Hyundai was recently seen testing an updated Elite i20 in Chennai. The car was heavily camouflaged which hinted at a new rear, apart from showcasing visible changes to its front.
Hyundai Elite i20 was launched in India in 2014 and just recently got a variant and feature update for 2017. The 2018 model is expected to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018.
-This article is mostly speculative
2018 Hyundai Elite i20 facelift price and launch date
We expect the 2018 Elite i20 to launch in Q1, 2018. Prices will be slightly increased.
| Starting price | Rs. 5.45 lakhs |
| Launch date | Q1, 2018 |
*expected
2018 Hyundai Elite i20 facelift- Design changes
Being a mid-life facelift, the changes on the Elite i20 will be extensive. Let check out some its details from the available spy shots:
Exterior
To get a better idea of how the 2018 Elite i20 will look like, here’s the Hyundai Verna (upcoming) based hatchback that was launched recently in China.
The Korean manufacturer has obviously looked up many of their existing cars for inspiration. The new i20 ditches the 2 part grille for a large single cascading grille, in tune with their latest design language. Its headlamps look like they are inspired from the gorgeous new Elantra while the front bumper and foglamps housing (with chrome) have been revised.
We don’t have a good look at the sides yet but it seems to be slightly revised (new alloys being a sure update). Also its rear, unlike the front is tightly wrapped indicating something very different is under development. Based on the spy shots, we feel the taillight is now somehow bigger and its bumper is different too. They may be going for Verna hatch look.
Interior
Expect evolutionary design changes on the inside but nothing as profound as the outside. Features like 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, reverse parking camera, follow me home headlamps will be provided along with safety equipment like ABS and dual Airbags.
2018 Hyundai Elite i20 facelift Engine, Transmission
Hyundai Xcent facelift gets new engine option, cosmetic changes
Though new engine options are rumoured, base variants are likely to continue with the same petrol and diesel options. Â These include a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder Kappa VTVT that is capable of producing 81.83bhp and 114.7Nm of torque, and a 1.4-litre CRDi unit that produces 88.73bhp and 219.7Nm of torque.
There are rumours that a 120 bhp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill will make its way in to a range topping variant (i20 N) so as to compete with the likes of Maruti Baleno RS and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. Currently the top petrol model is powered by a 1.4-litre Dual VTVT unit that churns out 99bhp of power and 130Nm of torque.
The 5-speedl and 6-speed manual boxes will continue but the 4-speed automatic is likely to be updated a 6-speed unit.
Source – ACI
