Hyundai Motor India has launched the all-new i20 today in 13 variants with combinations of three engines and five gearbox options for all India ex-showroom prices starting from INR 6.79 lakh up to INR 11.17 lakh.

The i20 has already sold over 25 lakh globally, including 10 lakh is in India. According to the vehicle maker, over 50 percent of customers in the premium compact segment in India choose i20.

For the new i20, Hyundai has taken efforts to make it successful, through its six key pillars approach that aim to improve on interiors, exteriors, performance, safety, offering innovative technology and peace of mind in maintaining the car. Inspired by Hyundai global design philosophy – Sensuous Sportiness, the new car is sleek, agile and has progressive dimensions, incorporating a seamlessly integrated blend of advanced and modern character lines.

Exteriors

LED headlamps with i20 branded LED DRLs, projector fog lamps and parametric jewel pattern grill that is designed to be oblique, accentuating smooth curvature around the car, make the exterior iconic. The muscular looks of the bonnet with sharp lines, the flyback chrome beltline design bold, large daylight opening area with quarter glass, shark fin antenna makes the car stand apart. The chrome garnish connecting the Z-shaped LED tail lamps with i20 branding, makes the rear appear wider. The branding is also in the side sill garnish. The shell is designed not only to be attractive but also to be aerodynamic to support fuel economy, as the drag coefficient is as low as 0.33.

Compared to the outgoing i20 the new variant is longer by 10mm to 3,995mm, wider by 16mm to 1,750mm and wheelbase longer by 10mm to 2,580mm. The legroom has been increased by 88mm and shoulder room by 40mm.

The new cars comes in a wide choice of colour options including polar white, typhoon silver, titan grey, fiery red, starry night, metallic copper and dual-tone colour options such as polar white with black roof  and fiery red with black roof.

Interiors

As and when you enter the car, the first thing that you notice is the roomy interior, perhaps due to the horizontal design pattern that runs across from the driver side door to co-passenger side door. The leatherette upholstery, the sleek dashboard, ambient blue light, digital cluster with TFT displaying multiple information, Oxyboost air purifier, wireless charger with a cooling pad, electric sunroof improve the looks and comfort.

The 10 inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; it can be connected with multiple devices through Bluetooth. Hyundai is the first in the country to introduce the BOSE 7-speaker system (four speakers, two tweeters and a subwoofer). Besides, the sliding front armrest, rear-seat armrest and tilt / telescopic steering add to the comfort.

Improved convenience is now delivered through BlueLink that offers 50 Connected Car features including first-in-segment Over-The-Air Updates (OTA) for enhanced in-car connectivity offering customers convenience and comfort.

The horizontal lines in the exterior and interior make the car appear more expansive in the outside and roomier inside.

Hyundai is offering the all-new i20 in Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) variants. Besides, it gives the customers a variety of petrol, diesel and turbo petrol engines and transmission options that include Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and Manual Transmissions. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol that develops 120PS of power comes in DCT and iMT options while the 1.2 Kappa that develops 88PS is mated to iVT – intelligent Variable Transmission. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that generates 100PS of power is mated with 6-speed manual transmission.  (MT)

NB: See full story in Nov-Dec edition of Motoring Trends. 

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Automotive major Stellantis has announced the formation of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council, a forum intended to increase collaboration between the carmaker and its supply chain. The council brings together senior Stellantis leadership and 26 supplier partners representing various automotive technologies and commodities.

The council will convene for three sessions during 2026, with each meeting lasting 1.5 days. The initiative includes participation from major European supplier associations, ANFIA and FIEV, to provide a collective voice for the regional supply base.

The Council's primary functions include:

• Operational Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across the value chain.
• Strategic Workstreams: Establishing joint Stellantis-supplier groups focused on production planning, cost competitiveness and operational excellence.
• Innovation Readiness: Accelerating the deployment of new technologies and ensuring launch readiness for future vehicle programmes.
• Regulatory Alignment: Addressing European Union regulatory requirements and geopolitical instability.

The council is designed to modernise supplier partnerships amid technological shifts and market volatility. By co-leading workstreams, Stellantis and its partners aim to align performance expectations and enhance the resilience of the European manufacturing and R&D platforms.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Stellantis Europe, said, “The launch of the Europe Supplier Advisory Council represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen the region’s industrial performance. Today, more than ever, our success depends on deep collaboration with our supplier partners. By creating a shared forum where we openly discuss challenges and opportunities, we are building the foundation for faster execution, stronger competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Europe.”

