Hyundai India is launching the new i20 premium hatchback today on 5th November. The new generation premium hatchback is expected to be priced between ?6-10.5L ex showroom and will rival the new Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Toyota Glanza.

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The new i20 will be available with 3 engine options, 4  trim levels and 5 transmission options.

      Prior to its launch, the new premium hatchback has started to arrive at dealerships. There are few visible changes to the India spec i20 as compared to the European one. The

i20 has been one among their best selling products and still is one among the most feature loaded hatchbacks in its category. This here is a quick walkthrough on the highlights of the new generation Hyundai i20.

Exterior: 

       The new Hyundai i20, sports a completely different design language. On the front fascia, it features a new and larger hexagonal cascading grille with a more swooping bonnet and angular headlamps. The headlamps will feature LED lighting on the top spec trims along with DRLs. Lower variants will get Projector units. Projector fog lamps are also expected to be offered. The new i20 will be longer and wider than the current model. The sides have sharp, dynamic creases lending the car a more dynamic profile. The window line features Chrome detailing which flows from the A pillar to the top of the C pillar whereas the snazzy Z-shaped LED Tail lamps are connected by a chrome bar running across the width on the Asta(O) variant. The new i20 will also receive unique looking 16” alloy wheels on the top spec variants.

Interior:

       The new Hyundai i20's interior features a fresh and clean layout with a wraparound layered design. The interior sports a flowing cockpit theme while being loaded with features. There are 7 slats running across the width of the dashboard, connecting all four AC vents. All Variants will feature an all black theme with few silver accents.

Variants:

       The new i20 will be offered in four variants:

• Magna

• Sportz

• Asta

• Asta(o)

 Here's an extensive list of features on the top spec Asta(O) variants of the new i20:

• 10.25” touchscreen system

• Blue link connectivity

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Automatic climate control

• Air purifier system

• Ambient lighting

• Leather upholstery

• Split folding rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Auto LED headlamps

• Cruise control

The new i20 will also offer more safety features:

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• 6 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Smart key access

• Geofencing & tracking

Powertrains:

       The new i20 is will be available with two petrol engine options and one diesel engine. The standard 1.2L 4 cyl Kappa petrol engine will produce 83PS Power through either a 5 Speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 1.0L 3 cyl turbo petrol powertrain is expected to be carried over from the Venue Turbo producing a maximum output of 120PS through either a 6 speed IMT gearbox or a 7 speed DCT. The 1.5L turbo diesel engine from the Venue is also expected to be on offer producing 100PS Power through a 6 speed manual transmission.

The 1.2L petrol will be available on all Variants with only the Sportz and the Asta variant getting a CVT option.

The 1.0L turbo petrol will be available on the Sportz, Asta and Asta(O) Variants. However, a 6 speed iMT gearbox will be available on the Sportz and Asta whereas the 7 speed DCT will be available only on the Asta and Asta (O) Variants. This means the Sportz variant will get only an iMT and the Asta(O) gets only the DCT.

The 1.5L diesel will be available on the Magna, Sportz and the Asta(O) variants with only a manual gearbox.

Stay tuned for our detailed report and reviews.

Suzuki’s popular Swift has been around for many years. After all, the Japanese manufacturer has been giving it all the important touches and updates over time, making it seem fresh and ageless.

After its latest update in 2016, the Suzuki Swift has now been launched in Japan with many changes and we could expect to see this in India towards the last quarter of 2020. Not only are the updates just cosmetic, we expect to see some changes related to engine and performance too!

Expected Features: The new Swift won’t have too many significant changes in terms of looks. Small changes like

a new grille and a redesigned front bumper could make it look like it got a much needed change but the overall look remains the same. Images also suggest a new look in terms of skirts and new alloy wheels. Auto folding ORVMs, cruise control feature, a new 4.2 inch MID colour display and new upholstery to refresh the feel inside could be a part of the new Facelifted Swift.  However, not much could be said about additions in terms of safety features as they remain the same. Electronic Stability Control and hill hold assist could new additions to the AMT variants.

