All-New Fourth-Generation Hyundai i20 Officially Revealed
The all-new fourth-generation Hyundai i20 has finally been officially revealed in Brazil. Most likely, the same model will be making its way to India in the coming months. Hyundai has now also released the official images of this new-generation Hyundai i20. From the images, we can note that Hyundai has used its latest global design language on the outside, and the interior has also been changed completely. It is now packed with a ton of new features and gets a completely new layout.
First off, let's start with the front-end design of the new i20. We can note that it now looks a lot sharper and more modern than the current third-generation model, which is available for sale in India. This new model now gets dual-pod pixel-style LED headlamps, unique Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a full-width LED light bar, which connects the LED DRLs. The grille features the familiar hexagonal shape.
However, it now has sharper edges and revised detailing. Hyundai has also redesigned the bumper with honeycomb-pattern air inlets and blacked-out lower sections, which add to the sporty appearance of this premium hatchback. We can also note that the new i20 will come equipped with a radar sensor for ADAS Level 2.
Moving to the side profile, the changes are evolutionary, and like all new-generation models, the hatchback now gets newer alloy wheels. What makes them special is that instead of 16-inch, they are now 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Now, whether the India-spec variants will get these bigger alloy wheels has not been confirmed.
Apart from the wheels, we can note that the fourth-generation Hyundai i20 model will get thicker black body cladding around the wheel arches and lower doors, which give it a crossover-inspired appearance. Its window line also rises aggressively towards the rear and blends into a blacked-out section, which replaces the traditional rear quarter glass.
Hyundai has also given the new i20 cleaner surfaces with fewer sharp creases, which give it a more sophisticated overall look. As for the rear, the hatchback now features connected LED tail lamps, which have been connected by a light bar. The rear also gets C-shaped lights, a more pronounced tailgate design, a black bumper, integrated reflectors, and a faux silver diffuser. It also comes equipped with a rear wiper, washer, defogger, and shark-fin antenna to further add to the sporty appearance.
Dimensionally, the new i20 measures 4,130 mm in length and 1,780 mm in width, and its wheelbase is 2,580 mm. Hyundai has also increased the practicality offered by this hatchback, as it now gets a 346-litre boot space.
Like the exterior, the interior of the new fourth-generation Hyundai i20 has also been changed completely. The dashboard has been completely redesigned and now features a modern panoramic display setup. The top-of-the-line variants will come equipped with dual screens that will measure up to 12.3 inches (infotainment system and digital instrument cluster). They will be integrated into a single curved housing, like the new-generation Venue and upcoming Creta.
Apart from these, the cabin will also get a new three-spoke steering wheel that boasts Hyundai’s illuminated quad-dot logo and paddle shifters. Another major change will be the design of the automatic climate control system. It will now feature touch-enabled controls, vertical air vents, and a dedicated rotary dial for fan-speed adjustment.
Hyundai is not completely relying on the screen and has kept a number of physical controls for important functions to make sure that real-world usability is not hampered. Like most new-generation Hyundai models, the material quality has once again increased. Its seats will feature semi-leatherette upholstery with subtle i20 branding embossed into the backrests.
The front-seat occupants will get a centre armrest with storage underneath, and the rear bench will offer a 60:40 split-folding function, adjustable headrests, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers. It has to be noted that the Brazil-spec model does not feature a sunroof. However, most likely, the India-spec version will come with a sunroof.
Now, coming to one of the biggest highlights of the new-generation hatchback, Hyundai has equipped it with a new multimedia system powered by a 5G connectivity chip. It is also the first Hyundai model in Brazil to receive over-the-air (OTA) update capability. Other features will include Bluelink connected-car technology, wireless phone charging, front and rear USB charging ports, an electronic parking brake, emergency SOS functionality, wireless smartphone connectivity, and advanced infotainment software.
In terms of safety, the new i20 comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense ADAS technology, which includes forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, intelligent speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Its standard safety equipment will include six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Another major upgrade of the new-generation i20 is the new platform. Hyundai has confirmed that the fourth-generation i20 is based on its new third-generation K3 platform. This updated architecture gets high-strength steel and has been engineered to improve crash protection, structural rigidity, ride comfort, refinement, and cabin packaging.
This new platform has also been developed to support future hybrid and turbocharged powertrains. Speaking of powertrains, the Brazil-spec i20 comes powered by a 1.0-litre TGDI three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 115 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai has stated that its top speed will be 184 kmph and that the sprint from 0–100 kmph will happen in 11.7 seconds.
As for India, it has been reported that the next-generation i20 could be making its debut in 2027. Powertrain options of the India-spec version will include the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit for the N-Line range. Hyundai is also developing a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that could be launched in India.