Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Bairesh Raj, sent us close-up images of the next generation 2015 Hyundai i20 testing on the Chennai outskirts. The second generation of the popular hatchback is set to be unveiled in October this year at the Paris Motor Show with Indian sales commencing at about the same time.
The new i20 will be based on an all-new platform and is codenamed 'IB'. While the overall size of the hatchback will remain the same (the current i20 measures 3,995 mm in length and its essential for the car's length to stay below 4,000 mm to avail small car excise benefits) as the current model, the interiors could be packaged better to offer more comfort.
The new i20 will be launched with a petrol and a diesel engine, though we expect the diesel motor to be carried over from the current model. Price wise, the new i20 will slot in between the recently launched Xcent compact sedan and the mid-size Verna sedan.
Almost all of the i20's competitors in India are set to receive a facelift this year. Refreshes (some unconfirmed) have been planned for the Maruti Swift, VW Polo and Fiat Punto, while new models such as the Tata Bolt and Honda Jazz will be launched late this year (early next year in the case of the Honda).