Stephane Dubs, SVP of Purchasing and Supplier Quality for Stellantis Europe, added, “Our suppliers are essential contributors to Stellantis’ transformation. This new Council allows us to work side-by-side, with transparency and respect, to co-create solutions that benefit both sides. Together, we will address the critical issues shaping our industry—whether in quality, launch readiness, cost competitiveness, innovation, or supply chain resilience—and turn them into strategic advantages for our entire ecosystem.”

Jean-Louis Pech, President, FIEV, commented, “FIEV welcomes the opportunity to join Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council, which represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship and enrich the dialogue with suppliers. This participation will enable us to represent, with ANFIA, the collective voice of suppliers and actively contribute to the Council’s work.”

Marco Stella, President, ANFIA Components Group and Vice-President of ANFIA, stated, “Now more than ever, it is essential to invest in a fruitful partnership between Stellantis and the supply chain ecosystem, caught between European market weakness, geopolitical instability and fierceful competition, also to face united and together EU regulatory challenges and support EU manufacturing and R&D platforms.”

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Spinny, an Indian full-stack used car platform, has announced that it recorded a threefold increase in vehicle deliveries on Gudi Padwa compared to standard operating days. The surge indicates a trend of consumers aligning automotive purchases with festive milestones.

The festive period saw a 50 percent increase in footfall across Spinny Car Hubs in the days leading up to the holiday. Its data suggests that 86 percent of customers experienced a standard delivery process despite the heightened activity.

Regional demand was concentrated in western and southern India:

• Maharashtra: Pune and Mumbai recorded over six times their average daily delivery volumes, with each city serving more than 100 customers in a single day.
• Geographic Contribution: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka collectively accounted for 70 percent of total deliveries on the day.

In terms of demand trends, Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki India were the most preferred auto brands, while Hyundai Grand i10 was the most purchased vehicle. White remained the most popular exterior colour across all markets. It saw 53 percent of buyers utilised credit solutions to fund their purchases, reflecting a shift towards structured ownership.

Hanish Yadav, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural significance as a time of renewal and new beginnings. We are witnessing more customers align their car-buying journeys with such meaningful occasions. The strong surge in deliveries and increased engagement across our hubs reflects both evolving consumer intent and the trust placed in Spinny. Our focus remains on ensuring a transparent, reliable, and high-quality experience - regardless of demand cycles.”

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Renault India has officially released the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for the newly launched Duster, which is now powered by the Turbo TCe 160 engine. This latest iteration of the SUV delivers a fuel economy rating of 18.45 kmpl when paired with the DCT automatic gearbox, while the version equipped with the six-speed manual transmission achieves a rating of 17.75 kmpl.

Developed specifically to suit Indian driving conditions, the vehicle combines robust performance with what Renault describes as best-in-class ride and handling characteristics. At the heart of the Duster is a turbo-petrol unit that generates 163 PS of power along with 280 Nm of torque, securing its position as the most powerful engine in its category.

Through intelligent engineering and a carefully optimised powertrain, Renault has managed to create a compelling balance that merges high output with segment-leading fuel efficiency, ensuring drivers do not have to compromise between spirited performance and economical running.

Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value. New Renault Duster’s Turbo 160 engine integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimise combustion and efficiency. Paired with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain delivers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.”

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South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Company has named Bradley J. Arnold as Chief Designer and Head of Hyundai Design North America (HDNA) in Irvine, California.

He will oversee vehicle and concept design for the North American market, focusing on the company’s design-led strategy.

Arnold rejoined Hyundai in 2016 and has held various leadership roles within the California studio. Since 2021, he led the exterior design team, contributing to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. His previous experience includes:

• Hyundai (2008–2011): Contributions to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe exterior and Hyundai Curb Concept interior.
• General Motors Design (2011–2016): Work on the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, Chevrolet Tru 140S, and mobility concepts.
• Academic: Graduate of and former instructor at the ArtCenter College of Design.

In 2025, Arnold served as interim design head at HDNA, where he managed the development of production and concept vehicles. He directed the global XRT off-road strategy within 'The Sandbox,' a design hub at the California studio.

Under his guidance, this facility has produced the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO, the CRATER Concept, and upcoming XRT models scheduled for production.

Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “Design is the clearest expression of our ambition as a brand. Brad brings clarity, courage, and a strong connection to North American customers. His leadership will be instrumental as Hyundai Design North America shapes vehicles that are both emotionally engaging and globally relevant.”

SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, commented, “With more than 18 years of experience working with highly respected global automotive brands, Brad brings an exceptional level of creative leadership and vision. We are excited to have him lead Hyundai Design North America and build on the strong momentum of our vehicle design direction.”

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