The Hyundai i20 had already hit our archive in our IAB specials column, when it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Missed it? Click here for an exhaustive premier report (styling,specs,technology,etc..). Hyundai has just revealed that the i20 will hit the Indian roads this November.
The i20 is a 5- door, 5-seater hatchback, based on an extended Hyundai Getz platform and design inspired from premium hatchback Hyundai i30, which is launched in Korea and Europe. Globally the i20 will replace the Getz. Here in India, it will be positioned above the Getz, as getz prime is also doing brisk sales. Hyundai i20 will target B or B+ segment customers,pitted against Maruti Swift, Skoda Fabia and the soon to be launched Fiat GRANDE PUNTO(Mother of all hatchbacks!)
Hyundai i20 had been designed especially to meet the European consumer needs. Like the i10, the Indian customers can taste the upmarket features of an international car once again;for a nominal price, due to local manufacture. An Excellent strategy – favors both the manufacturer and the customer.
The i20 will be made in the Chennai plant for export and domestic sales. 30% of the Hyundai production will be done from Chennai plant only by 2009.
From what Hyundai said in October, the i20 should have been released by now!
The economic slump and auto-market slowdown has taken its toll on all automobile releases making them unpredictable, as all companies are on the defensive.
Considering the fact that Hyundai has already exported its first batch of i20′s to Europe, I reckon that a Jan-Feb 2009 release is very likely.
I have been hearing about conflicting dates of i20 launch .. some websites report that launch of i20 has been postponed to jan 2009.
Is it still Nov 2009? Do we know dates?