capacity of 326-litres, compared to the Indian model’s 285-litres. In terms of features though, the euro spec i20 gets the same headlamp cluster equipped with projector lamps and integrated LED daytime running lights which surprisingly has been given a miss on the Indian model even on the top-end variants. The 2015 Euro spec i20 also features a panoramic sunroof with both tilt and full open function for driver and rear passengers and has been discontinued on the Indian version, but was available on the previous generation model.
Aesthetically, both the versions are the same with the only visual difference being the extended rear door. In terms of powertrain, the euro spec i20 will also retain the same engine options including the 1.2-litre petrol motor paired to 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions. The euro spec model will continue to get the 1.4-litre petrol motor paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, which has been discontinued for now on the Elite i20. The diesel duty is performed by a 1.4-litre CRDi unit paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai will disclose further details on the new generation i20 at the Paris Motor Show, while the European deliveries are expected to start by the end of the year. The 2015 i20 promises to be more driver centric with updates to the suspension for better ride quality and high speed stability. Hyundai has also changed the interiors completely on the hatchback which offer a much better build quality as well as premium appeal. Prices for the Indian spec Elite i20 commence at Rs. 4.90 lakhs (introductory ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base petrol Era variant.
