The Hyundai i20 has crossed the 15 lakh unit sales milestone in India nearly 18 years after it first went on sale in December 2008. The premium hatchback reached 1 lakh units in 2010, 5 lakh units in 2015 and 10 lakh units in 2019.
Hyundai i20 generations so far
The i20’s first generation replaced the Hyundai Getz and played a key role in creating the premium hatchback segment in India. Depending on the trim and model year, it came with features such as a sunroof, automatic climate control, a cooled glove box and six airbags. Buyers could choose from 1.2-litre petrol, 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options.
The carmaker introduced the second-generation model, called the Elite i20, in 2014. It featured the brand’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design language, added more features and offered 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine choices. Notably, the Elite i20 proved to be the most successful generation of the hatchback, recording sales of 8 lakh units during its seven-year run in the country.
The third generation of the hatchback arrived in 2020 and remains on sale today. It is the first i20 generation in India to be available with a turbo-petrol engine, although that is now limited to the sportier N Line version. Hyundai also offered a diesel engine initially, but it was discontinued in 2023. The current-generation i20 received a facelift in September 2023 and continues to be one of the most feature-rich offerings in its segment.
Today, the standard i20 is powered by an 83hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Meanwhile, the i20 N Line uses a 120hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Hyundai i20 price and rivals
The Hyundai i20 is priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.63 lakh, ex-showroom, while the i20 N Line costs Rs 9.27 lakh to Rs 11.74 lakh. Its rivals include the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz. Hyundai unveiled the fourth-generation i20 in June 2026, although the company has not yet announced plans to bring it to India.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saptarshi Mondal
