Currently reading: New 2020 Hyundai i20 leaked ahead of official debut

Hyundai's supermini will take on the Ford Fiesta and Mini hatch with a sporty stance and angular styling

Images of the next-generation Hyundai i20 supermini have appeared online ahead of its official debut at the Geneva motor show next month, showing the results of a significant styling overhaul. 

Official: Hyundai reveals all-new i20 ahead of public debut

The model looks to remain true to the spy shots and preview renders we've previously seen, featuring a more aggressive stance than its predecessor and a front end modelled after its smaller i10 sibling.

The latest iteration of Hyundai's corporate grille design features, flanked by a pair of angular LED headlights inspired by those on the flagship Santa Fe SUV. A prominent chrome strip running the length of the window line indicates Hyundai's intentions to move the model upmarket to compete with the Ford Fiesta and Audi A1.

Now that the heavy body disguise seen on camouflaged prototypes has been lifted, we can see that the i20's overall shape and short overhangs bear a resemblance to the larger Hyundai i30.

I21

The current i20 has been on sale since 2015 in the UK, so initial customer deliveries at the end of 2020 or at the beginning of 2021 fit in with the usual six-year lifecycle for mainstream models. 

Little is known about the new i20's underpinnings, but expect an extensive overhaul of the car's interior and technology to bring it into line with newer Hyundais, such as the i10 and Hyundai Kona. There's also a strong possibility that some electrified powertrain variants will be brought in to help the Korean maker meet stringent EU emissions targets. 

It remains to be seen if the three-door i20 Coupé will make a return in this new generation. Most manufacturers have ditched three-door variants of small cars due to the balance of demand vs complexity of production. There was also expected to be a hot i20 N this year, but that decision may have been pushed back.

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Car review

The second-generation Hyundai i20 is a very spacious, well-kitted and keenly priced addition to the competitive supermini segment, but is ultimately let down by its weak engines

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catnip 18 February 2020

I think the problem with the

I think the problem with the rear end is that the rear lights are too large and deep, and extend too far down the sides. It reminds me of the original Mark 3 focus, which looked a lot better after its mide life facelift. I like the fact there seems to be plenty of glass around the rear three quarters, and Ford will be flattered that Mr Allan considers the Fiesta to be upmarket like the A1.

si73 18 February 2020

Not sure I see a rodius in

Not sure I see a rodius in there but the rear does look odd, not sure if it's because the rear hatch window is so much deeper than the height of the side windows that make the rear hatch look like it's from a different car?
gavsmit 18 February 2020

Ssangyong Rodius rear end

Strange they've taken inspiration for the rear end from one of the ugliest cars ever made.

It's quite a unique skill as well to take a great looking concept sketch and turn it into something mundane with ugly touches. Hyundai / Kia seem to do it all the time.