Hyundai is planning to introduce a new base Era variant of its popular premium hatchback, the i20. Being one of the most popular cars in the segment, the prices of the current-gen i20 have gone significantly higher than its previous-gen avatars. The reasons for that are more unique features and a powerful turbo-petrol engine. However, this has resulted in marginally declined sales over the last several months. Tata Altroz has beaten the i20 for the second spot on the list of highest-selling premium hatchbacks in India multiple times now. In a bid to change that and make the i20 more accessible, Hyundai is planning to launch the new base Era variant. Let us take a look at what this trim will have and which features are removed.
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Hyundai i20 Base Era Variant – Exterior Changes
The differences between this Era and the Magna (just above the Era) trim are visible even from the outside. The major talking point is the wheel size. The Era trim will get the smallest, 14-inch steel wheels compared to the 15-inch in Magna and 16-inch in Sportz, Asta and Asta(O) variants. This will influence the overall external appearance of the i20 significantly. Apart from that, the headlamp unit will not feature LED or projector setup and the same goes for the taillamps. The front grille and other bits will be devoid of any piano black or glossy finish. The rear will not feature the chrome strip between the two taillamps as in the higher variants.
Also read: Hyundai i20 vs Tata Altroz – Engines, Specs, Features, Safety, Prices Comparison!
Interiors and Features Changes
The changes or rather the omissions on the inside are more significant. As expected, this variant will come equipped with absolute basic features. There will be no music or infotainment system on offer, the steering wheel is not adjustable (neither tilt nor telescopic), no buttons on the steering wheel, no full digital driver’s instrument cluster, no front centre armrest, no sunglass holder or vanity mirror, only front power windows, no central locking. The overall dashboard layout and the materials used for it remain the same as the higher variants. There will be fabric upholstery and a fixed bench seat at the rear. The boot will not get the lamp. These are some of the features that the i20 Era will miss out on.
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Specs and Expected Prices
The Hyundai i20 Era will come with either a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine making 82 hp and 113 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. There will also be the 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai i20 also comes with the most powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with gasoline direct injection technology in the segment making 118 hp and 171 Nm with the option of 7-speed DCT transmission. However, this is reserved for the higher trims only. The expected prices of the i20 Era trim might be in the range of around the Rs 6 lakh mark.
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