A Rs. 6 Lakh new-generation Hyundai has been spotted with big features that you don’t even get in the Creta.

The upcoming Hyundai i20 is gearing up for a major generational update and is expected to launch later this year. Test mules have already been spotted in India and international markets. The latest spy images come from Scandinavia, where the hatchback is undergoing extreme cold-weather testing in snowy conditions – a clear sign that development is in advanced stages.

Exterior Changes

The new-generation Hyundai i20 is expected to follow the brand’s latest global design philosophy, giving the premium hatchback a more aggressive and slightly crossover-inspired stance. Spy shots that Hyundai is aiming to make the i20 look bolder and more modern than the current version, while maintaining its urban-friendly proportions.

Expected changes:

• Full-width LED light bar at the front
• Sharper and more angular headlamp design
• Top-mounted LED DRLs
• New rectangular grille with slatted elements
• Revised front bumper and updated air dam
• Freshly designed alloy wheels
• Connected LED tail lamps
• More muscular rear bumper styling

Overall, the upcoming Hyundai i20 is likely to have a stronger road presence with sharper lines and a more contemporary design language.

Interior Changes

One of the biggest highlights of the new Hyundai i20 is likely to be its redesigned dashboard featuring a curved dual-screen setup. Reports suggest it could get twin 12.3-inch displays – one for the infotainment system and the other for the digital instrument cluster. Currently, the i20 in India gets 10.25-inch touchscreen for top variant. The next-gen model is expected to take things a step further with a more modern and tech-focused cockpit layout.

The steering wheel design also seems to be updated. It could feature Hyundai’s new 4-dot design in the centre, symbolising the letter ‘H’ in Morse code – similar to what we’ve seen on the new Venue.

Spy shots indicate a refreshed dashboard layout, new upholstery, and possibly a fresh interior theme. These upgrades align with the recent cabin enhancements introduced in the Hyundai Venue, and similar changes are expected in the upcoming Hyundai Verna facelift as well.

Powertrain

For the Indian market, Hyundai is likely to retain the existing petrol engines initially.

• 1.2 Litre NA Petrol – 82 bhp, 115 Nm- 5 Speed Manual, IVT
• 1.0 Litre Turbo Petrol (i20 N Line) – 118 bhp, 172 Nm – 6 Speed Manual, 7 Speed DCT

In addition to these, the new-gen Hyundai i20 is also expected to introduce a hybrid powertrain option for the international markets, which could significantly improve fuel efficiency and help Hyundai meet stricter emission norms in the future. India could get the option in 2027 or 2028.

Safety

Safety is expected to be a major highlight of the new-gen Hyundai i20, with Hyundai likely to introduce more advanced driver assistance technologies in the premium hatchback segment.

Expected new safety additions:

• 360-degree surround view camera
• Level 2 ADAS (same as the Hyundai Venue)
• Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and forward collision warning

The current Hyundai i20 already offers a comprehensive safety package. It comes equipped with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), rear parking sensors, a rear camera with dynamic guidelines, an integrated dashcam, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

With the addition of ADAS and a 360-degree camera, the upcoming i20 could emerge as one of the safest premium hatchbacks in its class.

Final Thoughts

With larger screens, updated interiors, hybrid technology, and a possible Level 2 ADAS package, the new-gen Hyundai i20 is shaping up to be a major upgrade over the current model. If priced competitively, it could strengthen Hyundai’s position in the premium hatchback segment and compete strongly against rivals like the Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Baleno.

More details are expected to surface in the coming months as Hyundai prepares for its official debut.

Image Source: Autospy, KCB