The 2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift could make its debut at the Auto Expo 2018 in February with prices starting at around Rs 5.40 lakh (ex-showroom). Scroll down for details on 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 facelift launch, price, specifications and more.

Hyundai i20 – Overview

The first generation i20 was launched here in India in December 2008. This was followed by a facelift in March 2012, which was replaced by the second generation Elite i20 in August 2014. A cross variant christened i20 Active was introduced in March 2015. In April 2017, Hyundai introduced new dual tone variants of the Elite i20 along with an updated AVN unit.

Initially, HMIL expected to sell around 1,000 units of the i20 monthly as they believed the Indian market still hadn’t warmed up to the idea of a relatively large, more expensive hatchback. Besides, exports were the primary reason for setting up i20 production in India. However, demand for the hatchback was higher than anticipated and as of July 2016, Hyundai India had sold more than 6 lakh units of the i20 and its derivatives. A big chunk of export volume was shifted to Turkey and the Chennai plant primarily serves Indian demand.

2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift Launch in India

The upcoming new model i20 was spotted testing for the first time in April 2017. Although Hyundai has no history of showcasing facelifts at Auto Expo, seeing the i20 as a major sales driver for Hyundai in India, averaging more than 11,000 units a month, they might consider unveiling it to the Indian public at the 2018 edition. The i20 facelift is one of the eight new products and facelifts HMIL plans to launch by 2020.

2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift Price in India

Over the past three months, Maruti Baleno has on an average sold 5,000 units more than the i20. Taking that number into account, Hyundai might consider lowering the starting price of the Elite i20 with the introduction of the facelift. Here’s the full Hyundai Elite i20 price list for reference -

Competition Check

Hyundai Elite i20 rivals include –

• Maruti Baleno
• Honda Jazz

2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift Specifications

The 1,197 cc Kappa Petrol and 1,386 cc U2 CRDi Diesel mills will continue to power the Elite i20. However, certain media reports point towards the introduction of the 1.0 L T-GDI Kappa Petrol that powers the i20 Turbo in the UK. This could be an ideal replacement for the 1.4 L Petrol Automatic variant that has been struggling to find buyers due to the steep asking price. Also, it will enable Hyundai to take on the Baleno RS, which also comes with a 1.0 L Turbocharged Petrol engine.

2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift Mileage

Hyundai plans to add mild hybrid tech to future products. If the upcoming i20 facelift is one of them then there could be a 6-7 % increase in fuel efficiency. Mild hybrid tech brings in an ‘integrated starter generator’ and a start-stop system. What this means, in simple terms, is the motor assists the engine when the vehicle is running and utilises the energy lost during deceleration to charge the relatively bigger battery pack. It also consists of a start/stop system that cuts in whenever the car comes to a halt in neutral. Pressing the clutch brings the motor back to life, thereby saving fuel. The engine turns back on again in case the air conditioning unit requires it to do so.

However with mild hybrids now attracting the highest tax in the Indian car segment (28% GST + 15% cess), dont expect it to be available on all variants, if introduced.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift Design – What’s New?

Hyundai will update the styling to bring the i20 in line with the latest design language. Spy shots reveal a heavily camouflaged front and rear end indicating significant changes will be made to the i20’s appearance. Changes up front will include Hyundai’s signature ‘Cascading’ type single piece grille. There will be a larger fog lamp enclosure, which could incorporate “Air Curtain”, which helps reduce drag. At the back, the tail lamps will be reprofiled with graphics, while the number plate moves to the boot lid from the bumper. Also part of the model year 2018 updates is a new dual tone alloy wheel design. What’s interesting here is that it is nearly identical to Mercedes-Benz CLA Sport’s 17-inch rims.

On the inside, the upholstery could be new and the i20 may get an updated infotainment unit. Hyundai updated the AVN this April and it already supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the past, Hyundai has refrained from making major changes to the cabin with the facelifts. So, we won’t be surprised to see the cabin of the i20 carry on mostly unchanged.

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift Features

• Cascading type front grille
• Sharper front bumper with chrome lined fog lamp enclosures
• Updated twin spoke diamond cut alloy wheel design
• Reprofiled glow pattern for tail lamps
• New paint shades
• New upholstery
• Front bumper with air curtain
• Registration plate relocated to the boot lid

2018 Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift Dimensions

As the 2018 Hyundai i20 is merely a cosmetic update, these dimensions are unlikely to change. Besides, Hyundai cannot afford to change the length of the car as it needs to duck under 4 meter to continue receiving tax benefits.

2018 Hyundai i20 Facelift Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2 L Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual
• 1.4 L Kappa Petrol with 4-speed Automatic
• 1.4 L U2 CRDi Diesel with 6-speed Manual
• 1.0 L T-GDI Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual (rumour)

The 1.0 L 3-Cylinder Turbocharged T-GDI Kappa Petrol engine powers the i20 sold in the UK where it comes with a 5-speed manual. If launched, this engine will be up to 12% more fuel efficient than the 1.2 Petrol and will have a higher output of around 100 PS. Elite i20’s chief rival Maruti Baleno is currently offered with a 1.0 L Turbo Petro engine option in the Maruti Baleno RS. This variant accounts for around 900-1000 units of the total monthly sales, a fact that may encourage Hyundai to add the Elite i20 Turbo variant to the lineup. Since Hyundai does not manufacture this engine in India currently, importing the unit will make the i20 Turbo an expensive affair.