Hyundai has released the first images of the facelifted version of its popular i20 ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model features refreshed styling, enhanced equipment and claimed lowest CO2 emissions of any current car with a conventional powertrain.
The new 1,1-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine generates 55 kW and emits only 84 g/km of CO2. The engine was developed at Hyundai’s Diesel Centre of Excellence – part of the European R&D setup in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The upgraded 1,4-litre turbodiesel will now also dip below the 100 g/km barrier with 96 g/km of CO2.
Coinciding with the launch of the new engines is a styling upgrade that closely follows the design language employed on the new i30. New headlamps and a hexagonal grille are joined by a resculpted bonnet, front and rear bumpers and new wheel designs. No information on changes to the cabin were forthcoming.
From what could be gleaned from the limited press release, the current 1,4- and 1,6-litre petrol engines will remain untouched. The facelifted i20 should reach our shores by mid-year, but it’s unclear whether Hyundai will launch any of the turbodiesel models locally.