Hyundai India will be launching the new i20 premium hatchback by the end of this year. 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 inverted L shaped

DRLs. 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 red reflector bar. The new i20 will also receive unique looking 16” alloy wheels on the top spec variants.

Interior:

       The new Hyundai i20's interior will feature a fresh and clean layout with a wraparound layered design. The interior is expected to sport a flowing cockpit theme while being loaded with features.

 Here's an extensive list of features on the new i20:

• 10.25” touchscreen system

• Blue link connectivity

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Automatic climate control

• Air purifier system

• Ambient lighting

• Leather upholstery

• Ventilated seats

• 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 expected to 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 Aura Turbo producing a maximum output of 100PS through either a 6 speed manual gearbox, or the new IMT 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.

Launch & price:

       The all-new i20 is likely to be launched during the festive month of October this year and will go up against the new Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the new facelifted Honda Jazz and Toyota’s Glanza. Prices are expected to be around Rs20000 to Rs50000 higher than the current gen model which it will replace.

Based on the best selling XM variant, this new XM(S) variant offers the following additional features:

• Electric sunroof with anti pinch

• Automatic headlamps

• Automatic wipers

• Steering mounted audio controls

Other than these features, the XM(S) will carry forward the same specifications as on the XM variant. Standard features will include:

• Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Roof rails

• 16” Steel wheels with wheel covers

• Manual AC

• Harman audio system with 4 speakers

• Digital instrument cluster

• Power windows

• Remote central locking

• Follow me headlamps

Safety:

       Standard safety features on the Nexon BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• Corner stability control

• Dual airbags

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Roll over mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

Powertrains:

       The XM(S) variant will be available

with both, petrol and diesel engine options in manual and automatic versions. The 1.2L Revotron turbo petrol produces 120PS Power while the 1.5L Revotorq turbo diesel produces 110PS Power. Both engines are available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport modes. A 6 speed manual transmission will be standard whereas the XMA(S) variants will receive a 6 speed Automated Manual Transmission.

Launch & price:

        The new XM(S) variants are priced at Rs8.36L & Rs9.70L ex-showroom for the petrol and diesel versions respectively whereas the AMT equipped XMA(S) variants are available at Rs8.96L for the petrol and Rs10.30L for the diesel versions. Priced at around Rs60,000 more than the standard XM/XMA variants, these new variants could attract the feature focused buyers. This pricing also makes the Nexon XM (S) the most affordable Sunroof equipped car in the Indian market.

And then there are people who adore their cars, love them and live with them. People who love driving their machines. People who call themselves automobile enthusiasts, car lovers, petrolheads, etc.

Enthusiasts as we know are an endangered species today because very often, challenges and responsibilities in life ensure we leave aside our passion for short or long periods of time. The RPM needle doesn't go past the half mark. Fuel economy suddenly becomes the most important factor to consider in a car. Comfy suspension replaces the sporty suspension. That fun to drive factor is replaced by a dead,

light and lifeless steering wheel. Life, then as we know gets dreary and lifeless.

But does it really have to be that way? Does life always have to go in that direction? Or is there a way where can have a bite from both worlds and maintain equilibrium? Of course, you still can’t expect good mileage if you rev it too much. But still, we think there's still hope for people like us. A way where we could maintain a fine balance between fun and responsibility. A balance between passion and practicality.

Often, we find this balance in cars from Ford. Of course not all of them from the fleet have this speciality where you get two things for the price of one. But mostly, they do have the capability to bring a smile on your face every time you take those cars out for a drive.

Ford Ecosport, Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle. They've all been around us for a pretty long time. We’ve seen them evolve with us (except the Freestyle) but most importantly, what has stayed in this process of evolution is a communicative steering wheel that lets you feel every crack on the road, a suspension setup that offers decent comfort and enough stiffness to handle those curves. Horsepower figures are usually just enough to take you back by surprise and yet, there’s enough fuel left to do a last minute road trip.

This fusion of both worlds creates such a blend that driving these machines indeed feels very special. Not only this, We’ve mostly seen that cars from Ford India often offer safety features like 6 airbags, ARP, TCS, etc to even cars like the Freestyle! That says a lot about what the brand really prioritises on. We haven’t even moved onto the service costs yet because we feel that would be off topic.

With so many different choices in the market today and in this ever ending race between manufacturers to be on the top, what is often left behind is the essence of driving. Sadly, items like large infotainment systems, sunroof, projector head lamps, etc are features that are considered a priority by consumers while cars that offer an excellent driving experience with other satisfactory features are being ignored. To petrol heads like us, this is a worrying trend indeed. It is easy to find cars that go fast and have all the latest features. But it is indeed difficult to find great cars today that offer a blend of both worlds. Enthusiastic drivers and drivers’ cars then, are indeed endangered species.