2014 New Hyundai Elite i20 variants - which one to pick?

Hyundai launched the Elite i20 yesterday in five variants – Era, Magna, Sportz, Sportz with option pack and Asta, same nomenclature as the predecessor’s variants and same choice of engines and gearboxes, sans the automatic. But there’s more features in the Elite i20 list than before so the variants have been rejigged and spread out differently. Let’s take a look at each variant and what you get for what you pay.

Era

Era is the base i20 variant and so it gets the least features. The sole purpose of this variant is a low base price, so there’s no safety equipment or creature comforts. You get central locking, air-conditioning, front power windows, a dual tripmeter, gearshift indicator and 14 inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The base variant isn’t a very tempting buy and the only reason to but it would be the styling and a tight budget.

Price(P/D): Rs Rs 4.89 lakh/Rs 6.1 lakh 

Magna

Second in line and quite a few features over the Era make the Magna variant a good pick. You get follow-me-home lights, chrome lining for the front grille and body coloured door mirrors and handles on the outside. Keyless entry, front centre armrest, an audio system without the CD player but with USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity and steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls make it quite worth the extra money. You also get rear power windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, rear AC vents and a cooled glovebox, a long list for not that much money and we believe this could turn out to be the more popular variant of the lot. It still skimps on safety features though. 

Price (P/D): Rs 5.41 lakh/Rs 6.62 lakh

Sportz 

Here’s where the Elite i20 starts to become more desirable than logical. But first, you at least get a driver side airbag and ABS as standard fitment. You also get reverse parking sensors and a rearview camera, auto door unlock if you get into a crash, electrochromic rearview mirror and a rear defogger. Top that up with integrated turn indicators, a leather wrapped gear knob and steering wheel and a CD player added to the audio system and the Sportz variant does distance itself from the Magna quite well. Crucial features like a height adjustable driver’s seat, auto-folding rearview mirrors, climate control and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel make the extra Rs 50,000 you shell out worth it. 

Price (P/D): Rs 5.94 lakh/Rs 7.14 lakh

Sportz (O)

The Sportz variant with option pack gets push button start/stop, a splash of chrome on door handles and 16 inch wheels with alloys. This costs about Rs 30,000 more. The larger wheels do look much better and the chrome gives it that premium air. It’s smartly positioned and tempting to stretch your budget. While it does seem tempting, we suggest you opt for the top spec Asta variant instead.

Price (P/D): Rs 6.25 lakh/Rs 7.45 lakh

Asta 

Asta is the one with all the bells and whistles and more than any hatchback offers in India. It sure is pricey but offers plenty of bang for your buck. You get two airbags, automatic headlamps, a steering position reminder so your wheels aren’t jutting out when you park, a service reminder, 60:40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests, a rear wiper and a second power outlet. While there aren’t any major features over the Sportz with option pack variant, an extra airbag and a more flexible cabin makes it a better choice.

Price (P/D): Rs 6.47 lakh/Rs 7.67 lakh

(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)