Leaked! Photos of the all-new Hyundai i20 hatchback

Hyundai has been keeping the pre-launch exposure of its upcoming i20 hatchback limited to just official sketches until now. However, with photos of the third-generation model leaking yesterday, the Korean carmaker has decided to come out with all the details about the car well ahead of its global debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

In the photos, the i20’s design looks similar to the ones seen in the sketches, and in line with the brand’s current design language. Hyundai says the i20 will be the first model in Europe to follow the company’s new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language.

The wide grille and sharp lines of the front fascia give the i20 an unmistakably Hyundai countenance. The high beltline that run along the profile joins a new quarter window at the C-pillar. The taillight is a full-width LED item now, adding to the i20’s bold looks.

Compared to its predecessor, the all-new i20’s proportions have been modified slightly. The roof has been lowered by 24mm, body wider by 30mm and overall length increased by 5mm. The wheelbase has also seen an increase of 10mm. These, along with the 17in alloy wheels give it a sportier stance than before.

Customers can now choose from 10 exterior colours overall, including four new ones: Intense Blue (seen here), Aurora Gray, Aqua Turquoise and Brass. Hyundai says the Phantom Black roof offers customers even more scope for personalisation with the option of a two-tone style.

Hyundai says the all-new i20’s increased width and longer wheelbase provides increased seating space for passengers in the rear. Boot space has been increased by 25 litres, offering 351 litres overall for luggage. Meanwhile, the quarter-fixed glass window behind the rear door will provide drivers with improved visibility.

Apart from a completely new exterior design, the all-new i20 also gets a range of technological enhancements. There are two new 10.25in screens, consisting of a digital cluster and a navigation touchscreen, which are visually combined in the dashboard.

Powertrains announced now for the European market include a 1.0 T-GDi available with 100 horsepower or 120 horsepower. A 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain can be applied on this engine, either as an option with the 100 horsepower one or as standard with the 120 horsepower. When not mated to the 48-volt mild hybrid system, the 1.0 T-GDi 100 is available with the 7DCT or a manual 6-speed gearbox. A 1.2-litre MPi four-cylinder is also available as an entry engine. This offers 84 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission in Europe.