The bigger-engined i20 duo means the Honda Jazz should be a bit worried now...
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has launched two new variants of the i20 hatchback, with 1.4-litre common-rail diesel and 1.4-litre petrol engines. The 1.4-litre petrol variant is also available with an optional automatic transmission, the first such option in this segment.
While the Hyundai i20 is the best looking hatchback currently on sale in India, its 1.2-litre engine feels barely adequate for the car, which is heavier than the smaller i10 with which it shares the 'Kappa' engine. The new engines should certainly remedy the lack of power. The 1.4-litre CRDI engine makes 90 horsepower at 4,000rpm and 220Nm of torque at 1,750-2,750rpm, and the 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 100bhp at 5,500 revs and 136Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. The latter is coupled to a four-speed automatic gearbox, which should be just right for city driving. [We do wish, however, that the auto ’box was a five- or six-speeder instead of a four-speed unit. Four-speed automatics are so outdated...]
Both the new i20 variants will be offered with safety features like ABS, EBD and multiple airbags, which is a definite plus. Depending on the spec, the i20 diesel is priced between Rs 6.19-7.20 lakh, while the 1.4 petrol automatic is priced between Rs 7.31- 7.72 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
In the meanwhile, Hyundai plans to move a part of i20 production from Chennai to one of its facilities in either Turkey, the Czech Republic or Slovakia. This would allow it to save on import duties and logistics costs in European markets, where the i20 is fast gaining popularity. India will, however, remain the main production hub for the i20.
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