Hyundai reveals new i20 hatchback ahead of Paris debut

Tue, 12 Aug 2014

If you had ever traveled overseas and rented a Hyundai Getz, you'll likely have gotten why it was the butt of jokes: it Getz you from A to B, but not much more. But like the company that makes it, the Korean supermini is all grown up now, long since eschewing the punchline nameplate for the i20 moniker. And here is its latest successor.

Set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this fall, the new i20 is Hyundai's rival to the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris and such. Designed in Europe for the European market, the new i20 stretches its wheelbase nearly two inches longer than its predecessor (and four and a half inches longer than the knees-in-your-chest Getz) to offer best-in-class legroom and cargo capacity.

Hyundai also says the new i20 is the first in its segment to offer an opening panoramic sunroof. While we wouldn't exactly call the styling "exciting" (especially in that shade of brown), penned at the company's European design center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, it certainly does look more mature... which, we take it, is kinda the point.

HYUNDAI MOTOR UNVEILS NEW GENERATION i20 AHEAD OF PARIS MOTOR SHOW DEBUT

- First images reveal clear and simple overall architecture
- Class-leading interior space for European B-segment vehicle
- Highlight features include first-in–class panoramic sunroof

11 August 2014 - Hyundai Motor has today unveiled first images of the New Generation i20, ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

With the launch of its latest model, Hyundai Motor is continuing its successful presence in Europe's B-segment, highlighted by almost one million sales since 2002. The popularity of the original i20 has made it one of the company's best-selling cars in the region. The key aims of the new model are to open Hyundai to an even wider audience; further develop perceptions of the brand; and confirm Hyundai's position as a truly European automaker.

The New Generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, and three key attributes in particular underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.

Based on a new platform, New Generation i20 features a 2570 mm wheelbase – 45 mm longer than its predecessor – providing European customers with one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. Efficient packaging has created a passenger compartment that can comfortably seat five adults. Combined front and rear legroom is best in class at 1892 mm. Boot capacity is also segment-leading: 320 litres when the rear seats are upright.

Enhancing the comfort and the sense of space for driver and passengers is a unique-in-class panoramic sunroof. Able to both tilt and fully open, it fills the cabin with natural light and fresh air. Further features add to the refinement and convenience of New Generation i20, including integrated rear-view camera and front and rear LED lighting.

Interior refinement complements the sophisticated and distinctive exterior styling of the New Generation i20. Influenced by the brand's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design philosophy, the car's clear and simple overall architecture was penned at Hyundai Motor's Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Hyundai's European design team has created a bold front aesthetic. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes. A thin, horizontal grille connects the front headlamp clusters, which include bi-function projection headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED positioning lamps. A lower grille houses the front fog lamps, and emphasises the powerful stance of the car.

The 4035 mm long bodyshell incorporates a single feature-line running the length of the vehicle, sculptured undercuts of the body panels, and a waistline moulding at the base of the door.

At the rear, New Generation i20 features a gloss-finished black C-pillar that gives the impression 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 2014 Paris Motor Show in Hall 3, at 16:00 CET on Thursday 2 October.

By Noah Joseph