Hyundai’s international premium hatchback hit the Indian market in November last year and created quite a stir with its launch. The car is back with a bang – with a view to enhance and increase its appeal base, it has been given a diesel option. While we were expecting this move for a while, Hyundai has also thrown in a surprise package to the upgrade with a 1.4-litre petrol automatic option.
The 1.4-litre CRDi powerplant is ready to take the fight to other premium diesel hatchbacks like the Skoda Fabia TDi. This is not some engine transplant operation – while many were assuming that Hyundai will fit the i20 with the same 1.5-litre CRDi engine that is currently doing the duty on the Getz, the company has gone one step further and developed an all-new diesel engine specifically for the i20. Given the family appeal of the spacious hatchback, the diesel option will certainly enhance its desirability for large urban families.
While many (including us) wished that the great handling dynamics and refinement of the 1.2-litre Kappa engined petrol i20 were complimented by more power, Hyundai has granted this wish as well. The company has also introduced a spunkier 1.4-litre petrol engine option for the i20. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, this variant will be available only with an automatic gearbox. The automatic gearbox will add appeal to the i20 as far as its urban users are concerned.
Hyundai has priced the cars in a fairly competitive manner if we’d compare it with the i20 petrol’s introductory pricing. The base 1.4 CRDi will be available for Rs 6.2 lakh, while the fully loaded Asta CRDi variant has been priced at Rs 6.83 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The sun-roofed Asta option has been priced at Rs 7.2 lakh.
The 1.4 petrol automatic will be giving the recently launched Honda Jazz a little restlessness by offering a larger engine with an automatic gearbox in about the same price range. Available only in the fully-loaded Asta trim, the 1.4 auto has been priced at Rs 7.3 lakh, while the Asta option will be available for Rs 7.72 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
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