The third generation i20 is a promising entrant into the premium hatchback spaceHyundai India

All-new Hyundai i20 launched at Rs 6.79 lakh

With the launch of the all-new Hyundai i20, competition in the premium hatchback space has now become all the more fierce

Hyundai has launched the third generation i20 at a price of Rs 6.79 lakh, ex-showroom, India for the base petrol manual variant and Rs 11.17 lakh for the range topping turbo-petrol variant. Since the first generation i20 was launched in October 2008, the model has been the primary volume driver for Hyundai in India and up until today, the outgoing model ranked amongst the top ten cars in India in terms of month-on-month sales. The new i20 aims to raise the bar with an all-new design, more features and a host of engine-gearbox combinations.

The new i20 is the first car in India to sport the brand’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design language. Upfront there’s the parametric jewel pattern grille flanked by projector LEDs and LED DRLs. There are ample wedge-shaped cuts and creases on the side profile that give the i20 an aggressive stance. The rear is as striking as the front with the Z-shaped LED taillamps that are united by a thick chrome strip. The i20 sold in international markets however gets an LED light bar in place of this chrome strip and we wonder why Hyundai didn’t introduce the same in India.

Read the first look review here

The i20 is now in its third generationHyundai i20

In terms of powertrain, the all-new Hyundai i20 brings a host of engine-gearbox options to the table. Firstly, there’s the 83bhp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol that can be had with a five-speed manual transmission or the CVT. Then there’s the 1-litre turbo-petrol engine that enthusiasts will be clamouring for. It can be had either with a six-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT. It makes 99bhp and 172Nm of torque and Hyundai says that the i20 Turbo will do the 100kmph sprint in just 9.9 seconds. And lastly, there’s the 1.5-litre diesel that also packs some solid punch. It makes 99bhp and 240Nm of torque. It can be only with a manual gearbox and Hyundai claims this to be the most fuel-efficient diesel powertrain in the country with 25.2kmpl.

The i20 gets a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine making 118bhpHyundai i20

In terms of features, the i20 seems to be way ahead of its rivals. It is absolutely festooned with segment-first premium features like digital instrument cluster, wireless charging with cooling pad, Bose audio, more than 50 connected car features and over-the-air (OTA) updates among others. That said, the i20 borrows the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment from the Creta and it’s the largest in the segment. It’s integrated with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services as well.

The Z-shaped taillamps are very distinctHyundai i20

The all-new i20 takes on rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz and the Volkswagen Polo all of which undercut the i20 significantly as far as starting prices are concerned. But again, the Hyundai i20 packs a fresh design, is feature loaded and also offers a host of engine-gearbox options.