2017 Hyundai Elite i20 Competition Check

Hyundai has introduced the 2017 model year Elite i20 in India. The B+ segment hatch now gets a dual-tone body paint scheme with the option of white and red hues for the body and a blacked-out roof on the Astra trim. Apart from that, there are hardly any changes made to the exterior. On the inside, however, there are orange highlights all around. The biggest change inside is the new seven-inch touchscreen unit first seen in the new Grand i10, along with smartphone connectivity.  The Elite i20 is one of the highest selling premium hatchbacks in India. Let’s see how it fares against its adversaries 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The arch nemesis to the Elite i20 has always been the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The Nexa product is a tad bigger than the Elite i20, but the Hyundai has a longer wheelbase.  The Elite i20 is available in two petrol and a diesel powertrain and so is the Baleno. However, apart from the Baleno RS, the Elite i20 triumphs in terms of power figures. Being premium hatchback products, both the cars are filled to the brim with features and creature comforts. Both cars have dual front airbags as a standard offering, and additionally, Baleno offers ABS as a standard fitment across the range.

Volkswagen Polo

Dimensionally, the Polo measures less compared to the plum Elite i20. The Polo offers a DSG gearbox in this segment and comes with dual front-airbags and ABS as a standard offering across all the variants. The Polo tinkered with the idea of hot hatches with the Polo GT series powered by a potent TSI engine followed by a powerful TDI variant. The Polo makes a mark for itself with its superior build quality, handling and performance with German heritage. However, the Elite i20 is spacious, practical and easier on the pocket compared to the Volkswagen. Both the B+ hatches come packed with all the bells and whistles expected of cars in this segment.

Honda Jazz 

Now in its third generation, the all-new Honda Jazz is available with both petrol and diesel engines. Incidentally, the top-of-the-line Jazz is most expensive in the segment. The diesel engine in the Jazz is also the most powerful unit in the segment. The Jazz also offers a CVT transmission in the automatic variant. The Jazz comes with a unique magic seat arrangement making way for a flexible cabin space. On the other hand, the Elite i20 offers six airbags in the top-trim (highest in the segment) and comes loaded with features like six-speaker stereo, rear air-con, cooled glovebox and projector headlamps to name a few.