The new Hyundai i20 has won the coveted Indian Car of the Year 2021 award, beating contenders including the Kia Sonet, Mahindra Thar, Honda City, Tata Altroz and the MG Gloster.
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The Hyundai i20 scored 104 points followed by Kia Sonet with 91 points and Mahindra Thar with 78 points. The voting process involves each jury member carrying 25 points. These points are to be utilized on voting at least 5 shortlisted vehicles with one clear winner for every jury. This 16th year of the event also witnessed voting of the jury being recorded digitally for the first time.
Since its introduction in India on 5th November 2020, the new i20 has been one of the highest selling vehicles of Hyundai in Indian market. The premium hatchback is based on the automaker’s new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ global design language with an array of segment-first and segment-best features.
Inside there is a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, blue ambient lighting and power sunroof. The segment-best features in the new Hyundai i20 are digital cluster with TFT MID, Bose 7-speaker sound system, wireless charger with cooling pad and sliding front armrest, while the segment-first features include multi-phone Bluetooth connectivity, Oxyboost air purifier with oxygen and AQI, eco coating, iMT, OTA map updates, hill assist control, emergency stop signal and TPMS. Furthermore, the BlueLink connectivity technology in the premium hatchback offers 50 features.
There is a parametric jewel pattern grille upfront, integrated with the sweptback headlights & arrow-shaped LED DRLs. The low-set nose and the steeply-rising beltline gives the new i20 a wedge-like side profile, accented by the sweeping chrome window trim and blacked-out D-pillars to render a “floating roof” look. Towards the back there are “Z-shaped” tail lights signatures joined together by a lit chrome strip to emphasize the car’s width. The fuel filler cap is nicely masked with the light cluster, whereas a diffuser-like rear bumper insert and intricate 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels conclude the look.
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The new Hyundai i20 comes available with 3 engine options in Indian market. There is a 1.0L turbocharged petrol unit with 120hp and 171Nm paired to either the 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT gearbox. Then there is a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 83hp with MT and 88hp with the IVT with a peak torque of 114 Nm. The last one is the 1.5L diesel that punches out 100hp and 240 Nm & is available with 6-speed MT only.
Hyundai says it has paid special attention to the safety aspect more than ever before with new K-platform making use of 66% high-strength steel which improves the vehicle’s crash-worthiness. Safety systems include up to 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist Control & Rear Parking Camera with sensor display.
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The new Hyundai i20 hatchback in India is priced from INR 6.80 lac (PKR 14.52 lac) for the base Magna variant and goes as high as INR 11.33 lac (PKR 24.2 lac) for the flagship Asta (O) version.
The 2021 Hyundai i20
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
