Generation 2.0

Hyundai replaces its hugely-popular i20 with a new car that boasts even more Fluidic flair, and stays true to the company's value-for-money credo.

2008 was as an eventful year. The financial meltdown shook the world, Banks collapsed and people everywhere lost their jobs Auto guys will remember it as the time when America’s Big two automobile companies asked their Government to save them.

The year also saw Hyundai launch its premium hatchback, the i20, which went on to sell in huge numbers. Initially manufactured only in India at the company’s plant in Chennai, the i20 was eventually exported to the rest of the world. It’s been six years since the first car rolled out of the assembly line, but thanks to a mid-life facelift, it continued to look fresh. Last month, the carmaker launched the second-generation i20, which is now called the Elite i20. Just like the older car, this will be built in Chennai. And, like the last generation model, it will be Indians who will get to buy the Elite i20 first.

Casey Hyun, Hyundai’s Creative Design Manager, describes the new appearance as a journey that started with the Fluidic theme and has evolved into Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The evolved design is apparent across the sheet metal, and I was happy to note that Hyundai has not messed with a winning formula. The new design provides the car with a crisper look. The big gaping hexagonal grill sits below the number plate gives the car its family look. The sharper, more aerodynamic front also helps deliver better fuel economy. The rear is a departure from the current car’s and gets horizontally stacked tail-lights, which retain the essence of most Hyundai tail-lamps. The C-pillar if blacked out to give the rear windscreen a wraparound effect. The best thing about the car's evolved design is that it doesn't try too hard, and has the right amount of tweaks to draw the attention of prospective owners.

The i20 has grown by a couple of centimeters. The wheelbase is longer, and that means you get a roomier cabin. The dual-tone dashboard is dominated by beige, in keeping with the Elite theme. The plastic used for the switchgear is impressive, and a lot of the operational controls have been incorporated into the steering to aid ergonomics. The centre console houses the infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity and so on, and there is a provision to store up to 1GB of music on the internal hard drive. The rear seat has enough shoulder room and legroom, and can comfortably accommodate two adults and a child. The increase in rear scat space means that boot space remains the same (2851itres). It's definitely not a compromise, and the Elite i20 can surely swallow large suitcases, as well as the large passengers carrying them.

The petrol and diesel engines are a carryover from the earlier car, but have been tuned to produce a few extra horses. The 1,197cc petrol motor makes 82 bhp and 11.5Nm of torque, while the 1396cc diesel makes 89bhp and 220Nm of torque. Hyundai will not be offering an auto box for the i20 right away. 

So, can you feel the extra horsepower? Well, you will have to wait for a proper road test in our upcoming issue for a detailed report. But, from the limited amount of time I got with the Elite i20, I found the engine to be pretty refined. And, like with all Hyundai cars, the steering feels light.

All-round visibility is good and, along with the light steering, managing the car in traffic should be a breeze. The new i20 is also equipped with a parking camera and sensors, and, better still, there is also a steering guideline on the inside rear view mirror that curves to match the steering angle. This lets you slot the car into some very tight spots. Hyundai calls it sporty, but I think it will hit the right note with the family man.

The Elite i20 has all the makings of a best seller, and expect history to repeat itself (no, not the financial meltdown!). It has a refined engine and is packed with features. 

Words by Abhinav Mishra