Hyundai i20: Hyundai i20 has been updated to ensure its relevance in the Indian premium hatchback space. This refresh brings minor aesthetic enhancements and technological updates that will help the A6 stay relevant to sophisticated consumers.
With rivals like the Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza getting even more aggressive, the i20’s update is to try and ensure it remains a top option for those looking for a mix of style and practicality.
Hyundai i20 Refined Aesthetic Appeal
The i20 in its latest iteration receives a series of selected design modifications that make it look more contemporary. The front-end incorporates a redesigned grille with detailed mesh pattern work for an Innova that takes on a more premium appearance.
The LED projector headlamps combined with the unique Z-shaped DRLs deliver a modern signature of light and make the car easier to identify both in day and nighttime.
Body sculpting is now more refined, with delicate character lines that accent the car’s sporty shape. New available alloy wheel options come in a variety of designs and help accent the upscale appearance while maintaining a smooth ride and lowering unsprung weight which contributes to reduced rolling resistance, and that translates into better efficiency.
The rear-gas-gets more discrete changes to the tail-light clusters which wrap around continuous LED elements which stay true to the current trend of lighting design.
Chrome highlights have been repositioned to draw attention to the design without overwhelming the appearance. The result is that this amenable mix of refinement and ruggedness that is perfect for the young professional and cultural family.
Interior Innovation
The cabin redesign targets making the premium experience as tactile and as technology savvy in this type of aviation. Soft-touch surfaces also spread across more of the vehicle, and there are new textural patterns for the dashboard that are more fingerprint proof and scratch resistant. Seat fabrics are extended to offer premium fabric and leatherette combinations with superior durability for the Indian market.
The 8-inch instrument cluster has a variety of selectable interface views so you can customize how you want the information displayed. Ambient lighting designs rivals living space moods, all changing with the color option to reflect the hour or your mood.
Storage options too get an upgrade with larger cup holders that will fit Indian-sized water bottles, re-done door pockets for more arranged space and a cooled glovebox that can carry chilled beverages in the hot summer drives.
Technology Integration
Connectivity also takes priority with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s more responsive and displays sharper graphics. The interface is updated for easier navigation menu structure, giving users more gradual access to frequently used features.
Wireless smart phone connection allows the latest version of Android and iOs to be compatible with most of the devices.
Hyundai’s BlueLink system has been expanded to include stolen vehicle immobilization, geo-fencing and the ability to better understand different regional accents when utilizing the voice command recognition system. Remote Onboard Diagnostic Notifications keep Stelvio drivers informed of service needs in real time for proactive vehicle care.
The Bose premium sound system is acoustically optimised for Indian road noise conditions, maintaining clarity at all frequency levels despite the ambient noise levels encountered on Indian city roads.
Powertrain Performance
Powertrains are unchanged, but with new calibration for added driveability on existing engines. Powering the hatch is a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine generating 83 PS and 113.8 Nm of torque designed for city commute and comes with easy-to-drive power delivery and decent push for overtaking. Fuel consumption figures stand at 19.65 km/l (ARAI) under test conditions.
The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol version with 120 PS and 172 Nm delivers peppiness and adds a sense of fun that turns highway cruising into an involvement exercise. Performance-biased as it is, this engine still offers an efficiency of 19.20 km/l.
You have a choice of manual, iMT (clutchless manual) and DCT automatic on offer across variants. Software updates to the dual-clutch transmission seem to improve low-speed operation, good for urban driving, without sacrificing the quick shifts necessary for performance driving.
Safety Enhancements
Safety equipment stretches throughout the variant range, with basic features such as blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking even for the base models.
The base safety pack includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Top-spec trims get six airbags, electronic stability control, hill assist and brake assist.
Meanwhile, the body structure includes more high strength steel in key areas to enhance crash performance and to minimize weight. Results from testing agencies continue to place the i20 as one of the safer options in its category.
