Next-Gen Hyundai i20 Spied With Crossover-Design Cues: Official Reveal In June
Hyundai is working on a major generational upgrade to the i20. This premium hatchback has been around for long and enjoys decent acceptance in our market. The new model, expected to be out in 2026. It is known to be part of the 26 launches expected by 2030. The next-generation i20 has now been spied again, showing crossover-like design cues. More importantly, we have now learnt that the new i20 will be showcased at the FIFA World Cup in June this year.
The latest spy sighting from Brazil reveals several of the upcoming model’s design details. The car has heavy camouflage on it. Even so, we can understand that it has a tall stance and bold, crossover-like design. The spotted mule appears to be debut-ready and has conventionally styled headlamps, and not split-type units as some of the previous speculations had suggested. These are, however, different from the ones offered on the current model. Parking sensors can be seen at the front. These are absent on the outgoing model.
The alloy wheels, most likely 17-inch units, also feature a completely new design. This is, in fact, a size larger than the outgoing model’s 16-inch units. The test mule appears to be running on Pirelli tyres. Larger wheels play an important role in making the car look tall. The new model will likely have more ground clearance than the current hatchback. Another detail is the relatively steeper A and C pillars. Even the window line rises sharply as we move towards the rear.
The latest set of spy shots also show the rear of the car. It will have a restyled tailgate, new rear bumper and stylish connected LED tail lamps. We can also see a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. The interconnected tail lamps highlight the width of the car. The exact dimensions of the new i20 remain unclear. However, we do know that it will be larger than the current model- longer, wide, taller and will likely have a longer wheelbase.
The design, as seen in these images, has a crossover-like nature. Hyundai used to sell an i20-based crossover called the i20 Active, sometime in the past. The latest spy shots may remind at least some of this model. It remains to be seen if the carmaker would bring a separate crossover-like version of the i20 to take on the hot-selling Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The next-generation i20 hatchback itself will have the Fronx as one of its major rivals.
Hyundai reportedly has plans to bring the second-generation Bayon, which is essentially a crossover SUV based on the i20 platform, to India in the near term. If so, having a separate ‘i20 Active’ on sale would not make much sense. The Bayon will likely be positioned between the Exter and the Venue, and will reportedly share some of its components with the next-generation i20.
Inside, the next-generation i20 is expected to take a noticeable leap forward. Hyundai will likely make it more modern and technology-rich. The dashboard will have a more ergonomic layout and will use better-quality materials.
The new model is expected to come with a curved screen cluster and Hyundai’s new-age steering wheel. The outgoing model has a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a relatively basic digital instrument cluster. Connected car and ADAS features are also expected to be introduced on the new model.
The outgoing model comes with just two engine options- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and the sportier 1.0L turbocharged petrol which is now exclusive to the N-Line avatar. These are expected to be carried forward to the new model as well. According to some reports, We may also see the introduction of a new 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine on the new car. This will also be used on the new Bayo, and will be hybrid-ready. That also hints at the possibility of hybridisation in the future.
Image Source: Motor1 Brazil | Shorts car