Following the launch of the small car, i10, Hyundai Motor India today launched its latest model – the premium compact car i20.

The premium i20 hatch is a significant addition to the new generation of Hyundai vehicles identified by the 'i' prefix.

At the launch, HMIL managing director, H S Lheem said, ''The Hyundai i20 that we launch today was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. Hyundai created a new era in the Indian compact segment by introducing the i10 in 2007, which significantly upped the benchmark for the compact cars.

"The i20 has been developed to meet increasing customer expectations in terms of styling, features and safety to global standards. It is refreshing with its distinctive styling and we are confident that it will revolutionise the Indian automobile space offering an experience of a lifetime to discerning customers in the country.''

Designed to meet the high quality standards, the five-door i20 offers a large interior cabin and stylish exteriors. Featuring Hyundai's distinctive design motifs – a body coloured radiator grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and a striking rear light clusters – the i20's modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour-co-ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirror.

The i20's interior has standard equipment and all i20 models have AC / heating, tilt and telescopic steering, 60:40 split folding rear seats, dual tone beige interiors, 2 DIN CD + MP3 music system, front and rear power windows, refrigerated glove box, a multi information display (which includes trip distance, engine running time, calendar, clock, temperature and audio display) and tachometer, as standard equipment. 

The top-end model of the i20 comes with features like fully automatic A/C, leather wrapped steering wheel and TGS knob, steering mounted audio control (a first for this segment), foldable key with keyless entry function, alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver seat, electrically foldable and adjustable outside mirrors and the category first six airbags.

The new Hyundai i20 debuts with exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety equipment. The extensive use of high-tensile steel and latest generation anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) making the Hyundai i20 the safest car in its class.

Adding to the safety zone are six airbags – dual front, side and curtain, a testimony of the importance that Hyundai assigns to the well being of its proud customers. This is the first time in India that a car in this segment comes equipped with as many as six airbags to address the requirement of driver and occupant safety.

In keeping with its dynamic styling, i20 rides on an all-new platform with front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam suspension with front and rear gas shock absorbers and tubeless tyres to deliver unmatched handling dynamics and ride comfort. The new motor driven power steering has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in effortless city driving.

Focused on being fuel-efficient, the Hyundai i20 comes with a 1.2 litre, Kappa, DOHC petrol engine with a max power of 80PS@5200 rpm and a peak torque of 11.4 kgm@ 4000 rpm. The proven and reliable Kappa engine provides class leading performance and offers the maximum power for any car in this segment. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new i20 is Euro V ready and meets all the existing emission norms. Similar to its predecessor the i10, the i20 will be manufactured exclusively in India at Hyundai Motor India's Chennai plant.

Hyundai i20 will be available in three variants Magna, Asta and Asta (O) and is certain to re-define the segment and set a new benchmark for this class of cars. The new Hyundai i20 arrives with a palette of 7 new solid and metallic exterior hues – including the fashionable crystal white.

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