 

Price:
The new facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift is expected to cost Rs. 20,000 more than the outgoing model. So prices could start at around 5.5 Lakhs and go all the way upto Rs. 8.20 Lakhs (Ex- Showroom Delhi).

 

Engine and Performance: The new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift 2021 could be launched with a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as seen on the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The new engine produces 90PS power, 7PS more than the current Swift’s petrol engine while the torque remains unchanged at 113NM. We do think that’s a good step taken towards offering more power.

In terms of fuel efficiency, we expect the new Swift to fetch similar mileage figures as the existing Maruti Suzuki Swift. Howver, the engine in question comes with an idle start-stop feature which could help improve overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of the transmission, Maruti will continue to offer the facelifted Swift the 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox. Keeping in mind the BS6 norms, there would be no diesel engine on offer in the facelifted Swift.

 

So, would the new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift make you want to buy it? Or, would you consider any of the other hatchbacks in the market like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle, Hyundai i20 and the Volkswagen Polo?

 

The Kia Carnival premium MPV was launched earlier this year as Kia’s flagship model in India. However, now Kia motors India is developing a new mid size MPV to be positioned below the Toyota Innova Crysta.

This new mid-size family MPV will be based on the Kia Seltos’ platform with better crash protection and extended dimensions. This new MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (4,395mm in length) and Toyota Innova Crysta (4,735mm in length), and will directly rival the Mahindra Marazzo (4,585mm in length) in terms of dimensions and positioning. This new MPV is likely to have both

7 and 8 seat options.

Exterior:

Exterior design is likely to include the front fascia similar to the Seltos, featuring sharp LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. The signature” Tiger-nose grille will also feature the knurled Chrome finish. The proportions are expected to be spot on for this new MPV and is also expected to feature split LED tail lamps. 16 or 17 inch alloy wheels are expected too.

Interior:

The interior of this new MPV will also carry forward a lot of design elements and materials from the Seltos and the Carnival. Similar to the Seltos and the Sonet, a large touchscreen is expected to be the mounted on the dash top, while being connected to a colour instrument cluster.

Features:

In terms of features, the new Kia MPV will be fully-loaded with equipment from the Kia Sonet and Seltos as well. Here are the expected features:

• Leather wrap steering

• TFT colour instrument cluster

• Cruise control

• Auto headlamps

• 10.25” Touchscreen

• UVO connected car tech

• Auto climate control

• Rear AC vents

• Leather upholstery

• Smart key access

• Easy fold rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Rear seat Sun blinds

• Powered tailgate

• Wireless charger

• 360 degree camera

 

Engines:

Similar to the Seltos, the new MPV is expected to get a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine. Both engines are likely to produce an identical 115PS of Max Power. While the petrol engine is likely to get a CVT option, the diesel range is also expected to offer a torque converter automatic transmission apart from the standard 6 speed manual.

Safety:

Since the Kia Seltos scored a rather disappointing 3 stars at the Global NCAP crash tests, the new MPV is likely to feature better strengthening and crash protection. Apart from standard safety features such as dual airbags and ABS, the new MPV is expected to include the following:

• 6 airbags on top Variants

•  ESP

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• All wheel disc brakes

• Smart key access

• UVO connect assist

• 360 degree camera

Launch and pricing:

Since the Maruti Ertiga is available only with a petrol engine for now, and the Mahindra Marazzo gets only a 1.5-litre diesel engine, this might be a good opportunity to cash in on the MPV segment by offering both options with great features at competitive prices.

This new MPV is expected to be launched later in 2021 and will compete against all 7 seat MPVs including the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the XL6, the Mahindra Marazzo and the Toyota Innova Crysta. The higher Variants may also compete with the new MG Hector plus.

Stay tuned for further updates.