Hyundai today launched the petrol automatic i20 at Rs 9.01 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The i20 automatic comes with an all-new 1,368cc, 1.4-litre, dual VTVT petrol unit that makes 100hp. This new engine is Hyundai’s second 1.4-litre petrol unit on sale, with the Verna currently using an older 1,396cc VTVT engine. The engine is mated to a four-speed torque converter unit.

This engine-gearbox configuration for the i20 petrol AT has been in production at Hyundai’s India plant solely for export markets for some time now. For India, Hyundai has introduced this engine-gearbox option only on the mid-level Magna trim – a disappointment for buyers looking for a feature-rich automatic hatchback. Thus, the i20 auto Magna misses out on features such as the touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, parking camera and alloy wheels, though it does get dual airbags and an audio system with 1GB internal memory, and steering-mounted controls.

At Rs 9.01 lakh, the car is quite expensive compared to its direct rivals, the Jazz CVT and the Baleno CVT which also come in two trim levels. However, the Polo GT TSI with the turbo petrol motor and the twin-clutch gearbox is the costliest automatic hatch.

The i20 AT’s high pricing could be due to the fact that at 1,368cc, the car’s motor does not qualify for the benefits offered to the small car segment (sub-4 metre with petrol engines below 1.2 litre).

The carmaker also announced the addition of features like six airbags, speed sensing auto door lock and height adjustable front seat belts on the top Asta (O) and SX variants of the Elite i20 and i20 Active respectively.