2014 ET ZigWheels Award: Car of the Year Hyundai Elite i20

For a manufacturer that started with a lot of weaknesses to one that has more strengths than the rest of its competition, Hyundai has come a long way, and the Elite i20 is a perfect representation of Hyundai India at present. Adjudged the Car of the year for 2014, the Elite i20 is a deserving winner.

Efficiency is now hygiene but buyers are constantly hinting for more value in what they buy. And the i20 delivers - styling, features, comfort and quality, it has it all. The i20 is one of the more expensive cars in its segment but the higher price is justified by the features the car comes with, the high quality materials and premium design it sports. 

Hyundai has also taken giant strides in improving the i20’s driving dynamics from its predecessor. Both the petrol and diesel engines are smooth, refined and adequately powerful and the gearboxes offer precise shifts complemented by a light clutch. Top that up with generous amounts of interior space for a hatchback and the Elite i20 becomes the model study for all future premium hatchbacks that will be launched in India.  

Buyers are shifting to the premium hatchback segment, which in the years to come will be the largest segment in the country. In this constantly evolving market, Hyundai has gauged the pulse of the buyer perfectly, no wonder the Elite i20 is one of the most successful cars of 2014. In a year that gave us a interesting mix of quality cars from across segments, the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, Tata Zest and Mahindra Scorpio to name a few, the Elite i20 impressed us the most and that is why it is our Car of the year.