Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Gokulraj of MyCopie, snapped the next generation 2015 Hyundai i20 on test recently. The second generation i20 was spotted testing alongside a camouflaged Maruti Swift on the outskirts of Chennai, where Hyundai has its manufacturing facility. Hyundai is using the Maruti Swift as a benchmark product for the new i20.
And that's a no-brainer as the new i20 will find its main rival in the Swift, which continues to dominate the premium hatchback segment with monthly sales averaging 18,248 units, as compared to the i20 which sees monthly sales of 3,997 units (figures for January-May 2014 period). Other segment rivals include the VW Polo, Fiat Punto (both of which are scheduled for refreshes before September) and new cars like the Tata Zest and Honda Jazz.
The new i20 will build on the success of the current model by offering more features. We expect equipment like ABS, airbags, alloy wheels, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted controls and automatic day/night mirror to be offered on the new i20 given that even the current model gets these features.
Engine options which would include a 1.2-liter petrol, 1.4-liter diesel and a 1.4-liter petrol exclusively with an automatic transmission, would be carried over from the current model.
Expect the new i20 to launch in India by September this year.
