The European spec Hyundai i20 is not radically different from the Indian version but gets a host of new features including the all-new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
Hyundai unveiled the second generation i20 at the recently concluded Paris Motor Show for the European market. Launched in India as the Elite i20 earlier this year, the European spec i20 is not radically different from the Indian version; however, the feature list does get a lot more extensive than the domestic version without making any significant changes to the aesthetics. Shedding some light on the host of new changes, here is a walk around video of the European spec i20 showcasing the exteriors and interiors of the B-segment hatchback.
On the outset, the exteriors of the 2015 Hyundai i20 gets LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, panoramic sunroof as part of standard kit which are missing out on the Indian version. Albeit not visible, the European spec i20 measures 4035 mm in length, while the Indian version tucks under the 4-metre mark for obvious reasons. On the inside, the feature list is quite extensive and comes inclusive of leather seats with contrast stitching, heated front seats, front parking sensors and a mobile phone holder on top of the centre console. The dashboard gets done up in a dual-tone shade of orange and black. The plethora of equipment seen on the Indian version continues to be featured on the European spec i20.
The 2015 Hyundai i20 has been designed at the company’s design centre in Russelheim, Germany while the engineering was done at the Nurburgring R&D centre. Powering the hatchback is a range of petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.25-litre petrol motor is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4-litre petrol motor is paired to a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. Diesel duties are performed by the 1.1-litre 3-cylinder engine as well as a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder CRDI unit, both paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Hyundai also introduced the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 120 PS of power and 173 Nm of torque at the Paris Motor Show and will be available on the hatchback from next year.
Competing against the Volkswagen Polo, Suzuki Swift, Renault Clio, Honda Jazz and the likes in the segment, the Hyundai i20 has been quick to develop its popularity in the same space. While only the 5-door version was showcased at the Paris Motor Show, the company will also launch a 3-door version of the i20 at a later date. Furthermore, Hyundai’s new found ‘N’ performance division will also churn out a fire breathing 250 HP equipped i20 N version that will be released in the coming months. The hot hatch will be taking a host of design cues from the 2015 i20 WRC car. Make sure to check out the videos for a complete look at the European i20’s styling and features.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Et6TOhvHU 540 375]
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rvkkKBA78w 540 375]