Hyundai i20 facelift spotted testing in India

Hyundai appears to have started testing the i20 facelift in India. A heavily camouflaged test mule has recently been spotted on the outskirts of Chennai. Source of the spy shots suggests that the said mule was part of a convoy that also included the new-gen Verna.   

The spotted model is seen bearing heavy camouflage and the shape of the rear quarter glass looks similar to the current Elite i20. The image also points towards a new tail gate as the number plate housing, which was earlier located on the rear bumper has now been moved to the centre of the hatch. The tail lights appear to retain the wrap-around layout, though the assemblies will feature some design tweaks.

The front spy shot reveals that the i20 facelift will get Hyundai's new cascade grille with horizontal slats, similar to what has been seen on the recently launched Grand i10 and Xcent facelifts. The headlamps and the front bumper will also likely be all new units. Meanwhile, the side profile is expected to remain largely unchanged, save for a new set of alloy wheels on the higher variants. The alloy wheels on the spotted model appear to be inspired from that of the Xcent.

The i20 facelift is expected to be just a mid-life cosmetic update. It is thus likely to retain the current set of engine options - a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol with a 5-speed manual, a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder diesel with a 6-speed manual and a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol with a 4-speed automatic. Media reports are also pointing towards the possibility of a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to find its way into the facelifted i20's specification sheet.

Source: Autocar India