20120121

Hyundai i20 Facelift spied

Hyundai deserves credit for being a trendsetter in exploring the premium hatchback segment in India. Remember, the Getz was the first 'big' small car to be launched in our country. Though it did not succeed as Hyundai would have hoped, the company made sure that it hit the sweet spot with the i20, Getz's spiritual successor. Launched in December 2008, the i20 has been a massive success for Hyundai and it busted the myth that costlier hatchbacks with premium look and features will not sell in India. It has been three years hence and the competition has moved forward. Getz's nemesis, the Swift has reborn in a new avatar to challenge the i20 and global big-sellers Jazz, Polo, Micra and Punto are snapping at i20's heels.

Hyundai has decided that if it has to stand a chance against the strengthening competition, the i20 needs a facelift. There are no prizes for guessing that the i20 will also go the 'fluidic' way like the i10, Verna and Eon. Unlike the older Verna and i10, the existing i20 is a fantastically designed car and Hyundai should be careful enough not to spoil its looks. From what we know, the i20 will now come with the familiar hexagonal grille and three-dimensional headlamps up front, redesigned taillight lenses at the rear while the profile remains largely unchanged. Thanks to our reader Rajan, it is now confirmed that the headlights are very similar to the ones found in Verna and the profile is untouched. Though this is expected to be a strictly cosmetic facelift for the i20, we expect the new model to come with the Kappa2 engine with VTVT technology from the i10.

With this, Santro, Accent and Santa Fe will be the only models in Hyundai's lineup that has not been given the 'fluidic' touch.

15 comments:

  1. Its bad, now i20 will also look like all other Hyundai models and it will lose its identity..

    ReplyDelete
  2. @ Above - Though we quite agree on your point that the i20 will lose its identity, Hyundai's new family face does look quite interesting. The only thing where Hyundai needs to concentrate is that they shouldn't spoil the cool looks of the existing i20 with this facelift.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It look awesome, but the ICE of i 20 not seems great<

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is not i20 alone, but the stock ICE setup of most cars aren't good.

      Delete
  4. when will dis come on to marketss...???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is expected to be launched in the 2nd quarter of 2012.

      Delete
  5. Where was this caught?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are not too sure but we get feelers that this was caught close to Hyundai's factory gate.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for that, this the most revealing shot yet. I think launch is nearing, anyways I've booked in the month of dec'11 but put to hold n waiting since then for this. Already dealer has almost confirmed about the arrival in near future.

      Delete
    3. What you did is right Melorith. Wait for the new i20 - It will come with the new 'fluidic' styling, a few additional features and is also expected to get the VTVT technology from the i10 Kappa2. So, it would definitely be a worthy upgrade, but you might have to pay more for it.

      Delete
  6. I 20 launch date confirmed.. its on March 15.. Dealer told me that they will start booking on march 15

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We aren't sure on the launch date, but its definitely very close from now.

      Delete
  7. wat about interior and i dont know why hyundai brings same design for all their cars hammmmmmm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Except for a few nips and tucks, there isn't much change to the interiors we hear. Just like Volkswagen, Audi and many other brands, Hyundai has also adopted a family look to all their models.

      Delete
  8. Hello there, You've performed a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site. new york it services texas it services

    ReplyDelete