Hyundai India launched the 2018 i20 facelift at the 2018 Auto Expo on February 7 in a price range of Rs. 5.34-9.15 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom, Delhi). However, the company didn't introduce any automatic variant for the time being, and it is being learnt that an automatic variant with CVT gearbox would be launched in May 2018. Earlier, the South-Korean automaker offered an automatic variant in i20 range with a 4-speed torque-coverter unit in mid-level Magna grade and it was priced at Rs. 9.02 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom).
Checkout the launch of 2018 Hyundai i20 facelift at the 2018 Auto Expo!
Hyundai is expected to introduce the automatic variants in mid-level and top-end trim in petrol guise. The auto variants would get a 17.77-cm touchscreen AVN (Audio/Video/Navigation) system with IPS Display, as confirmed by the spy-shots. Other standard features would include FATC with Cluster Ionizer, Rear Armrest with Cup holder, Sliding Front Armrest, Rear AC Vents, Dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, ISOFIX, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, Reverse Parking camera with Dynamic Guidelines and USB Charger. The reason behind introduction of a CVT gearbox in place of the 4-speed torque converter transmission is its cost-effectiveness which would further help the company to price the model competitively.
The automatic model, launched in September 2016, was powered by a 1.4L petrol engine, which attracted higher tax. Furthermore, the 4-speed torque-converter AT gearbox mated to this engine used to be imported and it further escalated the price of the hatch to an extent that its arch rival Maruti Baleno's 1.2L CVT in the top-end trim was still way cheaper. Hence, the company has decided to do away with the 4-speed gearbox and instead introduce a CVT gearbox so that it can price the model aggressively and cover some lost ground in the automatic petrol hatchback segment. The 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT petrol engine with top power of 82bhp at 6000rpm and 115Nm at 4000rpm would be at the helm of affairs.
