JAKARTA - Hyundai officially introduced the latest generation of the Hyundai i20 in Brazil. This model also provides an initial glimpse of the development direction of the second generation i20 N which is expected to be present in 2027 with hybrid technology.
For the Brazilian market, this hatchback has a more robust character thanks to the SUV-style design touch. Hyundai added a plastic body protector and larger dimensions to fill the gap in its product line in South America.
The latest generation of the Hyundai i20 has started to be marketed in Brazil with prices starting at 99,990 Brazilian reals or around Rp. 347 million. However, the version produced for the European market is expected to retain a more conventional hatchback silhouette.
Unlike the Brazilian model, the European variant is said to abandon the SUV element and carry a more sporty appearance, so it has the potential to be the ideal basis for the birth of the next generation i20 N.
To date, Hyundai has not given an official confirmation regarding the successor to the i20 N. However, the performance model has a fairly good track record with sales of more than 3,500 units since its launch in Australia in 2021 as the only high-performance city hatchback available there.
Because the European version is expected to launch only at the end of 2026 or early 2027, the debut of the new generation i20 N is likely to take place in the second half of next year. As quoted from Drive, Wednesday, June 17, the model is projected to adopt a hybrid drive system that potentially ends the use of manual transmissions and replaces it with an automatic transmission.
In terms of dimensions, the latest Hyundai i20 retains a wheelbase of 2,580 mm like its predecessor. However, the overall length increases by 55 mm to 4,130 mm, while the width increases by 5 mm to 1,780 mm.
The changes to the SUV's character in the Brazilian model also increase the height of the vehicle by around 45 to 55 mm, with an increase in ground clearance of up to 25 mm. As a consequence, the luggage capacity is slightly reduced from 352 liters to 346 liters.
This car adopts Hyundai's latest design language called "Art of Steel". The design looks more assertive with minimal curves, combined with an elongated LED light that connects the two headlights and forms an H-shaped silhouette.
At the back, Hyundai has mounted a slimmer LED light, while consumers can choose alloy wheels up to 17 inches in size with silver or black exterior accents depending on the variant.
Entering the cabin, Hyundai presents a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the latest ccNC software system. There is also a digital instrument panel that Hyundai calls 12.3 inches, although the display looks like it uses a 4.2-inch screen that displays speed and engine speed information digitally.
Modern connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless, over-the-air software updates, Bluelink connected car services, as well as a six-speaker audio system are also available.
The air conditioning system settings are now placed on a new panel under the main screen with touch-based temperature control and a fan speed control knob. However, Hyundai has not confirmed whether this layout will be applied to models produced for Europe.
A number of comfort features are also embedded, ranging from keyless entry and start-stop buttons, synthetic leather seats, automatic climate control, to a leather steering wheel with a four-point design inspired by the letter "H" in Morse code.
For the Brazilian market, the i20 now uses a larger and more modern platform that is also used by Hyundai's Kona compact SUV. This car is offered with a choice of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.
The standard variant produces 55 kW of power and 94 Nm of torque when using gasoline, or 59 kW and 100 Nm when using ethanol commonly used in South America. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Meanwhile, the turbo version is capable of producing 85 kW of power and 172 Nm of torque with both gasoline and ethanol. This power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai also equips the latest i20 with a variety of active safety features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking support, and six airbags.
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