Surprise best-seller? Why?
You won’t believe it, even the people at Hyundai are surprised that the i20 is doing close to 2,000 units a month. The i20 was the most significant car to be launched in the premium hatchback segment after the Skoda Fabia. With the 1.2-litre Kappa motor, it was not exactly burning tarmac. Still, it was as if Indians were waiting for a contemporary, stylish replacement for the Getz, and also a nice, big hatchback from a popular car maker. Though manufactured in India, the i20 was supposed to serve international markets and Hyundai India had focussed their attention there. But Indians loved it, so Hyundai had to divert a part of the i20’s production efforts to the domestic market.
So what’s new with the i20 now?
This week, Hyundai introduced two new variants of the i20, an 89 bhp 1400cc petrol with a four-speed automatic and a 1396cc common-rail diesel, which join the existing 1200cc petrol motor.
Is it a coincidence that the two variants have been launched just after the introduction of the Honda Jazz and the Fiat Grande Punto?
Of course not. The two new variants were waiting for the competition to reveal their cards. Now that everybody knows what the Jazz and the Punto are all about, Hyundai have strategically introduced the diesel and the automatic.
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