Rs 5.5 Lakh for Base Hyundai i20 is an UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION - Here's Why

The third-generation Hyundai i20 is set to be launched tomorrow. Bookings are underway for a token amount of Rs 21,000. It has been reported by many leading publications that the new-gen i20 will have a starting price of Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base-level trim. However, a closer look at the prices of the current i20 and the trim levels of the new i20 reveals that such a low base price is nothing but a rather unrealistic expectation.

Why is it unrealistic, you may ask. Well, it is answered by the fact that the base Era model of the outgoing Elite i20 has been out of production for over 1.5 years. The current base version is the Magna trim, not the Era, and it starts at Rs 6.57 lakhs. Also, the available data shows that there won’t be an Era trim in the new model as well. This is because customers who buy premium hatchbacks tend to go for the tech/feature-heavy top trims instead of the bare-bones base versions, and Hyundai’s data shows that the Era model only contributed 1% of the total sales for the Elite i20. Therefore, even the base version for the new iteration will be the considerably feature-laden Magna trim, and it is sure to be priced upwards of Rs 6.5 lakhs as it is a more modern model than the Elite i20. 

Akin to the current model, the new i20 will be available in four trims, from the Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) trims. The design of the new car is based on Hyundai’s latest global design philosophy, Sensuous Sportiness, which givies it a comprehensively revised exterior. The design philosophy can be also seen in Hyundai’s other new launches like the Tucson and the Elantra. The India-spec i20 is identical to the global version with a large hexagonal grille, projector headlights with LED DRLs, and LED turn indicators. On the rear it gets new Z-shaped LED lights and a chrome strip on the boot lid. 

The interior all new as well, coming in a dual-toned coffee-cream dashboard which is based around the new 10.25-inch touchscreen centre-console, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple Carplay and also features voice navigation, navigation, and Bluelink Connectivity. Two highlights will be the 4-speaker Bose stereo system and wireless charging for your devices, making carrying cables a thing of the past. The new i20 will compete with the likes of the Maruti Baleno, Honda Jazz, and the Volkswagen Polo.