The Hyundai i20 is all set to debut at this year’s Auto Expo 2018, we know this because throughout the last year the i20 in various levels of camo has been spotted testing across the subcontinent. However, news breaking on Autocar India claims that the i20 facelift will get a new gearbox, a CVT-automatic which is likely to be mated to a 1.2 litre Kappa engine which will make it the i20 for the first time. It is likely that the 1.2-litre engine will also replace the 1.4litre petrol variant.
The outgoing i20 which also came with an automatic gearbox will be mated to a four-speed torque converter, which was originally meant for the European market, debuted in India in 2016. However, in terms of costing the i20 broke the price band retailing at almost ten lakh for the mid-spec Magna trim. That put it beyond the retail price of its major rival the Baleno, which was 81,000 cheaper even in the top-spec Alpha trim.
As the urban architecture of India evolves, the requirement for automatics continues to evolve by 7-8% year on year. To that end, Hyundai has worked towards a cheaper CVT unit which will at least bring the i20 at par with the competition. The new CVT is likely to be more fuel efficient than the torque converter but will miss the paddle shifters. However, Hyundai might introduce them in the near future.
Apart from mechanicals, the i20 will also get some significant cosmetic updates. The two-part grille on the current i20 is likely to be replaced by a single piece ‘Cascade’ grille, similar to the one seen on the new Verna. Also on the checklist will be tweaked bumpers, headlights and new alloy wheels.
