By: P. Tharyan, Photography: Mohd. Nasir
Sep 01 2014
Hyundai’s Fluidic design is like a Hollywood blockbuster
movie---Exciting, thrilling, action-packed and innovative. Blockbusters also
have a sequel. Hyundai’s Fluidic design too has one now. It’s called the
Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The styling of the new Hyundai i20 is based on this new
design. And like good Hollywood sequels, it’s kind of predictable but you sit
through the movie munching your popcorns because you loved the first one.
Hyundai calls the new i20 the Elite i20. I always had this
feeling that Hyundai cars were all elite in nature. Ever since they cast the
fluidic spell on them a few years ago, each of the Hyundai cars has been reborn
an exciting kid. We got our hands on the Elite i20 at the fabulous Umaid Bhawan
Palace in Jodhpur. When you got to meet an Elite, you better make sure you meet
him in the confines of a royal surrounding.
The car will be available in 2 engine options in 4 variants
each. The 1.2 Dual VTVT Kappa Petrol and the 1.4 U2 CRDi Diesel engines produce
a power of 81bhp and 88bhp respectively. The peak torque levels are at 114Nm
and 219Nm respectively. The engines are the same as the previous generation.
Fuel economy for the petrol is 18.60Kmpl while for the diesel it is 22.54Kmpl,
as per the ARAI norms. The petrol engine is mated to a five-speed manual
transmission while the diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Like I said this is part 2 of the fluidic expression. Always
remember, if there is a part 2, then obviously part 1 must have been a neat
hit. Or else there would never have been a part 2….. It’s as simple as that. If
the earlier i20 was bold and beautiful, this one’s bold, beautiful and
sporty---Both on the outside as well as in the inside.
One look at the 2 tone 16 inch diamond cut alloy wheels and
the black C-pillar and you know what I am talking about. It not only gives a
premium look but also a sporty one. Before I write any further, let me also
tell my readers I drove the top-end Asta variant in both petrol and diesel
versions. Multi-function steering wheels are a boon these days because it lets
you handle your radio and music with a mere twiddling of your fingers. The
car’s got an integrated 2 DinMP3 audio with USB and Aux-in and 1GB internal
memory. Other features include climate control, AC vents in the rear and the
glove box. For the heroes of the world, there is also a sunglass holder and a
centre console mounted card holder, which I feel is a complete waste in India.
Abroad, where parking tickets come in the shape of a card (like the one you get
at the T3 airport in New Delhi), this tiny slot or slit has its plus point.
Features like Bluetooth connectivity, automatic door
mirrors, dual airbags, ABS, impact sensing door unlock, parking assistance rear
view camera, automatic headlamps and smart pedal are all part of the offerings
in this elite hatch.

A lot of offerings in the Asta variant do not come in the
other variants like Era, Magna and Sportz as a standard option. When it comes
to space and driving comfort, this one tops the list among the hatches. Yes,
some may say it lacks brute power, but then if that’s what you are looking at,
then buy a car and don’t weep when you don’t get the right mileage. I
especially liked the diesel version because of the splendid amount of torque
the engine delivered. Not only 219Nm was ready for you to enjoy, but you got it
with the least amount of struggle. As for the petrol, it was a breeze to drive.
Decent pick up, smooth gear changes, good steering grip, a perfect suspension,
all of these attributes come easy in the new Elite i20. Except for the Era
model, all the other models of the Elite i20 have the rear AC vents.
I personally feel rear AC vents need to be standard in every
variant. One can do without safety air bags, ABS, parking assist, fog lamps,
headlamp escort function, turn indicators on ORVMs, chrome touches, tilt and
telescopic steering, rear wiper and washer, etc, but when it comes to a decent
drive, please do not deprive the guys at the back of some direct cool air. Make
rear aircon vents standard even in an Era variant, and you will have a greater
fan following. Trust me, for millions of Indians keen to buy a smart hatch,
it’s a dreary slog for them in real life so please offer then some comfort that
they truly desire. A point to be noted Mr B S Seo, Sir! Do that for the junta
and you are bound to win their hearts, even more!
Specifications of Hyundai Elite i20 petrol Asta variant
Engine
|
Transmission
|
Max Power
|
Max Torque
|
Fuel Efficiency
|
1197cc, Kappa Dual VTVT
Engine
|
5-speed
Manual
|
88bhp@ 6000rpm
|
114 Nm@ 1750rpm
|
18.6kmpl
|
Suspension: Front/Rear
|
Brake: Front/ Rear
|
Fuel Tank
Capacity
|
Tyres: Front/ Rear
|
Price
|
McPherson Strut with coil spring/ Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with
coil spring
|
Disc/ Drum
|
45 litres
|
185/70 R14 steel (Era, Magna Sportz) /
195/55 R16 Alloy (Sportz O, Asta)
|
Rs 6,46,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
|
Specifications of Hyundai Elite i20 diesel Asta variant
Engine
|
Transmission
|
Max Power
|
Max Torque
|
Fuel Efficiency
|
1396cc U2 CRDi diesel
|
6-speed
Manual
|
88 bhp@ 6000rpm
|
219 Nm@ 1500 to 2750rpm
|
22.54 kmpl
|
Suspension: Front/Rear
|
Brake: Front/ Rear
|
Fuel Tank
Capacity
|
Tyres: Front/ Rear
|
Price
|
McPherson Strut with coil spring/ Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with
coil spring
|
Disc/ Drum
|
45 litres
|
185/70 R14 steel (Era, Magna Sportz) /
195/55 R16 Alloy (Sportz O, Asta)
|
Rs 7,66,900
(ex-showroom, Delhi)
|
