The Hyundai ‘Elite’ i20 is at the brink of launch scheduled on 11th August and ahead of its unveil, the new features and other details have been leaked online, giving us enough fodder on what to expect from the hatchback in the next generation. Looking at the spy images, the Elite i20’s cabin has moved upmarket with a completely redesigned layout. The interiors look very premium and have a European feel to it. A glance at the centre console and one can make out the array of features that will be available on the car.
The model snapped was most likely the top-end version with all the bells and whistles, and the features list is expected to carry a ton of equipment. The 2015 Hyundai Elite i20 gets dual-tone beige and brown interiors, bucket type front seats, front seat arm rest with storage, high quality seat fabric, sunglass holder, dual roof lights for front passengers, rear air-con vents, 2-DIN audio system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth and automatic climate control. The LED DRLs have been integrated into the headlights, from the bumper seen on the outgoing model.
Other features on the second generation Hyundai i20 include rear defogger with time, advance informative instrument cluster, multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, internal rear view mirror with reverse parking camera display and guidelines, gear shift indicator, dead pedal and much more. You will also get steering adaptive parking assist, clutch lock, impact sensing door lock, service reminder, follow me home headlamps, seatbelt pre-tensioners, dual front airbags, front impact sensor, one-touch lane change indicators and smart pedals that cut off acceleration if the brake and accelerator are pressed together in an emergency.
While there are a lot of new additions, some features may also be skipped that are available on the current model. It has been reported that the driver info display might not get the fuel economy display, while sunroof could be removed from the features list of the Asta variant. The next gen i20 might surprisingly miss out on an automatic version as well. Engine options will remain the same and the i20 continues with the 1.2-litre petrol motor producing 83 PS at 6000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine is a 1.4-litre unit that produces 90 PS at 4000 RPM and 220 Nm between 1500-2750 RPM, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Elite i20 will be available in 5 variants namely the Era, Magna, Asta, Sportz as well as a Magna (O) and Sportz (O). In terms of dimensions, the i20 has been shortened by 10 mm, but has gone wider by 24 mm. However, cabin space has considerably increased with a stretched wheelbase of 45 mm, while the ground clearance has been upped by 4 mm. Despite the reduction in length, the boot capacity remains the same. Hyundai will also offer 16-inch diamond cut alloys on the top-end variant, which is a worthy addition. Hyundai dealerships have started accepting bookings for the next generation i20 across the country, while deliveries will commence immediately after launch.
