A launch is planned next month.
Hyundai's first hatchback-turned crossover for the Indian market, the 'i20 Cross' as it is known for now, will launch next month. Based on the well-received Elite i20, the i20 Cross will come with increased ground clearance, a person in the know confirmed to Indian Autos Blog.
Complementing the increased ride height will be a revised suspension, the person said. The feature pack, in comparison to the Elite i20, will be 'upgraded' for the cross, with equipment like projector headlights likely to be offered.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is coy on giving out the name of the car. According to people with knowledge of the car, the 'i20' name will be seen, but a suitable prefix or suffix will be included to highlight the perceived ruggedness of the car.
The company is aiming at rivals such as the VW Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura and Toyota Etios Cross with their new offering. While the above mentioned rivals have seen little to modest penetration in the market, HMIL believes that it will be able to do better thanks primarily to the strong brand value of the i20, and the Hyundai brand as such.
Also read: Hyundai Sonata discontinued in India
Engine options for the i20 Cross will be carried over from the Elite i20. There would be no changes to the power or torque of these engines, a person told Indian Autos Blog. The i20 Cross will not be an India-exclusive product, but will be sold in other markets as well. 'Popularity of the hatchback-derived cross is much higher outside India, where the car will definitely be sold', the person said.
Competitors: Fiat Avventura, Toyota Etios Cross, VW Cross Polo
Expected Price: INR 6.5-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: March 9, 2015 (reported)
