Going up against the likes of the recently updated Kia Picanto and the Ford Figo, the all-new 2020 Hyundai i10 has finally been unveiled. The Hyundai i10 has been around since 2007, when this small family hatchback made its first appearance in India. The Korean auto major launched the second generation of this popular hatchback in 2013, and the car now had grown in size and thus occupied the B-segment category in the market. Still based on the same architecture as its Kia counterpart, the second-gen i10 sold quite well in the Middle East.
In August of this year, the next-gen avatar of Hyundai’s well-liked hatchback made its debut as the 2020 i10. To differentiate this new model from its precursor, the automaker has made a slew of design and technological changes to the third-generation i10. The B-segment hatchback has also been made safer, more comfortable to travel in, and is slightly larger in overall dimensions too.
Exterior
Straight away, it’s clear that the overall design of the all-new Hyundai i10 is a far cry from the mundane look of the previous-gen model. Hyundai’s new design language shines through here, and the i10 now looks more mature than even some of its immediate rivals. Up front, the update brings about a heavily-revised and sportier-looking bumper which is not only sculpted but also houses a larger grille. The front also incorporates swanky LED DRLs, multiple air intakes, chic projector headlamps.
Meanwhile, the side profile looks better adjusted to the current day & age as well with its swooping lines, stylish door mirrors, sloping roof, chrome detailing and sportier alloy-wheel design. Having said all that, the rear of the new i10 is fairly discreet in comparison to the rest of the car. You do, however, get a protruding roof spoiler, bulging tail lamps with LED elements, better styled tailgate and a noticeably revised rear bumper.
The 2020 Hyundai i10 comes in at 3.670 meters X 1.680 meters X 1.480 in length, width and height, respectively. The new model has an increased wheelbase measuring 2.425 meters and a boot volume of 252 liters.
Interior
The interior of the 2020 Hyundai i10 looks and feels fresh and youthful. The bland design of yesteryear has been replaced by a decidedly more modern and stylish one - now featuring stylish circular side vents, a large touchscreen head unit, trendy-looking seat upholstery and steering wheel, plus fancy honeycomb patters along the doors, dashboard and aisle stand. Quality has also taken a step-up, while fit-and-finish feel right on the money too.
Given the volume of space, the cabin of the 2020 i10 feels spacious (enough) and comfortable for five adults. However, with the sloping roofline and aggressive up-slope along the window line - rear passengers may feel a bit hemmed in at times. But the Korean firm has worked on improving the i10’s cabin insulation, thus lowering overall effects of road & wind noise. Depending on the market, the 2020 Hyundai i10 can be had with 14-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry & go, automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad.
Engine and performance
The 2020 Hyundai i10 can be equipped with a 1.2-liter four-banger that offers 84 hp and 118 Nm of maximum torque. This naturally-aspirated unit is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels. Averaging around 5.3 L/100 km, the all-new i10 manages to sprint from naught to 100 km/h in approximately 12.5 seconds -- top whack is limited to 171 km/h -- as the multi-point injected motor begins to gasp for breath.
Verdict
While Hyundai UAE hasn’t revealed the official release date for the third-generation i10, this newer-gen hatchback from the carmaker should be worth the wait. The 2020 Hyundai i10 is now better equipped, a touch refined to drive, and looks far better than its predecessors.
