Hyderabad|India|July'2009: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the largest exporter and second largest car manufacturer in the country, is revving up the Indian compact car market with a diesel offering of its premium compact hatchback, the i20. The i20 has already taken the Indian and overseas compact car market by storm with its contemporary styling, feature rich interiors and class leading safety features. For the first time, Hyundai also announces the availability of the i20 automatic loaded with exciting features to delight its customers.

Powerful yet fuel-efficient, the Hyundai i20 diesel comes with a 1.4 litre CRDi engine with a maximum power of 90PS@4000rpm and a peak torque of 22.4kgm@1750~2750rpm. The engine delivers unmatched power, best-in-class torque, class leading technology and excellent fuel efficiency.

With the launch of i20 diesel, Hyundai plans to tap the vast potential that exists in the diesel car segment in India. The powerful, CRDi powerplant boasts of state-of-the-art technological innovations like the Electrical EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) with EGR cooler and eco-friendly oil filter that reduces pollution and the maintenance cost; LAMBDA sensor that delivers maximum fuel efficiency, Swirl Control Valves that guarantees enhanced class-leading performance, Roller swingarm & HLA (Hydraulic Lash Adjusters) that ensures peak performance with low noise and low maintenance and the DOHC, 16 Valve engine provides maximum driving pleasure with high fuel economy.

For the first time in the premium compact segment, Hyundai also introduces the i20 Automatic Transmission (AT) with the power-packed 1.4 litre GAMMA petrol engine. The engine uses a DOHC, 16 Valve, VTVT technology that ensures quick acceleration, smooth drivability, low emissions and optimum fuel mileage. Its impressive power of 100PS@5500rpm, the highest in the segment and a maximum torque of 13.9 kgm@4200rpm makes for a comfortable city driving. The revolutionary Automatic Transmission i20 uses a 4-speed gearbox with an overdrive lock switch.

The i20 AT launch was necessitated keeping in mind the ever-increasing city traffic with its start-stop-go driving cycles, especially during peak hours, resulting in repeated usage of clutch and gear-shifting which in-turn leads to driver fatigue. With the i20 now available with automatic transmission, the diesel and the petrol engine variant, consumers can now look forward to the entire range for the i20 model. With the launch of the i20 Automatic, HMIL becomes the first manufacturer to offer an automatic option across all the segments starting from the compact to the premium.

HMIL is also the first manufacturer in India which has produced a car which was awarded the 5 Star Euro NCAP rating. Recently, the i20 was awarded this safety rating by the Euro New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) which rates all cars on safety parameters like active, passive and pedestrian safety. The i20, boasting of a high array of safety features is the first car in its segment to offer 6 airbags, rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD which are standard equipment on the diesel and the automatic variant. To enhance the driving experience a panoramic sunroof is also offered as an option across all variants.

Commenting on the launch of the i20 diesel, Arvind Saxena, Sr VP, Marketing & Sales, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “The launch of i20 diesel is a proud moment for us, especially after the immense success of i20, both in India and overseas market. The i20 will also be available now with an automatic transmission – a first in the premium compact car segment. Both the variants, while offering the much needed fuel-economy to our customers, will also provide superior technology and best-in-class performance. The large and powerful 1.4 litre diesel engine represents the ultimate in fuel efficiency, safety, driving pleasure and economy. In fact, the immaculate performance and safety feature of the i20 has made it the first India produced car to meet the stringent European safety norms and in fact enjoys a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating making it the safest car available in this segment.”

Hyundai created a new era in the Indian compact segment with the introduction the i20. The i20 was first displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October, 2008 and immediately became a favourite with its distinctive styling, refreshing features and unmatched safety features. All these have made Hyundai one of the fastest growing and preferred automobile companies in India. It enjoys a high customer confidence and satisfaction levels both in India and abroad. The i20 since its launch in India on December 29, 2008 has sold over 72,000 units with domestic sales accounting for over 12,000 units while the export market covering different continents from Europe, Africa and Asia lapped up over 60,000 units in a short span of six months.

The i20 diesel and the petrol will be available in three different variants starting with Magna, Asta and the Asta Option which comes with a panoramic sunroof. The i20 Automatic will be sold in two variants namely the Asta and the Asta Option. The base Magna offers options like power windows, electric power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment and air-conditioning/heating. The top-end Asta Option offers class leading premium features like six airbags, sunroof and alloy wheels. With the launch of the diesel and the Automatic variants the i20 is now available in eight variants and seven exciting colours.