Hyundai i20 updated with more equipment

Hyundai has provided the i20 with more equipment and has rejigged the premium hatchback's line-up for 2019. The addition of more kit has resulted in a price hike of about Rs 6,000-7,000 for the base trims.

The lowest variant is still the Era, though it now gets rear parking sensors and eco-coating tech for the AC unit as standard. The next variant – Magna Executive – has been renamed the Magna+. While the Magna Executive used to be available with manual and CVT gearbox options (for the petrol-powered model) the Magna+ is available with a manual transmission only. Compared to the outgoing variant, the Magna+ adds Bluetooth and voice recognition to the audio system, has steering-mounted controls, keyless entry and has also added fog lamps with DRLs at the front.

The Korean brand has combined the next two variants – Sportz and Asta – into one new trim, the Sportz+. The new higher-spec variant gets manual and CVT options (again: only for the petrol engine) and also gets a dual-tone exterior finish as an extra. The Sportz+ MT gets equipment such as 15-inch gun-metal alloys, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a reverse camera, front centre arm rest, a USB charging port at the front and a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering. The Sportz+-CVT variant also gets wireless charging while the dual-tone version adds 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, adjustable rear headrests and an interior colour package.

The biggest change on the top-spec Asta (O) trim is that it now gets manual and automatic gearbox options with the petrol variant. In terms of equipment, it shares all its kit with the Sportz+ Dual-Tone variant.

Besides making all variants of the i20 comply with the upcoming Indian crash test norms, this update should also help Hyundai keep its premium hatchback competitive in the face of the soon-to-arrive Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift and Tata’s production-spec 45X.