The i20 is the latest product in Hyundai’s dramatic product renaissance, and another potential worry for Europe’s established car makers. Hyundai insiders insist that it will combine strong equipment levels – almost certain to include standard air conditioning – with ultra-competitive pricing and a five-year warranty.
We’ve spied the three-door version, but the i20 will also be sold as a five-door. It will be produced in India on a new production line adjacent to the one that makes the i10, with the quality of interior trim dramatically improved compared to the Getz: we’re assured it will be as big a leap forward for the brand as the i30 was over the old Accent.
Power will come from two petrol and two diesel engines at launch. The 1.2-litre motor from the i10 will be the entry-level petrol motor, with buyers also getting the chance to choose a more powerful 1.4-litre unit. Two new 1.4-litre common-rail diesels will be offered, likely to be in 75bhp and 90bhp states of tune. All powerplants will be highly competitive on fuel economy and CO2 emissions, with a more frugal i-Blue variant likely to follow.
The five-door i20 goes on sale in the UK next January with the three-door set to follow a couple of months later. Pricing details will be announced closer to the launch, but anticipate a sub-£8000 entry level price, with generous standard equipment. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).
