New Hyundai i20 versus old i20: How they are different

Hyundai launched the new i20 with prices ranging between Rs. 4.73 lakh – 7.67 lakh. The new i20 gets the fluidic design theme found on other Hyundai cars such as the Eon and the i20.

Along with the facelift changes, the new i20 comes with cool features such as a smart key, push start button, six airbags and rear camera for easy parking. Let’s check out the differences between the new i20 and the old i20.

The i-Gen i20 has a fluidic front that resembles its siblings, the Verna, i10 and the recently launched Eon. The clamshell bonnet styling is in sync with other premium hatchbacks such as the Swift and Micra. The hexagonal lower air dam, the suave-looking headlamps and leaf-shaped fog lamps give the i-Gen i20, an elegant look. Also see: Hyundai i20 road test and review

The i20’s now has a new alloy wheel pattern and chrome door handles. The overall design of the facelift version is much like the current model. The new i20’s rear has redesigned tail lamp cluster with a curved array of reverse lamps and turn indicators. The red reflectors integrated to the rear bumper give the car, a contemporary look.

On the inside, the i20 gets grey-beige dual tone interiors. The central console gets mild refreshment while the ‘supervision’ instrument cluster is attractive. Since there are no changes in the car’s overall dimensions, the new i20 offers the same levels of space and comfort as the old i20. Overall, in terms of styling, the new i20 has a sporty character.

Performance

As expected earlier, the new i20 gets the 1.2-litre dual VTVT Kappa2 engine that powers its sibling, the Hyundai i10. The new motor puts out 4 bhp of more power than the old 1.2-litre Kappa engine, but this may not apparently reflect in the new i20’s performance. Also see: Hyundai i20 video review

The new i20 AT (automatic transmission) retains the same 1.4-litre petrol motor that puts out 98 bhp of power. However the new i20 AT gets 5-speed automatic gearbox as against the 4-speed transmission offered in the old i20 AT. Hence, expect the new i20 AT to be more involving to drive than the outgoing model.

With regard to the diesel engine, the new i20 retains the same 1.4-litre CRDi motor that puts out 88 bhp of power. This engine returns an ARAI—certified mileage of 21.9 kmpl.

Apart from the 5-speed automatic transmission in the i20 AT, the rest of the engine specifications are almost same and hence, the new i20 will likely perform similar to the old i20.

Features

The old i20 was known for its creature comforts. With the new i20, Hyundai has added more creature comforts such as smart key with push button start (first offered in Nissan Micra), auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, rear camera with display in cabin mirror, rear disc brakes, driver seat armrest and electric folding and heated wing mirrors. Also read: Hyundai i20 diesel road test

Other features of the new i20 which are also found in the old i20 includes six airbags, sunroof, tilt and telescopic steering, CD/MP3 music system, aux-in & USB audio inputs, 12 V power outlet, 4 speakers & 2 front tweeters, digital clock, steering mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, turn indicators on outside mirrors, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. The new i20 is even more loaded with features than the old i20.

Changes in variants between old i20 and new i20

Among the petrol variants, the new i20 comes in a new trim Magna (O) which was not offered in the old i20.  The Magna (O) variant has more features than the Magna variant such as rear defogger, turn indicators on outside mirrors, multi-information display, audio system and rear speakers. Also read: New Hyundai i20 launched starting at Rs.4.73 lakh!

Within the top-end (Asta) variants, the new i20 comes only in two trims, Asta and Asta (O) with sunroof while the old i20 was offered in four trims, Asta, Asta with Navigation system, Asta (O) with sunroof, Asta AT and Asta AT with navigation system.

The new i20 also comes only in one automatic variant, Sportz AT while earlier, the old i20 automatic was offered in two trims, Asta AT and Asta (O) with sunroof.

Coming to the diesel variants, the new i20 comes in a new trim Magna (O) which was not offered in the old i20. The new i20 diesel is available only in one top-end variant, Asta while the old i20 had two variants: Asta and Asta with Navigation system.

Price difference between old i20 and new i20

When compared to the old i20 petrol, prices of the new i20 petrol have increased in the range of Rs. 5,900 – 22,000 across the variants. When compared to the old i20 diesel, prices of the new i20 diesel have increased in the range of Rs. 15,000 – 27,000 across the variants. Also check out Maruti Swift vs. Hyundai i20 comparison

Summary

The new i20 is different from the old i20 in terms of looks. The new i20 also gets new features such as smart key with push button start and rear camera etc., not offered in the old i20. The new i20 will perform and return similar fuel efficiency as the old i20. Upgrades come with an added cost and hence, buyers will have to shell out more for the new i20.