South Korean automaker Hyundai has made some significant changes to its premium hatchback i20. In addition to stuffing the car with more features, Hyundai has added two new variants to expand its appeal among a wider set of audiences. The newly added variants are named 1.2L Asta (O) CVT (Rs 10.51 lakh) and 1.0 Sportz DCT (Rs 9.76 lakh).
Until now, Asta (O) trim was only available in the manual avatar though with the introduction of the CVT variant, customers can have the convenience of automatic in Asta (O) trim. Even more important is the addition of DCT in lower Sportz trim level as DCT was available only on the top-of-the-line Asta model earlier.
As compared to the 1.0 Asta DCT, the newly added Sportz DCT is Rs 1.05 lakh lower in its asking price. Also, contrary to the initial reports regarding the discontinuation of 1.2 CVT Asta and 1.0 DCT Asta variants, Hyundai continues to offer both these variants as per the official website of the company.
In terms of feature addition, Sportz variant has got the convenience of automatic climate control and cruise control. The Asta trim of the car has got standard feature of a single pane sunroof while the 1.0 iMT Asta variant got the electric sunroof. Both these variants, however, make do with smaller 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system rather than the bigger 10.25-inch unit. Moreover, Asta (O) gets new voice commands for the Blue Link while lower Magna trim now comes with gunmetal finished wheels different from earlier version.
In terms of engines, there are a total of three options available as before – 83bhp naturally aspirated 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder motor, 99bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol, and 99bhp turbocharged, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel motor. All these changes are expected to infuse a fresh lease of life to i20 and help it to regain its mojo in the highly competitive Indian car market. Hyundai should keep minimum changes to avoid confusion for customers who are buying new and pre-owned cars. Once a year update should be officially declared. Ford did it, why cannot Hyundai? We understand customer preference changes but removing charging points and adding armrests, for example, isn’t really what the customer ask for.
