Hyundai i20 Active revealed through official pictures

Hyundai is yet to launch their new i20 Active cross hatchback in India. While we all are waiting for the March 17 launch, we give you a look at Hyundai's first crossover for the Indian market. 

The new car is based on the Elite i20 hatchback and gets a meatier stance, thanks to the external plastic claddings. It has been designed at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany and still carries forward the company's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design language.

While the body cladding showcases the cross hatchback appeal of the car, the matte silver finished front skid plate and the roof rails add further to the appeal. The new bumpers give the car a rugged look and the new set of split-five-spoke wheels add to the vehicle's sporty character. The tail lamps are the same as on the Elite i20 hatchback, but the new i20 Active gets projector headlamps.

Apart from these visual upgrades, the 2015 Hyundai i20 Active features a slightly updated cabin. The interior looks funky with colour coded pinstripes and dashboard accents. The cabin also features colour coded interior upholstery options. Though most of the elements are same as the Elite i20 hatchback, these few changes differentiate the new i20 Active from its smaller sibling.

The Hyundai i20 Active will be powered by the same set of engines that currently power the Elite i20 hatchback. The petrol model will be powered by the four-cylinder 1.2-litre Kappa engine and the diesel version by the 1.4-litre CRDI motor. The former produces 83bhp of power and 113Nm of torque and comes paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The latter churns 89bhp of power and 219Nm of torque and comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The sporty-looking Hyundai i20 Active is targeted at customers in the market for a tough looking hatchback. With the brilliant range of body colours and enticing new interior, the new car is bound to attract a lot of buyers from the younger audience. Though it is expected to be slightly expensive than its rivals as it is based on an expensive hatchback, the i20 Active will compete with the Volkswagen Cross Polo, the Toyota Etios Cross and the Fiat Avventura in the Indian market.