IAB Report - Second gen Hyundai i20 launches in India on August 11

Reliable sources reveal to IndianAutosBlog.com that the second generation Hyundai i20 will launch in India on August 11.

Designed similar to the Grand i10 and Xcent, the premium hatchback adopts a large grille, a V-Shaped crease on the bonnet, and a strong shoulder line. The headlamps are given metallic inserts, and another interesting touch, inferred from spyshots, is the stretched taillight.

The new i20 will offer a roomier cabin while retaining the length under the four-meter mark. Powertrain options could go unchanged with the car receiving the same 1.4-liter 89 bhp diesel engine and an updated 1.2-liter 84 bhp Kappa petrol engine. The current i20 offers a 6-speed manual transmission with the diesel engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with the petrol engine, the latter pairing to a larger 1.4-liter unit.

The new i20 will replace the current model, sources confirm, and would come with several additional features. Like with the Grand i10 last year, the car's sales in India could kick off well in advance of the global launch.

With a tempting price, European design and heavy feature content, the i20, like the Grand i10, could prove as a disruptive launch in the B segment.

Competitors: Maruti Swift, VW Polo, Honda Jazz, Tata Bolt, Fiat Punto Evo

Expected price: INR 5 - 7.5 lakhs ex-showroom