Rumour: Hyundai i20 AT facelift gets 1.2L petrol engine, CVT

According to a media report, the upcoming Hyundai Elite i20 automatic facelift will be offered with a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine. The smaller capacity engine will replace the 1.4-litre unit that currently powers the i20 automatic. Additionally, the new Elite i20 is rumoured to get a continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired with the 1.2-litre engine. It is set to make its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo.

It has been reported that the new CVT has been developed specifically for India and is likely to make the new model more fuel efficient than the outgoing 1.4-litre version that comes with a torque converter. The report suggests that it won't come with paddle shifters however this feature could be introduced in the future. 

The smaller 1.2-litre engine will also put the i20 is a lower tax bracket - more specifically, it will attract 12.5% tax, which applies to sub-4 meter vehicles and cars with 1,200 cc petrol engines. This should allow Hyundai to price the new i20 automatic more competitively. 

Currently, the Hyundai Elite i20 1.4 automatic attracts 24% tax. It is available in only one trim (Magna) and is priced at Rs. 9.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That's Rs. 81,000 more than the Maruti Baleno Alpha CVT variant.

Apart from the new engine and transmission, the Elite i20 facelift will get revised styling with a new grille, re-worked tail lights and new alloy wheels among other updates. 

Source: Autocar India