From the time it became clear that Hyundai would introduce the next generation of the i20, I had been secretly hoping for a unit to be made available to us. After having used the Grand i10 for several months it was more than an educated guess at the time that the i20 would come loaded with features, some of them class-leading and some others even first in segment. Knowing how Hyundai operate, the quality of interior would also be top-notch. Of course, at the time I had no idea what the car would be to drive like.
Fast forward a few months and not only have I driven one to discover that the Elite i20 (as this new-gen i20 is being called by the Korean auto giant) is vastly improved over its predecessor where dynamics are concerned, but my secret desire also has come true. Hyundai have been kind enough to provide us with a spanking new unit of the Elite in the range-topping Asta trim. Needless to say, I have managed to wrangle the keys to this unit and appropriated it as my choice of wheels for the rest of the duration of the long-term test. The fact that it comes with the famed 1.4L CRDi diesel engine mated to a six-speed transmission, of course, helped me make the right choice.
We are hoping to pile on the kilometres over the next few months as we assess how the vehicle is to live with. So do stay glued to this section of the magazine for updates on life with the Hyundai Elite i20.
— Aninda Sardar
