Hyundai considering new body styles for European-spec i20

At 4.03 metres long and 1.73 metres wide, the Hyundai i20 is among the largest family hatchbacks in Europe, however, it could grow an even bigger footprint. According to a report by Automotive News Europe, the Korean carmaker is considering adding new body styles for the i20 that could include a station wagon model.

The addition of a station wagon model will help Hyundai compete against cars like the Skoda Fabia wagon and the Peugeot 208 SW in Europe. The company’s design boss Thomas Buerkle has being reported commenting on additional body styles for the i20. According to Buerkle, the i20 wagon could be a traditional wagon or a blend of station wagon and shooting brake in three-door and five-door versions.

Introducing new body styles for the i20 will surely improve the vehicle’s comparatively weak performance in the subcompact segment. In comparison to Europe’s best-selling subcompact, namely the Ford Fiesta, which achieved sales of 204,507 units in the first eight months this year, Hyundai sold just 52,612 units of the i20 during the same period. 

European markets will soon get the latest-generation i20 (called the Elite i20 in India). Sales of the five-door model will start early next year while a sportier three-door model called the i20 coupe will arrive later during the year. The vehicle will be powered by a new 1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops up to 120bhp of power. 

Source: AutomotiveNewsEurope