Next-Generation Hyundai i20 Teased For The First Time
The Hyundai i20 has for long, enjoyed good acceptance in India. It is a global model, also sold in multiple international markets. The carmaker is now working on a full generational update to the i20. Test mules were recently seen in public. Now, Hyundai has released the first teaser image of the upcoming i20 ahead of its official global debut in Brazil next month. It is expected to be brought to India later this year.
Being a full generational update, the upcoming i20 will have a completely new design and fresh cabin packaging. It will likely come with a revised powertrain lineup, as well.
The teaser image shows the hatchback’s headlamp design and DRLs. It will come with a Y-shaped lighting signature, sharp headlamp design and a full-width LED front positioning lamp.
From what can be seen in the teaser, the headlamps will be LED units with Y-shaped LED DRLs incorporated into them. A sleek LED lightbar will run along the width of the bonnet, connecting headlamp units on either side. The Hyundai logo will sit on the bonnet, just like the outgoing model. Look closely and you will also see sharp lines on the bonnet.
The outgoing i20 has a proper hatchback-like design. On the next-generation model, the styling is likely to move closer to the ‘crossover territory’. As can be seen in spy shots, the upcoming model will have a more upright design and a taller stance. We have already spoken about the headlamps.
The front grille and bumper designs are also expected to evolve significantly. The new i20 will ride on a new of alloy wheels (likely to be 17-inch units) and will have a revised side view. The window line is likely to rise sharply as it moves toward the rear. Even the rear end will feature a fresh design, the details of which remain unclear for now.
The new i20 is expected to come with a higher ground clearance- the exact figures aren’t known yet. The A and C pillars will be relatively steeper as well. It will have parking sensors at both ends. A 360-degree camera will also be offered. The overall dimensions are also likely to increase on the next-generation model- it will be longer, wider, taller and will have a longer wheelbase.
The next-generation i20 is expected to come with a new interior design and more features. It will feel more modern and upmarket. One of the biggest changes in the equipment list is expected to be the introduction of larger screens or a curved display.
The outgoing model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster that feels quite basic. The new display cluster will likely have a larger touchscreen and more advanced digital driver’s display. The infotainment unit on the new i20 will feature wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and connected car features.
Ventilated seats are also expected. Several features will be carried over from the outgoing version. Some also expect ADAS features to be introduced on the new model.
The outgoing i20 offers two engine options- a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol on the regular hatchback and a 1.0L turbocharged petrol on the N Line. The next-generation is likely to use the same. However, some reports also say that Hyundai could introduce the new 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine that it is known to be developing, on the upcoming i20. This engine will be hybrid-ready. That could point to the possibility of the hatchback getting a hybrid iteration in the future.