boje
01-02-2009, 11:18 AM
When Hyundai released the first pictures of the i20 last month, we were impressed. The car that's expected to replace the Getz looks far better. Now that we have seen it in the flesh, we can reiterate our initial opinion. If you thought the Hyundai no was impressive, the i20 is even more so. Like the iIO, the i20 will be manufactured at Hyundai's Chennai plant and exported. The sole difference is that Hyundai says the i20 was designed and developed for European use cycles, whereas the no was designed for India. Designed at the Russelsheim facility in Germany, the i20 is pretty good looking overall.
Its slim grille exudes a sense of purpose and the creases on the bonnet that originate from the low-set logo make for a smart, aggressive look. The thin grille is flanked by a large air-dam. The large headIamps and generously sized fog lamps make the car look fresh and modern. With tight shut lines and compact looking rear, the i20 is pretty well turned out. Hyundai has worked on the vertical tailgate bottom that enhances boot space, an idea that works. Peep under the tail gate and the acres of space is astounding.
The i20 should be spacious because it sits on a much longer wheelbase than the Getz's. In that respect, it derives far more inspiration from the i30 than the ilO. The longer wheelbase creates a spacious cabin and Hyundai suggests that the extra space will be an i20 USP. The models in European interior trim have generous equip¬ment levels. The list of options includes tyre pressure monitors etc. Not that India is likely to get that kind of fancy gadgetry just yet.
398
Under the shapely metal work lie pretty straightforward underpinnings. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut set-up matched by a torsion beam rear. It has a rack and pinion power-assisted steering. Hyundai claims the i20's dynamics will be interesting and should offer more than a modicum of enjoyable handling and a supple ride to European customers.
In Europe, Hyundai is to offer seven diesel and petrol engine options. In India, however, we're likely to see a retuned version of the 1.2-litre Kappa engine making marginally more power than in the ilO. If we do get the 100PS 1.4-litre engine, we won't complain. Hyundai may also offer the 1.4-litre common-rail turbodiesel here although it is unlikely to make the launch in November. While the i20 will replace the Getz in almost all markets, Hyundai will let them coexist in the Indian market since the brand names are not in conflict. Just like what happened with the Santro and the ilO. When the demand for the Getz dries up, the car's production will automatically stop.
Hyundai also showed off an eco-friendly version of the i20 called the Blue, at Paris. This car sits 15mm lower, has a flat underbelly and sports an ultra efficient, ultra frugal lA-litre CRDi engine making 90PS.
Its slim grille exudes a sense of purpose and the creases on the bonnet that originate from the low-set logo make for a smart, aggressive look. The thin grille is flanked by a large air-dam. The large headIamps and generously sized fog lamps make the car look fresh and modern. With tight shut lines and compact looking rear, the i20 is pretty well turned out. Hyundai has worked on the vertical tailgate bottom that enhances boot space, an idea that works. Peep under the tail gate and the acres of space is astounding.
The i20 should be spacious because it sits on a much longer wheelbase than the Getz's. In that respect, it derives far more inspiration from the i30 than the ilO. The longer wheelbase creates a spacious cabin and Hyundai suggests that the extra space will be an i20 USP. The models in European interior trim have generous equip¬ment levels. The list of options includes tyre pressure monitors etc. Not that India is likely to get that kind of fancy gadgetry just yet.
398
Under the shapely metal work lie pretty straightforward underpinnings. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut set-up matched by a torsion beam rear. It has a rack and pinion power-assisted steering. Hyundai claims the i20's dynamics will be interesting and should offer more than a modicum of enjoyable handling and a supple ride to European customers.
In Europe, Hyundai is to offer seven diesel and petrol engine options. In India, however, we're likely to see a retuned version of the 1.2-litre Kappa engine making marginally more power than in the ilO. If we do get the 100PS 1.4-litre engine, we won't complain. Hyundai may also offer the 1.4-litre common-rail turbodiesel here although it is unlikely to make the launch in November. While the i20 will replace the Getz in almost all markets, Hyundai will let them coexist in the Indian market since the brand names are not in conflict. Just like what happened with the Santro and the ilO. When the demand for the Getz dries up, the car's production will automatically stop.
Hyundai also showed off an eco-friendly version of the i20 called the Blue, at Paris. This car sits 15mm lower, has a flat underbelly and sports an ultra efficient, ultra frugal lA-litre CRDi engine making 90PS.