Hyundai i20 bookings to begin in November 2008

Hyundai i20, the five-door five-seater premium hatchback from Hyundai Motor India, is set for its launch in November 2008. Recently launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with much fanfare, the Hyundai i20 will see bookings on a fast basis by the end on next month, say industry sources.

The Hyundai i20 has been built on an all-new platform and will be powered by a 1.4-litre dohc 16-valve engine delivering 100PS at 5500 rpm and 137Nm of torque at 4200rpm. Expected to be a key addition to Hyundai’s highly successful i-range, the i20 will be available as a five-door model initially. The company is expected to roll out a sportier three-door i20 version in Europe by January next.

Classier than the earlier models, the Hyundai i20 will cater to car enthusiasts’ tastes in terms of looks and in ride. The new car will have a longer wheelbase, more room and dynamic looks than the Hyundai Getz. The i20 super hatch, just as the i10, would be built at Hyundai’s facility at Sriperumbudur. The car will be ready for export and domestic sale.

To be positioned as a competitor for the Maruti Suzuki Swift model, the Hyundai i20 will be rolled out in both the petrol and diesel versions. Expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 5.5 lakh, the i20 would feature Hyundai’s trademark chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front with a stacked tail lamp clusters. Previews of the car say that the Hyundai i20 combines luxury and versatility and is as spacious as you would expect a premium hatchback car to be.

The Hyundai i20’s Features include climate control, four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, a multi-function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors. Safety is a priority area for Hyundai and the i20 boasts of high-tensile steel in the chassis, six airbags, active headrests and ABS anti-lock brakes. The tyre pressure monitoring system, a reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel complete with integrated audio controls, keyless central locking are additions that are expected to be accepted well by the buyers.