The next generation Hyundai i20, probably the most buzzing car among the auto enthusiasts in the country is just a few months away from its launch. But before the car becomes official in the country, few details have been leaked, tickling the fantasy of auto lovers further.
A recent report of MotorVikatan citing its sources in the industry revealed that the 2015 Hyundai i20 will be called Grand i20 in the country. From the name suggested, it looks like the Korean auto maker is in a tryst to capitalize on the name of Grand i10 in the domestic market, which has been a phenomenal success in the entry level auto market. The report also suggests that the Grand i20 will make its India debut in September, but the exact launch date is still missing in it. However, this is enough to make the car buyers to start salivating.
The new generation i20 codenamed 'IB' has already made innumerable appearances on the web through spy images and leaked reports. We have seen the car on test in various cities of the country, with the latest one from Chennai.
While the new generation i20 will keep some of the proportions and features of its predecessor, the car is expected to receive changes in its styling and design. On the mechanical front, the same 1.4-liter diesel and 1.2-liter Kappa2 engine will be doing the duty in the new i20 which is likely to come mated to either a five-speed or a six-speed manual transmission in India.
While the petrol engine is expected to churn out 83 bhp of power and 113 Nm of peak torque, the diesel engine is to give 89 bhp of power and 219 Nm of torque. In the international market, the car is likely to be offered with 1.1 liter 3 pot diesel engine, 1.2 liter 4 pot gasoline engine, 1.0 and 1.4 liter diesel motors.
Moving on to the features, the new i20, which is possibly called Grand i20 is likely to come equipped with climate control, keyless entry, steering mounted audio controls, reverse camera, parking sensors and automatic day/night interior mirror. The front and rear fascia of the car is also expected to get changes, including reworked headlight, tail light and bumper.
In India, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Fiat Punto, Tata Bolt, Toyota Etios Liva and Ford Figo are the main competitors of new 120 and if recent reports are to be believed, the car will fall in the price range of ₹6-8 lakh (ex-showrooms).
