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Our Bureau

Chennai, Dec. 29 By launching the i20 towards the fag end of the calendar year at a time when sales are flagging, Hyundai Motor India hopes to rev up sales, however limited in number.

It will also fulfil a promise the company made to its dealers — that of launching two models every year. Also, it will reaffirm to its loyal customers that it will introduce products that are contemporary. The i20 was only recently launched in Europe.

While globally the i20 will replace Getz, in India the two cars will co-exist, thus ensuring that the company is present at both ends of the large hatchback segment; the Getz being the lower-priced option and the i20, at the top end. The company’s strategy will be to take on the existing hatchbacks such as the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Chevrolet U-VA, and also counter competition from the likes of the Fiat Grande Punto and the Honda Jazz, as and when they are launched in the country.

Hyundai Motor India wants to give the i20 a premium feel, which explains the features such as CD+MP3 music systems, front and rear power windows, refrigerated glove box as standard in all the variants, while the top-end Asta (O) comes with fully automatic air-conditioner, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering mounted audio control and six airbags. The airbags are a standard feature in all the variants in Europe.

With prices for the three variants ranging from Rs 4.79 lakh to Rs 5.81 lakh, Hyundai Motor India also hopes to wean customers away from the entry-level sedan market, thus attracting customers of the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire or the Ford Ikon, by positioning the i20 as a more attractive proposition. In India, the i20 comes with only one engine option whereas globally it has at least four engine options. Experts say that the company will miss a diesel engine option in the i20.

More Stories on : Outlook | Cars

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