Spotted in India: Next generation 2014 Hyundai i20 hatchback

These spyshots, the first ever ones of the next generation Hyundai i20 in India, are courtesy Team-BHP reader, Abdul Shukoor. From the spy shots, it's easy to discern that the 2014 Hyundai i20 has been spotted in Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state that hosts the Hyundai factory, and the place where most of Hyundai's Indian testing happens. The giveaways are the signboards, which read in Tamil.   

The Hyundai i20, a B+ segment hatchback that replaced the Getz, was first launched in 2008. Half a decade since, the global small car from Hyundai has been a big success for the brand across multiple geographies. Last year, Hyundai gave the i20 a mid life makeover, through which the car jumped onto the Fluidic design bandwagon, apart from getting additional kit. Then on, the car has been a strong seller in the Indian car market. As the Hyundai i20 facelift was based on the same platform as the original 2008 i20, with most changes being cosmetic ones, the time's now apt for a full model change. 

The full model change for the i20 is expected to come in 2014, with test mules of the car already spotted in South Korea. From the looks of it, the next generation 2014 Hyundai i20 seems to be larger than the current version of the car. That said, the camouflage at the rear does its job of masking the dimensions pretty well. Up front, the 2014 Hyundai i20 does show a striking similarity to the design of the upcoming i10 hatchback. So, don't be surprised if the 2014 models of the i10 and i20 feature similar Fluidic styling up front. With the next generation Honda Jazz just around the corner, Hyundai will want to load up the i20 with safety equipment and creature comforts. 

Now that the car has been spotted in India, it's just a matter of time before Hyundai launches it here. Expect the 2014 Hyundai i20 to continue motoring on with petrol and turbo-diesel engine options. The Hyundai i20 is the benchmark in the B+ segment when it comes to the sheer number of features and top notch interiors. The facelifted model could continue that facet of the car. However, most enthusiasts would want sharper handling and more feel engineered into the i20's steering. If Hyundai manages to improve the ride and handling bit to match a Ford Figo or Volkswagen Polo, the next generation i20 has all the trappings of making for a terrific all round package.