Hyundai India will launch the i20 diesel on the 7th of this month. However much before the car is launched we got a chance to checkout the much awaited oil burner from Hyundai. The car looks similar to the i20 petrol. Infact you can’t make out if the car is a petrol or a diesel till you see the CRDi badge at the rear. The version featured above is the Asta variant. The Hyundai i20 diesel gets 6 airbags and sunroof as optionalal (Asta (O)).
We started the car and the car doesn’t make much noise. Yes, the typical diesel clatter is present, but that is audible only from the outside. Inside the car is very well insulated. We even revved the engine to 5000rpm and the she felt comfortable. The gear system in the i20 diesel is different from what is seen in the i20 petrol. The reverse gear no longer resides near the 5th gear. You have to lift a button and push it next to first gear to get into reverse, similar to what is seen in the Chevrolet Optra.
The 1.4L 16V CRDi unit produces 90PS of power at 4000rpm and a delicious 22.4kgm of torque at just 1750rpm. We expect the car to be a hoot to drive and can’t wait to get behind the wheel. Hyundai has done a fantastic job by not skimping on essential features like ABS and rear wiper washer. Now only if they price it well. We have been hearing 7.5L OTR, Mumbai for the top end Asta (O).
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July 1st, 2009 at 7:03 pm
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW
amazing SCOOP
hyundai shocked every one with this sudden launch
sunroof!!!!six airbags..!!!!!!!!!
even in diesel variant!!! wow hyundai
you guys at motorbeam ROCK man
July 1st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Motorbeam, this is a fantastic achievement. I am delighted, I hope to see more such reviews and exclusives. All credit to Fasi and his constant determination to bring the best possible content for people like me to enjoy. Thank you for this and keep it up!
July 1st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Simply superb… I stumbled on motorbeam by chance- surfing car sites is a hobby.I rate motorbeam right on top for content and the refresh rate. This scoop is amazing.. Keep it up guyz..
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
Hats-off to U guys @ Motorbeam………
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Is there any chance for i20 crdi to come with auto transmission?
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Hameed, no announcements yet. Mostly the i20 CRDi will come with manual transmission only.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Saw i20 CRDi in the nearby showroom (slose to my office). Compared to ASTA petrol everything seems to be the same except for gears (as in photos above) and engine (of course). Those guys will be revealing price tomorrow and expected on road price here in Indore would be around Rs. 675000.
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:23 am
good work.
but i think your title is misleading. it is suppose to be a preview and not a review.
for obvious reasons you haven’t test rode i20 crdi. rite. if its done. post the whole test report.
or else rename the title to preview.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Good Stuff with the scoop ! Just the pricing remains to be seen. Hope Hyundai will not dissapoint with the pricing.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Shantu, if I had driven the car I would have written the title as test drive review. Anyways will try to test the car asap.
July 5th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Nice scoop!!! keep up the good work. Any idea about the prices?
July 5th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Took test drive yesterday. Specs was still not available with the dealer. Reverse gear was a little funny to me as I never drove a car with such gear assembly. Other than that -
1. Car pickup was excellent – gear 1 (as the street was crowded at first)
2. On clear road drove below 40kmph (not below 35) in 4th gear (yes 4th gear!) – and no knocking felt.
3. Took car to 2nd gear then crossed 2000 rpm, then 3rd gear – And believe me this hatchback feels like a rocket!
4. Very much satisfied with the engine performance. Cabin is well insulated with outside noise.
5. Very stable at 120 mph
After the ride I had nothing in mind except for booking and delivery of the vehicle. No second thoughts, no punto tick, no other car in mind.
I would suggest take a TD and fall prey without resisting.
Price still not open, keeping fingers crossed. 60-80k expected more than petrol one.
Goodluck riders.
July 5th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Thanks for your inputs Robin. Surely the car is fast and stable but pricing is crucial.
Jayadev, there is news that Hyundai is still thinking hard about the pricing, because they want to hit the Punto straight.
July 5th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Robin, I assume you mean 120 kmph and not 120 mph
July 5th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
ups.. my bad; yes it was 120 kmph. Everything in kmph
July 5th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
hey, did this car have a sunroof? Or is it the two airbag version??
July 5th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Jayadev, the car pictured above did not have a sunroof.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
On road price as heard by now – Magna 6,45,000 and Asta 7,45,000.
Official announcement not until tomorrow
July 8th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
In a fix now/
booked a dzire vdi n maruti diesel cars or otherwise are gr8. But always had an eye for i20 diesel n now that it has launched …feel like skipping the 2 months waiting period for dzire….will have to expand budget by 20 to 30k as well for asta (middle) model)….will it be worth it..considering maruti diesel engine is better and low cost maintenance but less on features and looks…and what bout mileage comparisons….?(i knw hyundai diesel is ok too)
thanks
July 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Shubhodeep, the multijets will give better efficiency than the i20. I really think Hyundai has overpriced the i20 by a big shot and a major price correction is due soon. Just check the poll on the right and most people think Hyundai has overpriced the i20. I think you should stick with the DZire. Better fuel efficiency, exceptional Maruti service and value for money.