Hyundai has recently launched its new i20 premium hatchback in India at a base price of Rs 6.80 lakh. There are considerable changes in both styling and nature of the hatchback, and interesting thing is that now Elite word is no longer a part of the moniker. The car is based upon the company’s new K-platform which has not only made it longer and wider but also enhanced its torsional rigidity resulting in better driving dynamics.
The new i20 also comes with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base variants get naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine putting out 83PS and 88PS in manual and CVT versions respectively. The torque, on the other hand, is rated at 114Nm on both the models. One level above is the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 120PS and 172Nm. It can be had with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed CVT. Hyundai claims that the turbocharged petrol iMT variant can reach 0-100 kmph in just 9.9 seconds. Unlike Maruti, Hyundai is staying put with its diesel engine strategy and new i20 features a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder U2 CRDi diesel engine churning 100PS and 240Nm of max power and torque respectively. The only transmission option available with the diesel engine is a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Let’s now look at the new i20’s rivals and find out what they have on offer for prospective buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Rs 5.63-8.96 lakh) falls short on dimensions as new i20 is a tad longer and wider than this Maruti. The equipment level is also generous in new i20 as Hyundai has equipped its premium hatchback with features such as cruise control, digital instrumentation, and rear AC vents among others. When it comes to the power train options, Maruti Baleno comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine which is available in two different forms – standard form and hybrid form. In the standard form, Baleno puts out 83PS while mated with a 5-speed MT or CVT while in the hybrid form, the engine is good for 90PS and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and. The 113Nm of torque is identical in both variants. On the important aspect of fuel efficiency, manual transmission, continuously variable transmission, and smart hybrid variants deliver 21kmpl, 19.56kmpl and 23.87kmpl respectively.
Toyota Glanza (Rs 7.01-8.96 lakh) is a rebadged version of Maruti Baleno and features similar dimensions, equipment and powertrain options. Like Maruti, there is no diesel engine available on Glanza as it comes in petrol version only.
Honda Jazz (Rs 7.49-9.73 lakh) is taller than new i20 although on other dimensions Hyundai takes the lead over the Honda. On the feature front too, Jazz is a no match for i20 though the boot space on the Honda is spacious than Hyundai. On the engine front, Honda Jazz comes only in the petrol version featuring 1.2-litre motor putting out 90PS and 110Nm. Prospective buyers can choose from two transmission options on Honda–a 5-speed manual transmission (16.6kmpl) and a continuously variable transmission (17.1 kmpl).
Tata Altroz
Tata Altroz (Rs 5.44-9.09 lakh) is well equipped and comes quite close to new i20 on the equipment front. In terms of dimensions, Altroz is taller than i20 although, on all other parameters. Tata has employed a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (86PS/113Nm), a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine (90PS/200Nm) and a 110 PS turbocharged petrol motor which helps it taken on the i20 easily. Both engines come mated to a sole choice of a 5-speed manual transmission.
PRICE COMPARISON LIST
