Hyundai Gives The i20 A Midlife Makeover

Besides a tweaked design, there’s more tech in the mix.

Behold the new Hyundai i20! It’s a mid-life refresh, meaning the “newness” comes from a few design tweaks and extra features. The hatchback also ropes in some bold colour combinations, including a lively interior theme. Of course, there could be other differences, depending on the market. What you see here is the European version.

On the outside, the refreshed Hyundai i20 features a redesigned grille and sharper-looking front and rear bumpers. In addition, the wheels, available in 16 and 17 inches, are new. Colour choices? The list has eight of them, plus the option of a blacked-out roof. For Europe, there are three new shades – Lucid Lime Metallic, Lumen Grey Pearl and Meta Blue Pearl. Buyers will also have the choice of the Lucid Lime interior colour package. Opting for it will introduce snazzier seat covers and lime-coloured stitching on various panels and trim pieces. Also, LED bulbs have replaced conventional lightbulbs in the cabin.

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The standard features list has also been given a boost. It now includes a 4.2-inch LCD cluster, USB type-C, an improved eCall system based on the 4G network and the ability to receive OTA map updates. Other features, such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose sound system, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and the latest Bluelink connected-car tech, are also available.

Bolstering the safety are additional standard features in the Hyundai Smart Sense package. Besides adding Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist has been upgraded to include ‘Cyclist’ as an option. The others are City, Interurban and Pedestrian. In addition, one could further beef up the by purchasing extra ADAS systems, including Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist, Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist and navigation-based cruise control.

Under the bonnet will be a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, available in two states of tune – 99hp and 118hp. Gearbox options include a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. And in the mix is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which aids in improving fuel efficiency.

Hyundai confirms that the new i20 will enter production at its plant in Izmit, Turkey, in the third quarter of this year.