After the successful launch of the Grand i10 and the unveil of the Xcent compact sedan, the next-gen Hyundai i20 hatchback is all set step into its next generation which will be unveiled later this year at the Paris Motor Show.
Hyundai is currently testing the new i20 hatchback near Chennai in India as well as simultaneously conducting winter-testing of the upcoming hatchback in Europe.
As seen from the pictures sent by our reader Charles Naveen, the test mule appears to still be heavily disguised but one can easily confirm that the next-generation Hyundai i20 is expected to retain the same overall shape and dimensions at the current car.
Hyundai's fluidic sculpture 2.0 design language is expected to give the new i20 a subtle redesign in key areas. Expect Hyundai to unveil the new i20 in India after international reveal.
The new i20 is expected to borrow much of its engine range from the current generation
Hyundai is also working on a hotter performance variant of the i20, badged under Hyundai's new N performance brand which will be revealed for the international markets after the Paris Motor show showcase.
Hyundai's new performance arm “N” has plans to launch a series of highly tuned road cars from its base near Frankfurt, working alongside Hyundai Motorsport and the firm's World Rally Championship team. The i20 is the most logical first choice to receive the N treatment, given that it already forms the basis of the Korean manufacturer's rally car.
The launch of the Hyundai N brand is part of the company's plans to create a more emotional link with its customers, as well as making its cars more dynamically focused and growing its European market share to five per cent by the end of the decade.