Game-Changer In The Hatchback Segment
The HYUNDAI I20 has been one of the biggest launches from the Korean car maker in this calendar year. In a world obsessed with SUVs and Pseudo SUVs, does a Rs 12 lakh premium hatchback make sense? Considering that Hyundai has thrown everything but the kitchen sink into the New i20, the price somewhat justifies itself. The New i20 comes with a lot sharper design than the previous two generations that we have seen. Hyundai has been coming up with really contemporary designs lately. The New i20 is more aggressive in design than ever, with lots of sharp lines and creases all over. The company is calling the design language “Sensuous Sportiness”. From the side, the New i20 has a very European Super hatch look, with a small engine area and large cabin space, and a longer wheelbase with 16-inch diamond cut alloys. Smart belt lines with a large glass area add to the premium look.
The New i20 is pricey but you get a lot for your money – LED Projector headlights and Foglamps with LED Daytime running lights. At the rear you get funky-looking “Z” shape LED taillights, along with parking sensors and reverse camera. On the inside, the New i20 comes with a 10-inch infotainment system with 7Speaker (4speakers, 2tweeters, 1Subwoofer with Amplifier) – a BOSE audio system that sounds great. Android auto, apple car play and multi-device connectivity are available along with Hyundai’s connected car platform – Bluelink. Even the instrument cluster is digital and the MID inside displays a plethora of information. Continuing on the tech available inside the New i20, you get a Wireless Charging Pad for your smartphones and other peripherals, but that’s not all. There is a cooling pad to keep your gadgets cool while they charge wirelessly. The New i20 comes with an Oxyboost Air Purifier as well, which is a first in the Hatchback segment. Oh, and there is a large electronic sunroof that we all Indians love.
The New i20 also comes with three engines and five gearbox options. While a lot of manufacturers are struggling to provide automatic transmissions, Hyundai is offering three options in automatics with the i20. The New i20 can be had in 1.2L petrol motor, 1.0 Turbo Petrol motor and a 1.5 Diesel motor. The diesel doesn’t get any automatic gearbox as of now.
The New i20 takes a big step up over its predecessors in the area of driving dynamics. The chassis is quite eager and the suspension is on the stiffer side and it no more rides like a whale. It is quite fun to drive actually. There is a distinct “big car” feel to the New i20. The ride quality is great and the overall feel is very premium.
With prices starting at Rs 6.8 lakh for the 1.2 petrol manual, and Rs. 11.18 lakh for the fully-loaded 1.0 Turbo DCT, the i20 is pricier than all its rivals. Having said that, as a product, the new i20 is a major step up from the last generation.
