Hyundai i20 debuts at Paris motor show

The i20 is an eagerly-awaited car in the Indian marketplace. It was unveiled recently at the Paris auto show amid much fanfare. The success of Hyundai’s large hatchback, the i30, has people all over the world looking forward to the i20. Here are some facts and figures of the new model.

Initially available as a five-door model, a sportier three-door i20 version will debut in Europe in January 2009. The 2525mm wheelbase coupled with front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension promises appreciable space on the inside.

For Europe, the i20 will have a seven-strong line-up of petrol and turbodiesel engines, with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The Euro IV-compliant petrol line-up comprises the 78bhp 1.2, 100bhp 1.4 and 126bhp 1.6 all available with five-speed manual transmissions, with the option of four-speed automatic gearboxes on the 1.4 and 1.6 models. The Euro IV -compliant turbodiesel engines are fitted with CPF diesel particulate traps as standard for the 1.6l (115bhp and 128bhp) diesel engine. The 1.4 comes in two specifications – 75bhp and 90bhp – while the flagship 1.6 is available in 115bhp and 128bhp trim. We’re expecting the 78bhp 1.2 and 115bhp 1.6 to make it here, but the 75bhp 1.4 would make a lot more sense for our market.

For safety, Hyundai has used high-tensile steel in the chassis, provided six airbags – front, side and curtain – fitted as standard, active headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners and latest generation ABS anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability control, EBD Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.  We aren’t sure how many of these safety features will make it to the Indian market, though.

Along with the usual features, Hyundai is also offering tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix mounting points in the rear and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants, 40:60 split flat-folding rear bench with a low lip, 295-litre rear loadbay, a large cooled passenger glovebox, a reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel complete with integrated audio controls and an unlimited mileage three-year warranty.

Tags: Auto Shows, Hyundai