Hyundai i20 is a popular hatchback not just in India, but across the globe and the facelift version has been spied in South Korea.
The 2023 Hyundai i20 facelift model has been tested in Korea recently. In India, i20 is a premium hatchback that is quite popular. It competes against the mighty Maruti Baleno and the popular Tata Altroz. We received the existing model of the i20 not so long ago, and the minor facelift version will arrive in some time. Note that this model has already been unveiled in Europe. i20 has always been the product that has pushed the envelope when it comes to premium features, bold styling and refined powertrains. All that will continue even with this facelift model too.
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2023 Hyundai i20 Facelift
These spy images have been taken in South Korea. Since this facelift model has already been revealed for the European markets, it is interesting why Hyundai is still testing it on its home turf. If we venture to take a guess, it might be testing a new powertrain or transmission. The pic shows an emission testing device attached to the rear section of the car. Generally, these things are connected to the exhaust pipe to measure the emissions in real driving scenarios. Now, this is only needed if there is a new or updated powertrain on offer. Going by the European model, the facelift car would have redesigned front and rear bumpers, tweaked LED DRLs, new alloys, and a new faux diffuser at the rear.
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Specs
In India, though, we think the specifications will remain unchanged.These include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine making 83 hp / 113 Nm and 118 PS / 172 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. The transmission duties will be carried by a 5-speed manual, a CVT automatic or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, depending on the variant. Currently, the prices range from Rs 7.46 lakh to Rs 11.88 lakh, ex-showroom. Since it will be a minor facelift, the prices won’t command too much of a premium over these.
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What We Think
The Hyundai i20 has remained a popular premium hatchback in our country for ages now. Hyundai has kept updating it at regular intervals to keep it fresh. With this minor update, it will continue to do so. That is necessary since Tata Altroz is posing a few challenges to the i20 in recent months. The latter is clipping at the heels of the i20 in terms of sales. i20 is also slightly more expensive in the higher trims compared to the competition which dissuades a few buyers in this price-conscious market. Let us see how well the audience responds to the i20 facelift once it is here.
