New Hyundai i20 India vs Euro-spec: What’s Different?

Hyundai India recently launched the third-generation i20 premium hatchback at Rs 6.80 lakh to Rs 11.18 lakh (ex-showroom). The hatchback itself is quite the generational upgrade inside and out. In fact, it has plenty of similarities to the European-spec i20 that debuted back in February 2020. That said, there are certain differences between the two hatchbacks which aren't exactly visible with the naked eye. Here’s more about them: 

Slim Margins 

In terms of dimensions, the two hatchbacks are pretty similar aside from the Euro-spec i20 being 45mm longer than its India counterpart. The reason for the India-spec model being shortened is to fit in to the sub-4metre rule. That said, the India-spec i20 is 55mm higher which is more ideal for our roads. 

Both hatchbacks are nearly identical with some subtle market-specific differences. The India-spec i20 utilises projector LED headlamps and smaller 16-inch alloy wheels whereas the Euro-spec i20 gets full-LED headlamps and bigger 17-inch alloys. If you look closely towards the rear, the India-spec i20 features a chrome bar that runs across the rear and into the tail lamps. This isn’t present in its European counterpart. 

Cabin

 

Common cabin highlights include an all-black theme, Audi-like faux AC vents, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The main difference here is that the India-spec i20 gets the Verna’s semi-digital instrument cluster, instead of the 10.25-inch full-digital display in the Euro-spec i20. The interior trims are also different, with the former getting the option of red accents (turbo variants only) and the latter getting yellow-green accents.  

Features

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Thankfully, both hatchbacks are loaded with common bits such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, BlueLink connected car tech, ambient lighting, wireless charging, keyless entry and push button stop/start, and a Bose sound system. But the Euro-spec i20 edges out with an 8-speaker Bose sound system, compared to the 7-speaker Bose unit in the India-spec i20, as well as Hyundai SmartSense range of safety assists. They include navigation-based smart cruise control, speed limit assist, lane following assist, blind-spot/forward collision avoidance assist, and high beam assist.

Powertrains

*clutchless manual

Both hatchbacks get a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine as well as a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to work with, but there are slight differences in their configuration. For starters, the 1.2-litre petrol engine in the Euro-spec i20 makes 1PS and 3Nm more than its Indian counterpart with the 5-speed manual gearbox. But it's actually the India-spec i20 that has the more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine at 88PS if you opt for the CVT gearbox.

The Euro-spec i20 also offers the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in a lower state of tune as an option and a 48v mild-hybrid system. On the other hand, the India-spec i20 is also powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, unlike its European counterpart which is a petrol-only hatchback. Coming to the transmissions on offer, the Euro-spec i20 misses out on a CVT gearbox option for the 1.2-litre petrol engine. Also, the base 1.0-litre petrol variant can be had with a regular 6-speed manual, with the higher end variant featuring the same 6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT gearbox options as its Indian counterpart. As a whole, both hatchbacks have their slight pros and cons despite sharing the same petrol-powered engines. 

Overall, the Hyundai i20 in India is nearly on par with the hatchback sold abroad and covers pretty much most of what you’d want in a car from this segment. It is offered in four variants: Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O). It rivals the Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Glanza.