Competitive Pricing
It starts from ₹7.04 lakh to ₹11.21 lakh, ex-showroom, making it a wee bit more expensive than outgoing one. Lower grade versions such as Magna pack basic things such as auto climate control, rear AC vents and multi-function steering wheel.
Mid variants (Sportz) get wireless charger, cruise control and automatic windows. Full-house Asta (O) gets sunroof, cooled front seats and 8-speaker Bose system and a full suite of safety features.
This price level delivers a good compromise of gear against competitors, and better interior quality and features than a few.
Market Positioning
The i20 facelift is aimed at urban professionals, small families and those upgrading from a basic hatchback. Its well-rounded mix of looks, gadgets and competence will suit anyone who needs a daily driver and weekend warrior.
Brand image still is very important and Hyundai’s reliability only reinforces service buyers. With its long-standing legacy in the premium hatchback segment, the i20 is also the peace of mind product when it comes to resale value and long term ownership.
Real-World Considerations
Ownership is sweetened with Hyundai’s wide service network, and reasonable cost of service. The average costing of servicing( which usually done once) is between ₹4,000-6,000 and the regular parts are available in all major cities across India. The available extended warranty options should also appeal to buyers who are worried about reliability both now and down the road.
The ground clearance of 165mm is enough to tackle almost anything Indian roads can throw at it, but some degree of caution should be exercised when going through bigger obstacles. The small overall size makes for easy parking in the city, but small dimensions can also mean some motorcycle stability on the highway!
Hyundai i20 Conclusion
How does the updated Hyundai i20 hold its line in the premium hatchback class? With some well-thought-out design improvements, tech upgrades and the same focus on practicality, it makes some very compelling conquests.
It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but the enhancements help keep the i20 at the front of many peoples’ minds when it comes to a premium hatchback that’s refined and well-equipped.
Its modern styling, dynamic handling and premium interior with room for five combine to make the Optima a formidable challenger in the category and a menacing opponent on the road.
With the premium hatchback segment in India evolving at a rapid pace, the updated i20 showcases Hyundai’s passion to offer aspirational products, and also a strong shift towards creating a stylish and sensible car for its customers’ i.e. a vehicle that is designed keeping the changing aspirations and preferences of the modern Indian customer in mind, while heavily on five key attributes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the primary visual changes on the facelifted i20?
A: I think the biggest changes are to the grille — with new complex patterns — and the new LED daytime running lights, new wheels, new taillights with a continuous LED element. On the whole, the changes are small but attractive.
Q: How is the inside of the new model different?
A: The interior dimensions are essentially the same, but rearranged storage areas and new seat designs yield greater comfort and functionality. New fabric alternatives contribute to the rich, upscale ambience without changing room dimensions.
Q: How much are the different versions?
A: The price starts at ₹7.04 lakh for the base Magna trim and goes up to ₹11.21 lakh for the top Asta (O) with sunroof. There is a clear distinction in features thanks to the price gap between the two models.
Q: Does the phone have any new connectivity features?
A: BlueLink is a system that adds things like stolen vehicle recovery, geo-fencing and enhanced voice commands. Lesser and above trims both get wireless charging and improved smartphone integration.
Q: What is real-world fuel economy relative to claimed stats?
A: On average 15-17 km/l in City and 18-20+ km/l on highways give or take a little from Manufacturer claimed figures, which is not bad and is a bit competitive at its segment.
Q: Will i20 owners with older vehicles be able to get new features retrofitted?
A: Some accessories, such as led bulbs, can be replaced. However, major technology is built in and will not be retrofitted. Current owners might prefer to wait for the official aftermarket involvement.
Q: What is the warranty on the new model?
A: Hyundai is the only mass-market car manufacturer to offer including 3 years/40, 000 km warranty with each car you purchase and extended warranties as per you consumer preference. The battery (if applicable) and certain other parts have a separate warranty term.
Q: How does it ride compared to rivals?
A: The i20 once again lives up to Hyundai’s reputation for a balanced ride and handling setup, with suspension tuning leaning a bit more toward comfort than outright sportiness as compared to some rivals such as the Altroz.