The next generation Hyundai i20 has been caught on test many a time in Europe and India. Codenamed 'IB', here's Auto Week's rendering of the second generation i20.
If you take a good look at the side profile of this rendering (the doors, window lines and the C-Pillar), it seems as though the new i20 is inspired in places by the Audi A1. The overall dimensions of the car seem similar to the current generation model. Given that the current i20 measures 3,995 mm in length, Hyundai cannot stretch this much further as we're sure the 2015 i20 will continue to be a sub-4 meter compact hatchback.
Until now, the i20's competition has come mainly from the Maruti Swift. However, the premium hatchback segment in India will see the addition of the 2014 Honda Jazz this year, and more importantly unlike the previous Jazz sold in India, the 2014 Jazz will get a diesel engine. Also, Honda's 1.5-liter i-DTEC engine has struck the right chord with the Indian audience proving to be extremely fuel efficient.
Hyundai is expected to unveil the new i20 towards the end of this year, with several reports pointing to a Paris Motor Show debut in September. As we have reported earlier, Hyundai will also introduce a performance-oriented, 'GT'-like version of the hatchback. Developing this go-faster i20 will be the job of Hyundai's recently announced performance division called 'N'.
[Image from Autoweek.nl]
