The i20 facelift version was caught testing in Chennai for a couple of times hinting its launch in near future. Now, it looks like the Korean car maker will launch the i20 facelift sooner than expected.
Hyundai may launch the i20 facelift version by April 2012. A Chennai dealer told CarToq that bookings for the existing i20 are being converted to new fluidic i20 bookings. He quickly added that they have not seen the updated model yet and had no idea on the changes expected in the new model.
Earlier, the i20 facelift test mule was caught testing in Hyundai’s European test facility last year and a couple of times in Chennai last month, hinting a possible launch in the near future.
Looks, space and comfort
Expect the new upcoming i20 to get sharp character lines on the sides similar to the fluidic Verna. The test mules of fluidic i20 suggest that it will have fluidic design sculpture that includes a hexagonal radiator grille, Verna-like headlamps and stylish fog lamps. At the rear too, expect the i20 to have refreshed tail lamps and reflectors integrated to the bumper.
The test mules had no camouflages on its sides, suggesting there is no change over there. The overall dimensions of the upcoming i20 will be same as the outgoing model. Hence, there will be minimal change in the car’s interior space and comfort as well. However, Hyundai may add new interior colours to refresh the i20′s cabin.
Engine and Performance
The refreshed i20 will likely come with the i10′s 1.2-litre, VVT petrol motor that puts out 79 bhp of power while the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel motor of the outgoing model will be retained as such.
The 1.4 litre petrol engine develops a healthy 100 bhp of power but comes only with an automatic transmission. The diesel variant sports a 1.4 litre CRDi engine that puts out 89 bhp and is mated to 5-speed manual transmission. Summing up, overall performance and mileage of the new i20 will likely be similar to the present model.
Expected features
The present i20 is already loaded with features and hence, there is little room for Hyundai to offer more features in the new i20. Hence, the new i20 will likely come with all the features of the outgoing mode which includes tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, airbags, ABS, navigation system and an automatic climate control. It also has a digital odometer, music system with USB and aux-in ports, multi-information display and a cooled glove box.
Expected price
Cosmetic upgrades may slightly hike the price of the new i20. At present, the i20 petrol is priced in the range of Rs. 4.59 lakh – 8.09 lakh while the i20 diesel is priced in the range of Rs. 5.70 lakh – 7.45 lakh.
Conclusion
With consistent sales of around 6,000 units every month, the i20 is one hot selling premium hatchback in India. The new i20 may have considerable waiting period especially when many buyers book them after the facelift launch. But, now that you know the launch is near; book the i20 in advance to avoid the waiting period!
