Hyundai i20 Turbo Edition launched in UK; will it come to India as Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS rival?

Hyundai Motor UK has launched the i20 Turbo Edition, meeting the growing trend for small capacity turbo petrol engines. The i20 Turbo Edition is powered by 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 100bhp paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine also powers the hatchback to accelerate from 0-100kmph in 10.9 seconds.

Apart from the engine, the Turbo Edition of the i20 features 16-inch alloy wheels in distinctive design and a choice of six exterior colours -- Polar White, Aqua Sparkling, Sleek Silver, Stardust Grey, Phantom Black and Red Passion. The interior of the hatchback comes with Black or Grey coloured theme.

The i20 Turbo Edition sports cruise control with speed limiter, and a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls as standard. It also boasts of a rear view camera, automatic lights with dusk sensor, and satellite navigation via a seven-inch integrated touch screen.

Hyundai has not commented on the arrival of the i20 Turbo Edition in India. Having said that, there is high probability of India debut since Maruti Suzuki, the prime rival of Hyundai, is planning to launch the Baleno RS with turbo-petrol engine in the coming festive season. The Baleno and the Elite i20 are the main players in the premium hatchback segment of India and both the carmakers are competing neck and neck for the supremacy. With the arrival of Baleno RS, the tide will be certainly in favour for Maruti Suzuki. Hence, arrival of i20 Turbo edition in India as a rival to Baleno RS cannot be written off.