Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), the country's second largest passenger car maker, has developed the next generation variant of its popular i10 hatchback. The new i10 is anticipated to see Indian daylight somewhere in the final quarter of 2013-14 financial year. However, the South Korean auto giant could introduce the next generation i10 ahead of its global schedule, on account of the great demand and popularity for the hatchback, witnessed among domestic audience.
From initial spy shots circulating on the internet, the next generation Hyundai i10 looks like a futuristic avatar of the present model. The upcoming hatch is expected to be both taller and wider than the current i10 version, and will possess the company's critically acclaimed latest 'Fluidic' design language. Accordingly, the next generation variant of Hyundai i10 is anticipated to flaunt some breathtaking curves, stylish wheel arches and an ultra modish overall style statement. The new i10's front fascia will incorporate a bigger radiator grille and bigger headlamps, besides having a more rounded tailgate in the rear end.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications of next generation Hyundai i10, the hatch is anticipated to come fitted with the same 1.2 litre engine that drives the current petrol version. The hatch's 1.2 litre Kappa engine churns out a peak power output of 80 bhp along with a maximum torque delivery close to 110 Nm. The South Korean auto giant is yet to launch a diesel engine powered version of the i10 brand on domestic turf. Hence, no diesel option is expected in the yet-to-be launched next generation Hyundai i10 model in the country.
At present, Hyundai i10 competes against the likes of Ford Figo, Maruti Suzuki Swift, A-Star, Honda Brio and Chevrolet Beat, amongst other hatchback offerings in the Indian passenger car market. The South Korean auto major will be hoping to steer domestic car enthusiasts to its retail outlets, with its upcoming next generation i10 hatchback in the country. Evidently, Hyundai Motor India had a lacklustre performance in the Indian passenger car market and even recorded its worst domestic sales in the 2012 calendar year. Hence, the company will look towards again confidently confronting Maruti Suzuki in the compact segment, with its next generation i10 in the near future.
