Hyundai i20 hits the streets
As expected, Hyundai has launched the Hyundai i20, first unveiled at the Paris Motor show in October, thereby delivering on their intention of rolling out the i20 even as 2008 draws to a close.
This new five door premium hatchback comes in three variants – Magna, Asta, and Asta (O), and seven colours – Berry Red, Black Diamond, Crystal White, Dark Gray Metallic, Silky Beige, Sleek Silver and Sparkle Blue. It is being offered at an introductory price: Rs.4.80 lakh – Magna, Rs.5.6 lakh – Asta and Rs.5.82 lakh -Asta(O). All these prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
All the i20 variants have AC/heating, tilt & telescopic steering, 60:40 split folding rear seats, dual tone beige interiors, 2 DIN CD + MP3 Music System, front & rear power windows, refrigerated glove box, a multi information display (which includes trip distance, engine running time, calendar, clock, temperature and audio display) and tachometer, as standard equipment.
The top-end model comes with fully automatic A/C, leather wrapped steering wheel and TGS knob, steering mounted audio control, foldable key with keyless entry function, alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver seat, electrically foldable and adjustable outside mirrors and the category first six airbags.
The i20 has also taken safety to new levels with the use of high-tensile steel and latest generation anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and hold your breath… as many as six airbags which is a first for a car in this segment in India.
Hyundai plans to replace the Getz with the i20, but the i20 uses the same 1.2 litre Kappa petrol engine as the i10 Kappa, unlike the 1.3 litre SOHC petrol engine or the 1.5 litre CRDi VGT in the Getz. There is no news if the i20 will have a diesel variant as yet. However, in terms of size, it is larger than the Getz, 3940 mm long and 1710 mm wide, as compared to the 3825 mm length and 1665 mm width. of the Getz. The fuel tank capacity remains the same as the Getz, at 45 litres.
The engine delivers maximum power of 80 ps at 5200 rpm and a peak torque of 11.4 kgm at 4000 rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. There is also no word on an auto tranny yet. There is also a difference in the tyre sizes among the variants – steel wheel 175/70 R14 tubeless for the Magna, and alloy wheel 185/65 R14 tubeless for the Asta and Asta (O).
I’m definitely planning to go for a test drive, probably this weekend. Will post more on first impressions etc.. Will I buy it? Too early to say, but probably not, as my mind is pretty much made up on the i10 Kappa Sportz. 
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