There is some great buzz in Indian automotive industry as the spy shots of next-generation Hyundai i20 are seen testing on Indian roads. According to the reports, the new i20 will be launching with a starting price of Rs 6.79 lakhs and will offer comprehensive updates to one of India’s most popular premium hatchback. Here’s what we know about the new car.
Table of Contents
Current Market Position and Importance
The Hyundai i20 has had a long association with the premium hatchback category in India. Rivaling stalwarts such as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz and Tata Altroz, the i20 has always been at the forefront if you’re in the hunt for a mix of style, feature introduction and reliability.
Anticipated Changes and New Features
If the spy images are to be believed, the new generation i20 is likely to take design cues from Hyundai’s contemporary design philosophy showcased in the latest models such as the Creta and the Venue. The camo’d test mules give us a pretty aggressive looking front fascia, we expect will get:
A wider cascading grille design
Introduction of new LED headlamp units with DRLs
New bumpers that have more aggressive air intakes
Updated alloy wheel designs
The profile of the car too hints at a slightly lower and more coupe like roofline, intended perhaps to retain the sporty appeal that the i20 is known for. It would seem the rear-end will be sporting slimmer LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate.
Inside and Features: Redefinition of the Norm
InsideCompared to the Baleno, the new i20 is believed to be classier with better build and features. According to the industry sources, the new cabin will be equipped with:
Possibly a bigger touchscreeneRe The infotainment system is a touch bigger, perhaps 10.25 inches.
Latest Creta like digital instrument cluster
Reupholstering in premium, two-tonePersonal space.
Atmospheric lighting for added cabin atmosphere
Wireless charging pad
Automatic climate control
Several USB ports, including Type-C connectors
Engines and Performance
Hyundai will probably carry over the existing powertrains but, of course, they will have to be tweaked to provide for the stricter emission requirements:
– 1.2-litre Kappa NA petrol: Will likely push out 83 PS and 115 Nm
1.0-liter T-GDi turbo-petrol engine: Expected output could be around 120 PS and 172 Nm
Diesel 1.5-litre: May deliver close to 100 PS and 240 Nm
Transmission choices will likely include a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and perhaps a dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the turbo-petrol model.
Features: Safe Safety Features: Extra Protection
Safety has become a major point in the decision-making process of car purchasers, and the latest i20 is believed to have the following in its arsenal:
Six-airbags as standard on all variants
ABS with EBD
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Hill-start assist
Rear sensors weren’t my plan and an old reverse camera certainly wasn’t scavenging my last car!
Tyre pressure monitor
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Pricing and Competitive Strategy
The new i20 has been priced very competitively with a starting price of Rs 6.79 lakhs (ex-showroom) across the premium hatchback category. This is a tactic that takes from Hyundai an implication that:
Keep the segment value for the brand
Attract new-to-car-folks following in their first cars having outgrown their first budget hatches
Retain current i20 subscribers who are seeking an upgrade
Fuel economy and emissions requirements
As the industry turns the screws on fuel economy and the emissions lawmakers, we’d anticipate those efficiency numbers to fall too:
Petrol: Around 20-22 km/l
Diesel: Around 25-26 km/l
Turbo-petrol: 18-20 km/l can be expected
These represent current generation levels and the anticipated advancement in engine technology.
Color Options and Variants
The the new i20 is expected to be available in different trims such as:
Era
Magna
Sportz
Asta
Asta(O)
This may also bring entirely new and pre-existing color choices:
Polar White
Fiery Red
Typhoon Silver
Metallic Copper
Titan Grey
Phantom Black
Competition Analysis
The Indian premium hatchback segment is ruthless with all manufacturers fighting tooth and nail to increase market share. The new i20 will take on:
Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Famous for roomy cabin and high fuel economy.
Honda Jazz: Very spacious on the inside, good build quality.
Tata Altroz: It comes with turbo-petrol engine & premium cabin
Volkswagen Polo: Reliable build quality and driving dynamics.
Toyota Glanza: A Relationship Game How the Toyota Glanza is a partnership on Toyota’s terms
Expected Launch Timeline
That said, the new-gen model might be launched sometime around the festive season of 2025, as per industry observers. This timing suits Hyundai as it can cash in on festive rush with higher consumer spending.
Technological Advancements
The next i20 will be heavy on tech:
Car link with control functions from a distance
Voice command system
Navigation system with traffic with real-time traffic updates
Multiple driving modes
Cruise control
Market Response and Consumer Perceptions
The arrival of the new i20 may very well heat up the premium hatchback space. Consumers are expecting:
Better fuel efficiency
Enhanced safety features
More advanced technology
Improved build quality
Competitive pricing
Dealer Network and Service
The new i20 will be widely available, thanks to Hyundai’s striking network in India. Further justifying the value proposition is the company’s excellent after-sales reputation.
Body kits
Alloy wheel options
Interior styling packages
Protection films and coatings
Maintenance and Running Costs
Given the improved engine efficiency and current day manufacturing, the new i20 is likely to have lower maintenance than its predecessor. Hyundai’s extended warranties and maintenance plans should also remain available.
Environmental Considerations
The next-gen i20 will be compliant with BS6 Phase 2 emission; it will get:
Advanced emission control systems (ACS)
Fuel-efficient engines
Environment friendly production techniques
In Summary
“India is today one of the largest markets globally for Hyundai Motor. The all-new i20 is our answer to navigating the aspirations of this dynamic market.
The all-new i20 is a product of our futuristic and creative thinking, modern and expressive design, and a leap forward in terms of technology and safety,” said SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India. “It is now a time for Hyundai to elevate the sense of status and offer experience, and the all-new i20 is bringing to life Experience and Global Technology Leadership.
We are beyond excited to reinvent the premium hatchback segment for the Indian customers and are confident that the all-new i20 will redefine the segment creating new benchmarks and will continue Hyundai’s legacy in India” he added.
Boasting enhancements in terms of design, feature, safety and technology, the car will aim at continuing its hold in the competitive segment. The projected price is listed at Rs 6.79 lakhs, which means Hyundai is confident about providing a package that would balance cost and features.
With the automobile market heading towards greener and more advanced vehicles – the new i20 can be the right car in the right time, and stick to provide the same reliability and value that Indians have come to expect from Hyundai as the Indian-owned South Korean-brand ramps up it India 2.0 mission in 2020.
The fate of this new model will be determined by how well it meets the demands of today’s time conscious car buyer, while retaining that made the i20 a household name in India.
