Hyundai i20 Era and Sportz launched

Hyundai introduces 2 new variants for the i20: Era and Sportz

Hyundai Motor India has announced two new variants to its hot hatch i20 line-up. The so-called All New i20′ looks like a response to the regular small car launches in India.

The Hyundai i20 Era comes in both petrol and diesel versions. The i20 Sportz would be available only in petrol.

Hyundai has priced the i20 Era petrol at Rs. 451,816 ex-showroom Delhi and the Sportz is priced at Rs. 531,817 Ex Delhi.

Attractively priced, the Hyundai i20 Era now becomes the entry level model in both petrol and diesel.

The i20 Sportz, on the other hand, is positioned between the Asta and the Magna variants.

Interestingly the Hyundai i20 Era petrol is now priced about Rs. 40,000 lower than the lowest i20 so far, the Magna.

The Hyundai i20 petrol variants are powered by the 1.2 kappa engine that also powers the i10, while the Diesel i20 is powered by a fuel efficient 1.4 CRDI engine. An 1.4 petrol automatic version is also available on the i20.

The new Hyundai i20 Era diesel now offers a 6 speed manual transmission but only for the diesel model – a first for this segment. Hyundai claims an overall rise in the fuel efficiency and a drop in the NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels with this new 6 speeder as it would enable the engine to run at a much lower RPM.

The i20 Era diesel also has a gear shift indicator which would help the driver as when to shift gears ultimately leading to better fuel economy.

Hyundai has kept the exteriors of the All New i20 same as the existing models, but it now has a new chrome radiator grille and the rear view mirrors now have integrated turn indicators on them. The cabin now features an ambient blue glow along with an  revamped silver centre fascia. A new AC system called as “ Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)system” by Hyundai which means in short an climate control now finds place in here.

As we mentioned earlier its been raining hatches recently – the New Polo, Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat and the Fiat Punto 1.2. The Maruti range of small cars have now all received the K series engine. All this had slowed i20 sales, and it was expected that Hyundai gets in new variants with interesting features and attractive prices to take the attack back to the enemy’s camp.

Apart from the Hyundai i20, the company also sells the Santro, i10, Accent, Verna and the Sonata Transform luxury sedan in the Indian market.

2010 is an important year for Hyundai India as it plans to get its SUV Santa Fe, i30 and i40 on Indian roads. Its also rumored that Hyundai is working on a sub Rs 2 lakh car for India, something on the lines of the Tata Nano.

Commenting on the launch, H W Park, Managing Director & CEO, HMIL, said, “We are confident that with the new features and additional variants the i20 will become even more attractive and set new benchmark for this class of cars with improved styling, unique features and conformity with global safety standards.”