Hyundai India is gearing up to launch the much-awaited new Hyundai Elite i20 hatchback in the Indian car market on August 11. The company has already discontinued the current Hyundai i20 while the new model has already reached the dealerships for customer previews. Let’s talk about few things to know about the highly awaited Elite i20:
Global Debut in India– On August 11, the new Hyundai Elite i20 will mark its global debut ahead of its public premier at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Bookings- The new Hyundai Elite i20 bookings have already commenced at a token amount of Rs. 10,000. Deliveries are expected to commence from the day it launch. This could be the move to create some enthusiasm among the car buyers in the country.
Design Philosophy– The new generation Hyundai Elite i20 is based on the company’s Fluidic Sculpture 2 design philosophy. The new model is likely to be more premium than the current model that’s why it is christened as ‘Elite’, just like the Fluidic Verna and Neo-Fluidic Elantra. It is entirely designed at Hyundai’s Design Centre Europe in Russelsheim, Germany.
Engine & Transmission- Hyundai will offer the new Elite i20 in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The vehicle continues to be powered by the same 1.4-litre diesel motor producing 89bhp and 1.2-litre Kappa2 petrol engine that produce 83bhp. Both the engines will be paired to a five-speed manual gearbox which sends the power to front wheels of the hatchback. The company might also introduce the automatic gearbox; however, nothing has been confirmed on the same.
Trims- The new Hyundai Elite i20 will be offered in five trim levels- Era, Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta Optional in both petrol and diesel fuel options.
Dimensions- The new Hyundai Elite i20 is 24mm wider than its predecessor which in return offers a more shoulder room. The wheelbase is increased by 45mm; however, the overall length of the car is reduced by 10mm to 3985mm. The height of the car stands at 1505mm. The company has increased the ground clearance of 4mm to 169mm which is good improvement. The top-end variant will feature the 16-inch alloy wheels.
Features- The new Hyundai Elite i20 gets dual tone interior scheme (Black & Beige), rear AC vents, and front centre armrest with storage space, 2-DIN Audio system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in connectivity. Adding to it, this model gets impact sensing door unlock, clutch lock, steering adaptive parking assist, follow me headlamps, 1-touch lane change indicators, etc.
Safety Features- ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic BrakeForce Distribution), four airbags in top-end variant, reverse parking sensors with camera, steering adaptive parking assist, etc.
Price- The new generation Hyundai Elite i20 is likely to be more premium than the outgoing model. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 4.75-8 lakh.
Competition- The new i20 will compete against the likes of Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Punto Evo. However, the real competitor for this hatchback, the new Honda Jazz will arrive in March 2015.
