Seen here with all wrapped up in camo, is the facelifted 2018 Hyundai Elite i20. As to why only the front & back portion is covered, well, that’s likely to be where the restyling will take place. While the side-profile of facelifted i20 will stay largely unchanged, it seems.
Speaking of changes, the front seems to sport very major updates at that, borrowing a few elements from the upcoming Verna sedan. The facelift will probably see refreshed headlamps with projectors and LED daytime running lights as well as a heavily modified front bumper. It will also get Hyundai’s new cascade grille with horizontal slats like the one seen on recently launched new Xcent, bigger Elantra and upcoming Verna.
The rear might see a small change, in the form of new taillights with LED illumination and perhaps also a lightly altered rear bumper. However, the registration plate mount has been repositioned and mounted on the tailgate, hinting there could be more sheet metal changes. The set of alloy wheels on the test mule seem features an all new-design, which appears to be inspired from that of the Xcent.
The above picture of the new-gen Hyundai Verna’s front-fascia is used for representation purpose only.
Inside, which has yet to be seen, the Elite i20 facelift is also expected to get trim updates and new upholstery options – the same touchscreen infotainment system found on the current-gen i20s is likely to make into the 2018 Elite i20.
Elsewhere, it’s safe to assume that the 1.2-litre 4-cyl petrol with a 5-speed manual, 1.4-litre 4-cyl petrol with a 4-speed automatic, and a 1.4-litre 4-cyl diesel with a 6-speed manual will be retained. The report claims that a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with performance credentials to stand at par with those of the Baleno’s famed 1.0-litre BoosterJet unit will be on offer.
Furthermore, the report also states that the company is working on a Maruti’s SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle from Suzuki) like mild-hybrid system for its models in India. This new tech will be first introduced in the all-new Verna, followed by the Creta and then i20.
A debut can be expected in only next-year when the 2018 Auto Expo is due to take place. With that being said, an online reveal might happen earlier, just to get the ball rolling before it makes its official appearance.
To read more on Hyundai Elite i20, Click here
Also see: New 2017 Hyundai Elite i20 officially launched: dual-tone colours, more features
Source: Autocar India
