The fourth-generation Hyundai i20 has been spied undergoing hot weather testing in Spain.
Although the prototype snapped by our spy photography agency is covered from head to toe in disguises, we can see the exterior will be all new. The headlights seem flatter and no longer sweep upwards, but the graphics still feature a set of LED eyebrows.
Today’s six-point single frame grille has been replaced a thin, wide unit with a separate lower air intake.
Along the side there are more prominent creases around the wheel arches, but the eye-catching element is the way the window line sweeps dramatically upward as it approaches the C-pillar. Unlike the current car, there won’t be a functional rear quarter window, and the upper portions of the door frame have sharp corners.
False panels are installed under the camouflage at the rear of the car, so it’s hard to discern the shape of the tailgate and lights, although we can see small reversing and fog log lights integrated into the reflectors at the bottom of the bumper.
It’s believed the new i20 will be powered by petrol engines, with EV duties to be shouldered by the likes of the Inster SUV.
The current third-generation i20 was launched locally in 2021, and, unlike most other markets, is only available in N hot hatch form. It is powered by a 150kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual.
The i20 N’s launch came after a six year hiatus, and marked quite a change locally for the model. Up until that point, the i20 was basic city car without a dash of sporting pretense.
It’s unclear if the new i20 will make the trip from Turkey to Australia given the i20 N has been discontinued in Europe, and is now produced solely for the Australian market.
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