Hyundai took the covers off the new i20 hatchback for international markets earlier this year. While we’ve already talked about the exterior design and also shown a glimpse of the cabin, here are three key points you need to know about the 2020 i20’s interior.
It’s new outside and in
On the outside, Hyundai’s radical ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language makes the new i20 look unlike any of its predecessors. There’s as much of a departure on the inside as well. There’s a sleek new dashboard that positions the infotainment screen high up. Horizontal blades that link the central and side air-con vents, à la the 2021 Elantra, add flavour to the design while enhancing visual width. In continuation of the theme, the door pads sport horizontal slatted elements as well. A four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel (similar to the one seen in the new Creta) is included too.
It gets advanced infotainment and connectivity tech
Have a close look. There’s not one but two 10.25-inch screens in the new i20’s cabin. Aside from the landscape-oriented central touchscreen, the i20 gets a 10.25-inch digital cluster behind the steering. The screen layouts can be altered, allowing a great deal of personalisation. The main infotainment system is underlined by a row of soft touch buttons for frequently accessed functions, along with a rotary dial for volume adjustment.
Coming to the functionality, there is wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, along with Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system. An element that should have audiophiles excited is the Bose sound system with an eight-speaker setup, including a sub-woofer. How much of the tech makes it to India remains to be seen.
It gets a boatload of creature comforts
Aside from the infotainment and connectivity tech, Hyundai has loaded the latest i20 with other gizmos too. A Qi wireless charging pad which, when used in tandem with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, would essentially make cables redundant. Still, multiple USB ports and a 12V charging socket have been provided as well. Drive modes, front seat ventilation and blue LED ambient lighting for the door bins, central console and foot wells are other new additions to the i20.
It’ll be more practical
The outgoing i20 isn’t the roomiest or most practical of premium hatchbacks on sale and the new 2020 i20 promises improvements in these areas. Boot capacity is up 25 litres to 351 litres, which is just shy of the Honda Jazz’s class-leading 354-litre figure. And while the new i20 might be all of 16mm wider and built on a wheelbase that’s just 10mm longer, Hyundai says the i20 offers more space for passengers too. A lower window line and the addition of a quarter glass are also said to improve visibility.
The India-spec i20 is expected to be revealed in the coming months, before its market launch in mid-2020. In terms of powertrains, the model will get a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. While manual transmission offerings will be standard, the turbo-petrol will boast of a sporty combination when allied to a DCT automatic gearbox. The i20 will continue to battle it out with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz in the hotly contested premium hatchback segment.
Also see:
Next-gen Hyundai i20 vs rivals: Specifications comparison