Hyundai HB20 takes its public bow in Brazil; Priced from 8.7 lakhs

13/09/2012 - 10:26 | ,   | Nithyanandh K

Hyundai officially unveiled the HB20 hatchback yesterday in Brazil. The Brazilian market had been waiting for this i20-based Hyundai hatchback with much anticipation.

Hyundai HB20 Brazil launch front viewHyundai HB20 dashboard

Hyundai has priced the entry level variant at R$ 31,995 (around Rs. 8.7 lakhs). It may share its platform with the i20, but the HB20 has been engineered with Brazilian car buyers in mind and hence the good looks, better space and cheaper materials to keep the costs in check. It also makes do without the i20’s safety features that would’ve made it far more costly.

Hyundai HB20 side viewHyundai HB20 rear three quarter view

The car adopts the ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ theme which has now become a norm in every new Hyundai. As a result the front fascia gets the familiar family face. The profile bears a close resemblance to the i20 and the strong waistline continues to flow in the hatch door too. The hatch door itself is stylish with curved surfaces and carries a part of the sleek high mounted tail lamps.

Hyundai HB20 boot spaceHyundai HB20 rear seat

The interior also gets its styling cues from the existing ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ relatives and cabin is full black. It looks simple but plastic quality may not be top notch owing to the cost factor.

The entry model comes equipped with a 1.0 litre flex fuel engine that belts out 80 bhp and mated to a five speed manual tranny. The higher variants with a 1.6 litre flex fuel motor get manual as well as automatic transmissions options.

[can't see the video above? Head over to Youtube]

Hyundai is expected to commence sales in Brazil from 10th of October. While we may expect the next generation i20 to get design lessons from the HB20, Hyundai insists that HB20 is strictly a Brazil specific model, so much so that ‘HB’ in its name stands for ‘Hyundai Brazil’.

[Head over to NoticiasAutomotivas.com.br to see more images]

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