Hyundai 'Elite i20 Cross' Soon 'Creating Craze' In India

Hyundai’s first hatchback-turned crossover for the Indian market, the ‘i20 Cross’ as it is known for now, will launch next month. Based on the well-received Elite i20, the i20 Cross will come with increased ground clearance, a source confirmed to INNLIVE.

Complementing the increased ride height will be a revised suspension, the person said. The feature pack, in comparison to the Elite i20, will be ‘upgraded’ for the cross, with equipment like projector headlights likely to be offered.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is coy on giving out the name of the car. According to people with knowledge of the car, the ‘i20′ name will be seen, but a suitable prefix or suffix will be included to highlight the perceived ruggedness of the car.

The company is aiming at rivals such as the VW Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura and Toyota Etios Cross with their new offering. While the above mentioned rivals have seen little to modest penetration in the market, HMIL believes that it will be able to do better thanks primarily to the strong brand value of the i20, and the Hyundai brand as such.

Engine options for the i20 Cross will be carried over from the Elite i20. There would be no changes to the power or torque of these engines, a source told INNLIVE. The i20 Cross will not be an India-exclusive product, but will be sold in other markets as well. ‘Popularity of the hatchback-derived cross is much higher outside India, where the car will definitely be sold’, the person said.

The second largest carmaker in India- Hyundai Motors is soon to make global debut of the Elite i20 Cross in March 2015. The hatch turned crossover segment is gradually taking customers attention and it is pretty evident from the introduction of VW Cross Polo, Toyota Etios Cross and the recently launched Fiat Avventura, that are indeed doing great in the industry. 

Amid such circumstances, Hyundai obviously could not sit and relax, so it is ready to snatch the market share with its upcoming Elite i20 Cross in India. To give you more insights of the car, we have come with a list of points that the readers need to know about the car.

Exteriors – To make a good appearance is certainly very important for a car to allure new customers and Hyundai knowing this fact has designed the Cross in a very distinctive manner. The style and design of the new crossover is likely to have more than an ephemeral resemblance to its smaller sibling Elite i20. Unlike its hatch Elite i20, the upcoming Cross will feature projector headlamps, daytime-running-LEDs along with LED tail lamps. 

Similar to all other Cross in the market, Hyundai too has designed the car with all around body cladding. In order to look like beefed up Cross, the car will surely come with raised ride height. Additionally, to enhance the Cross look, it will also feature bumpers with faux bash guard. So to sum up, the car will carry bolder and more masculine looks with added ground clearance.

The spied test mules of the Cross Elite i20 suggests that the car will be offered in additional colour schemes from that of its hatch. Coming to the tyres, the Cross might feature same 16-inches alloy wheels as found in high-end version of hatch, though new set of alloys may also be there in the new Cross.

Interiors – The Elite i20 Cross is likely to be more striking as well as feature-rich than the already very much glorious Elite i20 hatchback. Though, the basic interiors design and outline will be kept same as hatchback, the Cross Elite i20 is expected to feature more chic upholstery, sportier seats and many added equipments. To differentiate its vehicle from contenders, Hyundai could amend the colour scheme on Elite i20 Cross interiors. 

The European Hyundai Elite i20 Cross comes in different colour options and same is expected to be imparted in Indian bound vehicle. Comfort and convenience features in the car could come in the form of a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, height adjustable driver’s seat, 2-Din audio system with 1-GB inbuilt storage, cooled glove-box, climate control, cruise control, two power outlets, reverse parking assistance unit.

Engine – As it is world debut, the carmaker could launch Elite i20 in India with the Kappa 1.0-liter T-GDI turbo petrol, showcased at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The 1.0L T-GDI 3-cylinders can churn out a meaty 118 bhp power and 172 Nm of peak torque.  While the diesel variants could get the same 1.4 litre CRDi mill that delivers 89bhp and 219Nm torque and is paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. Talking about the fuel efficiency, Hyundai Elite i20 Cross is expected to offer around 18.4kmpl of mileage.

Pricing - In terms of pricing, the Korean automaker with strong wish to contend rival Ford EcoSport, is likely to tag Elite i20 Cross around Rs. 6.50 – 8.00 lac. The Elite i20 hatchback has been unparalleled success for Hyundai Motors in India and the Cross version of the small car will surely garner more sale volumes for the company by repeating the success of its sibling.