Hyundai Starts Testing 2018 Elite i20 Facelift

The 2018 Elite i20 a.k.a second-gen i20 gets Hyundai’s latest Cascading grille and is likely to be launched early next year in India. 

Hyundai is prepping the mid-cycle update or facelift of the second-gen i20, a.k.a, the Elite i20. The facelift is likely to be launched in early 2018, nearly four years after the second-gen i20 made its world premiere in India on August 11, 2014. On similar lines, it is also expected to be introduced here before the rest of the world, which might be at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. 

What to expect from the 2018 Elite i20? 

• Redesigned front profile with Hyundai’s new Cascading grille. In the spy shots, it appears that the 2018 version will not feature the two-part grille pattern of the current model but will rather be similar to the latest 2017 Hyundai i30 (check out the image below)

Check Out: Hyundai Reveals 2017 i30 – Will India Get It?

• The new headlamps look sharper and sleeker than those on the current model, again much like the new Hyundai i30
• At the rear, the number plate has now moved to the boot from the rear bumper in the current hatch along with subtle changes to its tail lamps. Expect LED units this time around in India with the 2018 model  
• The side profile will remain largely unchanged, save for the new set of alloys. This alloy pattern is found in the European i20 Active (check out the image below) 

• On the inside, the 2018 Elite i20 is expected to get new upholstery along with subtle change. It is likely to carry forward the new 7.0-inch infotainment unit, which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, made available recently in the range

• 2017 Hyundai Elite i20 Launched At Rs 5.37 Lakh

Mechanicals   

(In Picture: Hyundai i20 Sport available in Europe with 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo petrol engine)

It is believed that the 2018 i20 will carry forward the current set of powertrains – the 1.2-litre petrol (5-speed manual), 1.4-litre petrol (4-speed automatic) and 1.4-litre diesel (6-speed manual). Now, looking at the fast growing hot hatch segment in the country, Hyundai could finally introduce its 1.0-litre T-GDi three-cylinder turbo petrol in the country with the 2018 i20 (available in Europe with the current car). This engine puts out 100PS/120PS of max power and 172Nm of peak torque and is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission (with the 120PS version). If launched, the 2018 Elite i20 1.0-litre T-GDi will go up against the Baleno RS, Polo GT, Abarth Punto and the Ford Figo Sport.

Recommended Read: Maruti Baleno RS: First Drive Review || 2017 Ford Figo Sports Edition: First Drive Review

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