2020 Hyundai i20: Looks, Powertrains, Tech and Everything Else We Know

Hyundai’s i20 supermini won’t be a familiar face for those on North American soil (the low price void is filled by the Accent), however, it has a strong following in European and Asia Pacific markets. Luckily for those regions, they will soon see a completely revamped version with more upmarket ambitions.

So how will it look and what else can we expect? Let’s take an illustrated first look before the official covers are lifted on Hyundai’s newest small hatch.

Talk About The Angles

The current i20 is a fairly pleasant-looking supermini that won’t offend the masses. For 2020 this approach will be turned on its head. It adopts Hyundai’s latest design ethos as seen on the sporty new Sonata and Elantra; and the result is well, rather angular.

Frontal styling is dominated by a large cascading grille flanked by sharp LED headlights and triangular fog light housings.

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

A crisp, deep-sculptured shoulder line runs from the trailing edge of the headlights to the rear taillights, whilst the side DLO (daylight opening area) is upright and airy. The rear is relatively inoffensive with horizontal LED tail lights and deep creases.

Improved Accommodation

Whilst Hyundai have retained the i20’s compact dimensions and five-door layout, occupants will benefit from improved packaging (especially in the rear) and a higher quality cabin.

On the technology front, buyers can look forward to a large infotainment system with SatNav, bluetooth streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A plethora of driver-assistance aids will be available too; lane-keeping aid, driver attention alert including front and rear automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor.

Under The Hood

The pint-sized supermini is expected to carry over the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol from the current car and also offer a turbocharged, 1.0-litre three-cylinder in different states of tune. Select global markets like India are tipped to receive diesel variants too. Power will be fed to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Hyundai has been caught testing an i20 N mule with the bodywork of the current model

For those who like a pocket rocket, the i20 is rumored to come with an N-performance variant. Conjecture has this model utilizing a 200+ hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged four to battle the likes of Volkswagen’s Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST.

Rivals and Reveal

With crisp new styling, added technology and improved refinement,the i20 is now gunning for class heavyweights like Volkswagen’s Polo, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz/Fit, Peugeot 208, Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris.

It’ll be sold in 5 door and high-riding ‘Active’ guises, however, don’t expect the 3-door variant to re-appear for this generation. A reveal is tipped for later in the year, with sales starting early 2020.

Would you take an i20 over an Accent? Share your thoughts in comments below.