Review on Hyundai Elite i20

Hyundai is known for providing hatchback with features that are unbeatable. Let us see how far it is true in case of its new launch of Elite i20. Actually,its launch is a proof that the company is intending to get itself focused on domestic market in a right way.

EXTERIOR STYLING:

The carmaker is striving hard in extending its horizon with this latest model though the previous i20’s Fluidic design hit the market. The design philosophy of European Esque fluidic 2.0 is being implemented mainly to give the car a “heroic” look rather than a youthful look. Hexagonal grille at the front is hard to miss. The mesh that integrates the swept-back headlamps and sleek fog lamps on the bumper adorn as the additional feature at the front fascia. However the daytime running lights that are found to be missing gives a feel that car lacks a little bit in its character. Elite i20 gets a sporty appeal with the new 16-inch alloy wheels, also the blacked out C-pillar that blend equally contributes its part in giving such appeal. With the aid of pleasing tail-lights,Elite i20 scores brownie points.

INTERIOR DESIGN:

On the fit- and finish neatly laid out dashboard made with high quality dashboard, sits the 3-spoke steering wheel with the mounted control adds upmarket to the value of the car. With the provision of features like touch-screen multi-media player and dual airbags as a standard offering across all trims, the statement that the Hyundai is renowed for giving an exciting feature with good looks. The car also gets single zone climatic control system electric ORVMs with auto fold and a cooled glove box; height adjustable seat and Bluetooth telephony; auto headlamps and keyless entry and start; and a reversing camera as well. Instrumentation is neat and easy to read. Operability front and logical placement of button that have positive spring back action are well done and gives us a rich feel to touch. For safety concerns ,ABS and two airbags are provided at the front but the six airbag option has been skipped from the new car, which is found to be present in its earlier ones.

SEATING COMFORTNESS:

Seating arrangement is very comfort and spacious enough due to the larger wheelbase.The new i20 is wider than the older car. However, seating 3 people at the back is not so free. Boot space has been shrunk to a little bit when compared to that of its earlier model, anyway the space is more enough to accomodate the medium size suitcase. There is no cup holders for the rear passengers and no rear armrest.

RIDE HANDLING&EFFICIENCY:

In a joint collaboration with 1.4-litre U2 diesel engine and impressive NVH levels, car starts to play its role as a fast track without producing much noise on the highway.The 6-speed gearbox being a quick and responsive transmission unit contributes its part in providing such a perfect ride while driving on highways. But this gearbox option is offered only with the diesel Elite i20.Considering its petrol variant,5-speed manual gearbox is found to be mated to a 1.2 litre petrol engine that is has been tweaked to offer more low and mid-range power. We expect the petrol model to get an automatic transmission pretty soon. However, the fuel-efficiency figure that both the petrol and diesel variants promises to deliver at an impressive rate of 18.5km/pl and 22km/l repectively. The hatchback gets the ground clearance of 170mm that can make the car get tackled through the dirty-road conditions, that doesn’t seems to be a challenge anymore. The suspension provided with the new elitei20 is softer than its predecessor. Thus in overall riding and handling of the car makes one feel more confident.

VERDICT:

Is it uncompromising as Hyundai portrays? Definitely not. Though the driving dynamics has improved a lot, its still no match to Maruti Swift or Volkswagen Polo. However, elite i20’s exciting features, new styling and spacious seating manage to hide the weakness to some extent. Elite i20 starts at Rs4.89 lakhs for base petrol and goes up to Rs 7.67 for top end-diesel variant. On considering its pricy package, there araises a question whether elite i20 can be winner in the crowded premium hatchback segment. But Hyundai has proved already with the previous generation i20 it can sell car with best-in-class features at a premium over its competitors. We expect Elite i20 would emulate the same.