Right from the day Hyundai showed us a glimpse of what the third generation i20 might look like prior to the Geneva Auto Show, the car has definitely garnered much hype around it, all thanks to its new “Sensuous Sportiness” Design theme. Codenamed “Bi3”, the 3rd Gen i20 is all sporty and offers a refreshing look when compared to the ones already on the road. The new vehicle’s styling element is having at least 80% of its design coming from its Indian Design Center – if we are to believe in few reliable sources from the industry.
The front grille adapts extremely well with the sexy new headlamps mounted with well-designed LED DRLs.
The sides continue the sportiness with a wedge design until the tail lamps, giving it a more masculine feel. The chrome elements on the sides for sure are the stand-out factor, running through the door rails and taking a sharp curve at the C-Pillar. The Sharp L shaped chrome on the side ups the ante, giving a more premium fell to the car in the segment. The stylish and dynamic chrome is well complemented by a contrasting shining applique.
The tail lamps offer a refreshed look with a “Z” like pattern and are connected by an LED strip running throughout the lift gate, enhancing the view of the car from the rear.
The interiors sport series of horizontal lines design on the dashboard and it comes with an optional “Bose” 8-speaker sound system. The car comes with a 10.25” digital cluster along with a center mounted touchscreen infotainment system of the same proportions – the largest in the segment. This of course would have Hyundai’s USP – the Bluelink telematics system, offering countless features to the customers. The top variant also offers ambient interior lighting and wireless charging.
The car is touted to come with a couple of new segment-first safety features which includes SmartSense Driving Assist System and the Intelligent Speed Limit Information System. These techs would automatically detect potential collisions in the front like a stationary car, a pedestrian or a cyclist and applies the brakes automatically. This, at least for the time being, wouldn’t be available in India, and might be introduced in the European market.
The new i20 would come with 3 powertrain options – two gasoline variants and one diesel variant. The 1.0L turbo GDI engine comes with a 48V mild hybrid technology, details of which are awaited. The car is expected to come with a 6-speed transmission gearbox, and along with the 48V mild hybrid technology, the company calls it “iMT” or the intelligent Manual Transmission. The key feature of iMT is the “coasting function” – where as soon as the driver takes the foot off the accelerator pedal, the engine is completely disconnected thus cutting off the fuel consumption. This is expected to considerably increase the mileage pitching the car directly against the likes of Maruti’s Baleno.
The All-new i20 is slated for launch in September this year, and is expected to sit in between 6 to 9 lakhs – almost same as current elite i20. If you are planning to get a new car this year, the new i20 is definitely a thing to watch out for.
(Article is writeen by Karthick. He is an auto enthusiast, and an engineer by profession, currently employed in an auto MNC at Chennai; has a craving on new tech and a particular interest on the Indian automotive market.)