Hyundai Elite i20 review, test drive

Simply put, the ‘Elite’ i20 is the latest generation of Hyundai’s premium hatchback. Following its global unveil in India, it’s been launched with a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine, each offered in five trim levels. Prices for the base petrol i20 hatchback start at Rs 4.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and top out at Rs 7.67 lakh for the top-spec diesel. It may appear pricey compared to direct rivals like the Maruti Swift, Fiat Punto Evo and Nissan Micra, but let’s not forget that a premium price tag didn’t stop the original i20 from becoming a big seller either.  

 

Of course, among the many reasons the first i20 was such a hit, one was its interesting styling. The new i20 follows suit with a rather handsome design, albeit one that’s not quite as flamboyant as Hyundais of the past few years. Styling is mature, restrained and in keeping with the evolved look of Hyundai’s latest Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. See the new i20 in the flesh and you’ll agree that’s no bad thing. 

 

 

The focal point at the front is the large and low-set hexagonal grille, though the neatly swept back headlamps with their chrome detailing are also interesting to look at. Oddly, Hyundai has given day time running LEDs a miss on the Indian i20 (the international i20 gets them, as did the outgoing model). However, this new i20 does got a flatter bonnet, the benefit of which is that it looks a whole lot wider than its 24mm increase in width (vis-à-vis the old i20) would suggest. It’s interesting to note that the wheelbase is also a full 45mm longer than before, though the overall length has been trimmed by 10mm to 3985mm.