Hyundai Elite i20 Cross to challenge the Ford EcoSport

Photo Courtesy: gaadi.com

Pictures of Hyundai’s Elite i20 based crossover have been making its rounds on the internet, hinting at an early 2015 launch. When it is launched, the i20 cross will make its entry in the hot-selling mini-SUV segment and will take on the Ford EcoSport. Although based on the same platform as the Elite i20, the cross version will be marginally longer but will continue to remain under 4 metres in length. In terms of dimensions, it will also be taller and wider. The i20 cross is will have a significantly higher ground clearance and different interiors as well. 

While the car spotted near the Hyundai facility in Chennai was heavily camouflaged, it is only fair to assume that like the other players in its segment, the Elite i20 cross too will get extra body kit and roof rails. Unlike the Elite i20, which gets 16-inch wheels just in the top-end trim, the cross version will get it as standard across all variants. The spy pictures reveal that the alloy wheel design will be different from that on the Elite i20 too. Needless to say, that the Hyundai will load it with all the bell and whistles.   

Under the hood though, it will be offered with the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options. The petrol variants will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox, while the diesel will come with a 6-speed one. That said, the i20 cross will be more efficient than the Elite i20. 

Unlike the Cross Polo, the i20 Cross was always part of Hyundai’s strategy thanks to which the final design will surely be butch and coherent, and keeping in mind the way they have priced all their vehicles we expect the i20 cross to come at a competitive price point too.