The car now gets the customary ‘cascade’ design front grille that stretches out at the corners. While I did think it was forced on the Grand i10, Xcent and Verna, it looks rather nice on the i20, especially how it is finished in black. The fogs and headlamps are also new, and yes get the daytime running LEDs. The rear is where the biggest change has happened. The license plate has moved from the bumper up to the tailgate, which is completely redesigned.
The rear lights also have a new shape and lighting pattern. Hyundai had already begun offering the two-tone option with a black roof earlier, and that continues, though you do get a new orange colour. The dual tone black roof is on offer with the deep red, orange and white paint options only. You get new 16-inch wheels, which are available only on the top spec Asta and Asta Option, variant. And the must-have chrome door handles which add that premium touch on the car – or so am told!
There are some key changes on the inside too of course but lets get to that in a bit. The car that I’m driving today is the top-spec diesel variant of the i20 facelift with the manual gearbox. Hyundai claims to have given the car’s performance a boost by reworking both powertrains. And interestingly enough the numbers remain exactly the same! (see output figures table below). There is no perceptible difference in the car’s drive feel to be honest, even though Hyundai says the performance is meant to be punchier. Air curtains have been added to the car to enhance fuel efficiency – which the company says is up by 9 per cent. The car retains kits good ride quality and handling. I liked the way the manual gearbox felt earlier, and that’s true now too. The steering has been tightened up a bit, and I find it a bit more precise than before. Though it is not as nice as the new Verna’s.
Dual airbags have been standard of course, and the top end gets the segment best 6 airbags. ISOFIX child seat restraints and ABS also are a good inclusion. In fact Hyundai cars are always known for having a comprehensive list of features and so it continues on the inside. There’s a new touchscreen infotainment system; now a 7-inch unit that responds better to touch inputs than the previous screen. Like earlier, there is smartphone integration in the form of MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Apart from that there are subtle tweaks to the upholstery as well. At the rear there is now a drop-down armrest – a nice touch.
Burning Techometer 