India-bound: Hyundai i20 Automatic Breaks Cover In Indonesia

Hyundai has launched the automatic version of the i20 hatchback at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2016. Since the car will be manufactured in India even for international markets, expect the car to come to the country soon as well. 

Changing preferences of India’s modern-day motorists and easy maintenance of automatic cars have led the shift to gearless transmission for many carmakers, even in the smaller segments. A recent study pointed out that the sales of automatic cars have doubled in the past year or so and it comes with little surprise that manufacturers are now making the most of this trend.

While the country’s leading carmaker Maruti has already planned to introduce the technology in a number of offerings, its closest competitor Hyundai will also stake its claim in the automatic segment. And one of India’s highest-selling cars, the i20 would be the perfect specimen to do so.

The car that was showcased in Indonesia sported a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder Gamma VTVT petrol engine that develops 99.3PS of power and 130Nm of torque. However, the Indian one is set to the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol mill that is good for 83.3PS and 114Nm. The transmission in question is a 4-speed automatic gearbox that will be offered along with a 5-speed manual.

The automatic transmission is expected to be introduced in at least two variants of the car, including the top-end Asta. Expect the car to be priced slightly higher than the manual or if Hyundai wishes to go on the offensive, it could do so by compromising on the features. The Elite i20 will reportedly be launched in India around the festive period later this year.  

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