New Hyundai i20 revealed ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show – last week Hyundai released design sketches, now we see the real thing.
RELEASING IMAGES OF both the Kia Sorrento and the i20 on the same day, Hyundai says that both models will open the brand up to wider audiences.
Designed and developed in Europe (at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany), the Hyundai i20 is being pitched as a European car and has apparently been designed to meet the key needs of European buyers, although we’d say those needs are universal. They are: class-leading interior space (we’ll have to confirm that once we’ve seen it in the metal), a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.
Built off a new platform, the i20 is 45mm longer than its predecessor (wheelbase of 2570mm) while “efficient packaging” has allowed for a combined front and rear legroom of 1892mm. Boot capacity is 326 litres when the rear seats are upright. Adding to the cabin’s lightness is a new, panoramic sunroof (likely to be a cost option), the i20 also offers a reversing camera and front and rear LED lighting.
The i20‘s upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes – to help with engine cooling. And a thin, horizontal grille connects the front head-light clusters. A lower grille houses the front fog lamps, giving the car a hunkered down look.
At the rear, New Generation i20 features a gloss-finished black C-pillar that gives the impression of a floating roofline – think Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover proper for the best use of a floating roofline. The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the boot lid and feature a ‘boomerang’-shaped LED design.
The public world premiere of the new-generation i20 will take place during Hyundai’s press conference at the 2014 Paris Motor Show on Thursday 2 October.
