What was thought to be the next-gen i10 could be the new Hyundai HB20

21/08/2018 - 14:36 Hyundai HB20, Hyundai, Spy pictures Anjan Ravi

Hyundai Palisade Club has snapped more images of what they report is the next generation Hyundai i10 (2019 Hyundai Grand i10 for India) testing on Korean roads. However, interestingly, Brazilian sites blog that this could be the next generation Hyundai HB20 hatchback, as the HB20 was launched in 2012.

2019 Hyundai HB20 spied — The next-gen Hyundai HB20 could get the 1L T-GDI petrol engine which will be seen on the Hyundai QXi SUV in India next year. Its main rivals are the Chevrolet Onix, VW Gol, and the Toyota Etios.

According to the Portuguese language reports, the longer wheelbase and wider track of the test mule is reason enough to believe that Hyundai is indeed road testing the next generation HB20, and not the i10 as reported earlier. The HB series of vehicles (HB20 hatchback, HB20X crossover, and HB20S sedan) are exclusive to South American markets, and the HB20 continues to be among the top 5 best selling vehicles in the Brazilian market, even today.

The Brazilian media further reported that with the next generation HB series, Hyundai will continue offering a crossover and sedan, but could revise the looks of the former to make it more SUV-like in appeal. However, all products are reportedly receiving the 1.0-liter T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine also expected on the Hyundai Carlino based sub-4 meter SUV (codename QXi) when it launches in India next April.

Further, the new engine would be adapted to local market conditions by way of offering the flex fuel technology (ethanol blended fuel), and manual and automatic transmissions are reportedly in the offing to make it more urban friendly.

2019 Hyundai HB20 rear spied — Despite its age, the Hyundai HB20 ranks in the top 5 best selling cars in Brazil. The HB20 was the first locally manufactured Hyundai in Brazil.

Also read: Hyundai could club QXi’s 1L T-GDI and next gen i20 to compete with the Baleno RS

As for the next generation Hyundai Grand i10, HMC is expected to launch it sometime next year (giving the current model an industry standard six-year lifecycle) with manual and Smart Auto (automated manual transmissions). We'll keep an eye on the Korean forums for further updates on both new mini Hyundais.

[Image Source - Cafe.Naver.com]