Will The New i20 Catalyse Hyundai’s Growth?

Will The New i20 Catalyse Hyundai’s Growth?

The i20 has already sold over 25 lakh globally, including 10 lakh is in India. According to the vehicle maker, over 50 percent customers in the premium compact segment choose i20. Therefore, the expectations of the new avatar are more. How magnetic will the new i20 be to appeal to customers is the key question to be answered. HMI left no stone unturned to make it suitable to get attracted by the customer through its six key pillars approach improving on interiors, exteriors, performance, safety, offering innovative technology and peace of mind in maintaining the car. Inspired by Hyundai global design philosophy – Sensuous Sportiness, the new car is sleek, agile and has progressive dimensions, incorporating a seamlessly integrated blend of advanced and modern character lines.

Exteriors

LED headlamps with i20 branded LED DRLs, projector fog lamps and parametric jewel pattern grill that is designed to be oblique, accentuating smooth curvature around the car, make the exterior iconic. The muscular looks of the bonnet with sharp lines, the flyback chrome beltline design bold, large daylight opening area with quarter glass, shark fin antenna makes the car stand apart. The chrome garnish connecting the Z-shaped LED tail lamps with i20 branding, makes the rear appear wider. The branding is also in the side sill garnish.

With an improved vehicle forward flow, lowered front hood and implementation of the air curtain, among other enhancements, the new car offers enhanced aerodynamics. Through a combination of a body structure and systemic structural engineering materials, the vehicle provides customers with a thrilling and fun drive experience. The shell is designed not only to be attractive but also to be aerodynamic to support fuel economy, as the drag coefficient is as low as 0.33.

Compared to the outgoing i20 the new variant is longer by 10mm to 3,995mm, wider by 16mm to 1,750mm and wheelbase longer by 10mm to 2,580mm. The legroom is increased by 88mm and shoulder room by 40mm.

The new car comes in a wide choice of colour options on the all-new i20 including polar white, typhoon silver, titan grey, fiery red, starry night, metallic copper and dual-tone colour options such as polar white with black roof and fiery red with blacktop.

Interiors

As and when you enter the car, the first thing that you notice is the roomy interior, perhaps due to the horizontal design pattern that runs across from door to door. The leatherette upholstery, the sleek dashboard, ambient blue light, digital cluster with TFT displaying multiple information, Oxyboost air purifier, wireless charger with a cooling pad, electric sunroof, add not only to comfort and convenience but also matches the taste of NexGen customers.

The 10 inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, can be connected with multiple devices through Bluetooth. Hyundai is the first in the country to introduce the BOSE 7-speaker system (four speakers, two tweeters and a subwoofer), in this segment. Besides, the sliding front armrest, rear-seat armrest and tilt / telescopic steering add comfort.

Improved convenience is now delivered through BlueLink that offers 50 Connected Car features including first-in-segment Over-The-Air Updates (OTA) for enhanced in-car connectivity offering customers convenience and comfort. Customers can now experience voice-enabled functions by using Wake-Up Word ‘Hello BlueLink’ to control essential vehicle features such as climate control -temperature, fan speed control, airflow direction and air-intake type control (fresh/ circulation), radio, media, navigation assistance along with in-vehicle assistance like dial by number, India’s public holiday information and track live cricket scores, at the ease of a voice command.

It also offers enhanced convenience features such as remote engine start/ stop, remote lock/ unlock & climate control, remote vehicle status & alerts and even functions such as find my car location & share my car. The function also empowers customers with information such as auto crash notification, tyre pressure information and stolen vehicle tracking/ immobilisation.

The car also gets features such as digital cluster with TFT multi-information display offering information display for individual tyre pressure, drive info, fuel economy, parking warning and turn by turn navigation.

The horizontal lines in the exterior and interior make the car appear more expansive and roomier inside. Hyundai is offering the vehicle in Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) variants. Besides, it gives the customers a variety of petrol, diesel and turbo petrol engines and transmission options that include Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and Manual Transmissions. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol that develops 120PS of power comes in DCT and iMT options while the 1.2 Kappa that develops 88PS is mated to iVT – intelligent Variable Transmission. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that generates 100PS of power is coupled with 6-speed manual transmission.

The speciality of the car is that it is built on a lightweight K-platform with 66 percent of the body structure in advanced high strength steel. It not only enhances the crashworthiness but also make the car lighter. The use of advanced digital gauge to check the panel thinning distribution - crack, neck prediction methodology, helps in manufacturing zero crack panels. Since there are over 4,000 welding spots in each car, and more than 70 cars being processed every hour, the company deployed a high-quality welding process that features over 450 fourth-generation robots offering 100 percent weld automation. For an added layer of protection the car is equipped with 6-Airbags, Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX compatibility, DRVM (Driver Rear View Monitor), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seatbelt reminder with pre-tensioner/load limiter.

The company is offering product assurance through wonder warranty options - three years/ 100,000 kms, four years/ 50,000 kms and five years/ 40,000 kms. Further, customers can get three years BlueLink subscription plus three years roadside assistance.

The company has also introduced a wide range of 50 accessories for the new car. It offers three accessory packs such as Essentio, Platinum and Radiant.

Overall there are 13 variants with different combinations of engines and gearbox, and all India ex-showroom prices range from INR 6.79 lakh up to INR 11.17 lakh.

With all the attributes the all-new i20 is a smart car for the smart Indian customers offering quality time for a happy life. (MT)

Hyundai Alcazar Corporate Variant With Panoramic Sunroof Launched At INR 1.78 Million

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

HYUNDAI ALCAZAR
Premium Exteriors Quad beam LED headlamps
LED turn signal with sequential function
R17 (D=436.6 mm) Diamond cut alloys
Bridge type roof rails
Premium Convenience Smart key with push button start
Dual zone automatic temperature control (DATC)
Voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof
Ambient light on crashpad, front and rear doors
Hi-Tech Experience 26.03 cm (10.25") HD Audio Video Navigation System
Wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay (Wired to Wireless Adapter)
Hyundai Bluelink (connected car technology)
Front row wireless charger
Advanced Safety 6 airbags
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hill-start assist control (HAC)
Vehicle stability management (VSM)

Tata Motors Bets On Familiar Design To Tap Into New Customer Base

Tata Harrier.ev

When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Neo Drive Variant For Fortuner And Legender SUVs

Toyota Legender 48V

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

Hyundai Motor India Appoints Pankaj Tripathi As Its New Brand Ambassador

Hyundai India - Pankaj Tripathi

Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”