Hyundai launches Elite i20 AT at Rs 9.01 lakh

Hyundai finally adds an automatic variant to the Elite i20 range. The automatic version will be offered with a brand new 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Ever since the launch of the Hyundai Elite i20 in 2014, this premium hatchback has been the segment leader by a comfortable margin. What is a bit surprising is that it took two years for the Korean car manufacturer to launch an automatic version of this popular hatchback. Well, they have finally done the needful and it is priced at Rs 9.01 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. This automatic variant will only be available in Magna trim.

Apart from getting a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the Elite i20 AT also gets a brand new 1,368cc petrol engine. This is Hyundai's second 1.4-litre petrol engine as the older 1,396cc continues to power the Verna. The Elite i20 AT now boasts a power output of 98bhp and 132Nm of torque. As the Magna is a mid-level variant, unfortunately, the Elite i20 AT will not come with features like the multimedia touchscreen system, automatic climate control, parking camera and alloy wheels. But it is equipped with 2-DIN audio system with 1GB internal memory, steering-mounted controls and keeping safety in mind, it is also equipped with dual airbags.

The Elite i20 AT is more expensive than its rivals the Honda Jazz CVT and Maruti Suzuki Baleno CVT because the latter two are powered by 1.2-litre engines and receive excise benefits. Although, the most expensive automatic hatchback in the segment is the Volkswagen GT TSI, which gets a dual-clutch transmission.

Apart from this, Hyundai has also updated the top-of-the-line Asta (O) variant of the Elite i20 and Active i20. They now come equipped with six airbags. The Elite i20 is now the only hatchback to have six airbags in its segment.

The top-end petrol manual variant of the Elite i20 is priced at Rs 7.76 lakh and diesel Rs 8.99 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi).