The next-gen 2020 Hyundai i20 has been spied testing for the first time, courtesy IAB reader Robin Manidas. The all-new model was being tested along with the next-gen 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 near the company’s Sriperumbudur plant.
The next-gen Hyundai i20 appears to have a familiar shape that gives it a sharper and mature, typically European style. Hyundai’s full model changes tend to be usually quite extensive, and the same exercise is expected for the i20 this time. With the next lifecycle makeover, the sub-compact hatchback will move to its third generation.
The 2020 Hyundai i20 has a wide and low body that gives it a squat stance that is similar to that of the outgoing model. The beltline, greenhouse and tailgate all appear to have a great degree of commonality with the current model. The ORVMs appear to be sleeker and the rear quarter glass seems to have been removed to let the rear passengers have an unobstructed view outside. It goes without saying that the redesigned model will have new, LED headlights and tail lights.
Inside, the all-new Hyundai i20 will likely feature a more elegantly designed dashboard, more comfortable seats and maybe a few elements borrowed from the Hyundai Venue, including the compact steering wheel, the floating touchscreen infotainment system and the instrument cluster. Hyundai has been known to bring revolutions in this segment in our market, and so, it’s only logical to expect a few first-in-segment comfort and convenience and connectivity features onboard. The latter will likely include the Blue Link suite borrowed from the sub-4 metre SUV.
The third generation supermini will likely sit on an upgraded platform of the old car. Expect it to come with the upgraded, BS-VI versions of the outgoing model’s 83 PS 1.2L N/A petrol engine and 90 PS 1.4L turbocharged diesel engines. The petrol engine may come linked to a standard 5-speed MT or an optional CVT. The diesel engine, similarly, should remain paired with a 6-speed MT.
The new generation Hyundai i20 might be the perfect opportunity for the Hyundai N division to enter India, possibly with an N Line or N variant sporting the 1.0L T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine married to a 7-speed DCT. Last month, Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D, Hyundai Motor Group, had said that Hyundai N will enter India within three years.
The 1.0L T-GDI engine, developed to be offered in 100 PS and 120 PS versions, is now manufactured in India, and the Hyundai Venue is its first recipient here. Obviously, there must be a plan to offer it in more models to capitalise the heavy investment made in localising it. In fact, Puneet Anand, Sr. General Manager & Group Head – Marketing, Hyundai (India), has suggested that this engine will be offered in the next-gen i20.
“We have very strong products like the i20 and Grand i10 and we'll be bringing such engines in higher-end models too,” Anand said last month while talking about future applications of the 1.0L T-GDI engine.
Also Read: Hyundai Venue - First Drive Review
The next-gen Hyundai 20 is said to arrive by mid-2020 (May-August 2020).
