Despite being expected to premiere in the
first half of the year, the new generation Hyundai i20 remains camera shy as
prototypes are still keeping the thick camouflage clothing on. The latest
prototype of the Korean supermini scooped testing in Europe near the Arctic
Circle does not reveal any extra skin. Nonetheless, zooming in on the pictures
reveal what appear to be the production lights.
They feature incorporated LED DRLs at the
front and likely a slimmer design at the back, where the two units could be
joined together by a thin light strip. We say that because earlier spy shots
exposed the rear end of the car in the digital instrument cluster graphics.
Speaking of the interior, Hyundai’s challenger to the likes of the Ford Fiesta,
Renault Clio, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and
so on will feature an all-new layout.
Sitting atop the center console will be
the new infotainment system with a generous display and the aforementioned
digital dials. The steering wheel appears to be all-new, with reshuffled
buttons, and so does the HVAC control unit that’s barely visible in one of the
previous scoops. From what we can tell, the dashboard will adopt a two-layer
design, but we cannot confirm this until the wraps come off entirely.
Beneath the skin, the 2020 i20 is expected
to use an updated version of the outgoing platform. Some of the engines, such
as the 1.0-liter turbocharged three-pot and 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated
four-cylinder, should carry over. They will be matched to five- and six-speed
manual transmissions or a seven-speed DCT.
Sitting at the top of the range will be
the i20 N hot hatch offering a re-tuned suspension, sharper steering, bigger
brakes, electronic front differential and sporty body kit complemented by the
large wheels. The N performance division is believed to have gifted the new
Hyundai i20 with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot making around 200
horsepower.