The elder cousin of the popular i10 was immediately brought to India after its international debut quite unlikely of any car manufacturer.
The i20 is the second in line from the Hyundai i series from i10 to i40 and more and personally speaking I have been waiting for this car. Hands down this car qualifies and falls in the good looks category. Its attractive, sporty, dynamic and is definitely European.
DESIGN
The design and styling sets a new benchmark in the compact hatch segment. The front grill is quite similar to the i10 but with big shapely lights, chrome strip with company logo and the notch protruding up from the bonnet make you want to look again. The side profile is pretty impressive with the muscle flowing and growing as u move backwards over the rear wheel ad blending with the tail lights. The roofline is coupe like again blending with the tail lamp cluster.
The inside is again refreshing and sporty with bits of chrome here and there. The dash is unconventional with the steering supporting the now becoming standard audio controls. Good quality plastic and comfy seats with dual airbags, refrigerated glove box, multi information display, two tone interiors, tilt and telescopic steering, electric OVRM’s, height adjustable driver seat and whole lot of other features and not to forget and spacious roomy cabin will make your ride worthwhile.
SAFETY
Hyundai has kept safety first with first of its kind in this segment dual airbags and six air bags in the top model. The i20 is also equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and engine immobilizer.
PERFORMANCE
With other tempting features and some first of its kind in i20, the catch lies in the Engine.
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Hyundai used the same petrol fired 1.2 litre 16 valve, kappa engine from its younger sibling, the i10. Though contrary to many thoughts the i20 does not feel underpowered and with the 5 speed manual transmission give an overall average of 14kmpl. This Euro V compliant give quite a performance for those ugly city maneuvers as well as those long highway drives.
Hyundai is expected to soon launch its CRDI (Diesel) engine sometime end of this year. But that will come with an added price tag. For now i20 has been compititvely priced in the 5lac bracket with the high end model just below 6lacs.
COMPETITION TO THE i20
Besides eating out of its own market share of the i10 and the getz, the i20 will give the Maruti Astar, Skoda Fabia, Chevrolet U-va, upcoming Honda Jazz & Fiat Punto a run for their money.