Based on the first set of spy shots that revealed some of the changes inbound for the Hyundai Elite i20 mid-cycle facelift, IAB’s Shoeb R Kalania has created a rendering to give an idea of what it could look like.

The front fascia has been completely restyled with cues borrowed from the international-spec Hyundai i30, featuring a larger hexagonal grille with chrome slats and chrome surround, sleeker swept-back headlamps with projector lighting and LED DRLs, sportier bumper design with Hyundai’s Air Curtain inlets, and new 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels. At the rear, Hyundai has lifted the registration plate to the hatch.

Dimensions are most likely to remain identical to the current car which measures 3,985 mm long, 1,734 mm wide, 1,505 mm tall, has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm. Save for small trim and upholstery updates the interior will be as is. 

The new i20 is likely to retain the current engine lineup which includes an 84 PS 1.2L Kappa petrol paired with a 5-speed manual, 100 PS 1.4L Kappa petrol mated to a 4-speed automatic and the 90 PS 1.4L turbodiesel unit paired with a 6-speed manual. Hyundai could introduce a performance-oriented variant, which could pack the 1.0L T-GDI engine available in the international-spec version that produces 100 PS and 171 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai is rumoured to launch the facelifted Elite i20 in early 2018 and could use the Auto Expo in February as the platform to make a splash. To be competitive, prices are likely to be more or less similar to the current car, which ranges between INR 5.37 Lakhs – INR 9.09 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).