Hyundai i20: Red hot hatch

Hyundai has just launched the brand new i20 here in India. We got a chance to drive the top of the line turbo petrol variant and here is what we thought about it

- Rahul Ghosh

In general the theory is ‘don’t fix it until it’s broken.’ However for Hyundai it seems the mantra is to start fixing it even when nothing is wrong. Owing to this philosophy then Hyundai’s latest fixed up car is the i20. We got to see the car some time back and now we have driven it.

Now in its third generation, the new i20 is based on the new generation K platform and has grown up in size considerably. The new hatch is 10mm longer, 41mm wider and sports a wheelbase which is 10mm longer than before. The height remains identical to the older model. Hyundai is also telling us that the new gen i20 is much more aerodynamic than before and lighter too. In spite of that it is stronger than before as well. As far as design is concerned the new i20 is literally unrecognizable as compared to the older car. The sweeping headlamps are now LEDs and even the DRLs are LED units. The i20 gets projector fog lamps up front as well. The grille is a large unit and for the turbo variants features a glossy black finish. In profile one can clearly see the added muscle. Flared wheel arches and a prominent shoulder line make things look very sporty. The 16in diamond cut alloys add to the sporty appeal. We also loved the way the fuel lid has been integrated in sync with the large wraparound LED taillights. A chrome panel on the boot adds to the bling factor.

Hyundai i20 1.0T Asta(O) DCT

Engine 1.0-litre turbo petrol

Power 120bhp@6,000rpm

Torque 172Nm@1,500rpm

Gearbox 7-speed DCT

Wheelbase 2,580mm LxWxH (mm) 3,995x1,775x1,505

Kerb Weight NA

Ground Clearance NA