Hyundai Elite i20 facelift spotted on test once again

For the advent of the upcoming year, all the carmakers are scurrying around with their forthcoming prototypes. For 2018, Hyundai has planned an all-new hatchback which will be positioned below the Grand i10. It was spotted in Delhi a few days back and you can read about it over here. On the other hand, the Elite i20 will undergo a facelift as a part of its mid-life update. The test mule of the same was spied once again with less camouflage with a glimpse of the cabin as well.

The Elite i20 has been spotted on many occasion but for the first time, the test mule is sans the heavy cladding. The most prominent update for the B+ segment hatch will be a new fascia with a redesigned rear. The prototype is still wearing the current headlamps but we suspect the facelift will receive a new lightning signature. The characteristic cascading grille and front bumpers will be revamped to keep the car fresh for another couple of years.

The test prototype was riding on rudimentary wheels but the hatchback was spotted on the previous occasion with newly designed diamond-cut alloy wheels as well. The rear number plate is suspected to shift on to the boot lid. The test mule was an automatic variant which might get the touchscreen infotainment system as well which isn’t on offer currently. The other changes to the cabin seem limited to the silver garnish around the air-conditioning vents and redesigned centre console. The hatchback might also get additional equipment and creature comfort with the facelift. 

There won’t be any mechanical changes. However, sources suggest that this updated car will get a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 120bhp/172Nm. This three-pot motor in this state of tune is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. There had been plans for a mild hybrid system as well but that is not confirmed yet. Elsewhere, Hyundai will continue to offer a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel unit. The petrol unit is available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox, while the option for diesel buyers is restricted to a six-speed manual unit.

When launched, the Elite i20 will continue its fray with the premium B-segment hatchbacks like the Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and the Volkswagen Polo. We suspect the Korean carmaker to showcase the updated Elite i20 at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo.

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