Hyundai’s bringing its Sensuous Sportiness to the sub-compact class with the all-new i20. Representing the model’s most ambitious design yet, it comes packed with cutting-edge connectivity features and the most comprehensive safety package in its class. Should the Honda Jazz and Mazda2 worry?

Compared to the previous i20, the all-new model has been made more dynamic, while still keeping its urban-maneuverability intact. Its visual stance is improved by its lowered roof (-24mm), wider body (+30mm), and increased length (+5mm), while the wheelbase has also been increased by +10mm.

The all-new i20’s design is wedge-like, with a unique lighting signature that connects the sides and the rear. Ten colors are available, including the option of a two-tone look.


Inside, they’ve gone for a rather unconventional look by making it look wide thanks to the horizontal “blades” that cover the high dashboard design. Color accents are also matched throughout the interior, too. Meanwhile, the steering wheel gains toggle switches, while passengers will love the new LED ambient lighting.

The i20 aims for class-leading connectivity, and for that, it gains a new 10.25-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch center touchscreen which have been visually combined. The center touchscreen also offers split-screen functionality for multitasking.

Designed for Europe, the Hyundai i20 will be available with just two engines. The entry-level model gets a 1.2-liter MPI 4-cylinder engine making 84 horsepower mated to a 5-speed manual. Moving up, there’s a 1.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain. In this guise, it makes either 100 or 120 horsepower depending on the variant.


The 48-volt system contributes to a 3 to 4 percent reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of transmission, the 48-volt system is available with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or a newly developed six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, allowing the car to enter into coasting mode and saving fuel.

More than just power, thanks to its 4 percent weight reduction, the all-new i20 is more economical without compromising on its driving dynamics.

The i20 also gains Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assist suite, and with that, complies with Europe’s highest safety standards. This includes Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and even Parking Assist.


It will be officially unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in March.