The subcompact hatchbacks aren’t what they used to be, but being an admirer of these narrow city cars, I’ve kept an eye on the Hyundai i20.
Since hearing the news about the complete redesign for 2027, I’ve been checking out the latest rumors and spy shots to find out the latest on the changes.
I believe we will be seeing the most major redesign in years in the supermini industry. Considering this possible redesign, here’s what you can start to analyze and what I have to say about the incredible first design and future more advanced design that’s been proposed.
Exterior Updates
I like how Hyundai is modernizing their lineup. For the 2027 i20, Hyundai has added a design language they call the “Art of Steel.” They have first unveiled this design with the Hyundai Nexo and I have to say this is really good design. Following are the key highlights of 2027 Hyundai i20:
- Solid Proportions: The Nexo shows off a more minimalist look, and I see that Hyundai is sticking with a solid look with the 2027 i20.
- The New Face: Instead of a grille, the 2027 i20 has a wide thin grille with a lower intake. I think this gives the 2027 i20 a more aggressive and sporty wider stance.
- That Window Line: From the spy photos, the rear window line now has a very aggressive upward trend reaching the back of the car. The rear quarter windows have also been removed in this design, combined with bolder C-pillars. I think this design looks very fresh, and very modern, but I do also think it may add a blind spot to the rear view line of sight, I will have to check it out for myself first.
Interior Upgrades
The area were i wanted to see the biggest changes was the interior. The current four-spoke steering wheel and traditional dashboard are always felt outdated to me.
I think the 2027 interior is going to change the game. With the dashboard being simplified, the traditional layouts of the dash and the instrument clusters are going to be separated by a single piece of curved glass.
This newer trend that combines the instrument cluster with the infotainment screen is an incredible idea, and makes the vehicles a lot nicer and affordable.
There are also the rumors of the new infotainment system replacing the traditional navigation system and the addition of Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect system. Also, the addition of a smaller, more compact, three spoke steering wheel is going to give the interior a more sporty feel.
Powertrain & Performance
Looking at the underbody spy shots of the 2027 Hyundai i20, the small exhaust means we are seeing smaller engines. Hyundai could be using those smaller engines to beat the strict Euro 7 regulations, which I believe they are doing smartly.
Below, I have detailed the lineup for what I think could be the smarter moves:
- Goodbye 1.2 MPi – What I believe is happening is, Europe will be eliminating the 1.2 naturally aspirated engine. This engine is a 1.2 liter engine, and is good for the markets that are developing, but I believe, is not good for Europe.
- The Sweet Spot – The 1.0 T-GDI three cylinder engine that has some 48 volt mild hybrid technology is a smart choice, and is even a better engine, since the current engine version that I’ve seen has the ability to tow 1,110 kg with a manual stick shift.
- A Full Hybrid? Because of emissions regulations, I think that the choice here would have to be self-charging hybrid in order to compete with the Toyota Yaris.
- The Return of the i20 N – I am a petrol head, and wish to see the hot-hatch version of the car return. Word on the street is that the i20 N is coming back and, in my opinion, that would be the smartest move.
In the end of this review, i will say that the Hyundai is on the right track. Rather than letting the i20 fade into the abyss, I think they are keeping the i20 as a tech’d-up, beautifully designed little powerhouse.
If you’re after the perfect subcompact hatch in 2027, I recommend you wait until after the official i20 release to make your purchase!
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