ix20 Caught Testing in India; Launch Plans or Something Else?

Hyundai at the recently concluded Geneva Motor Show showcased a slightly refreshed ix20. The compact MPV is sold in European markets and gets minor styling updates, projectors, LED tail lamps and slight retuning of the engines. They have also replaced the old 4 speed auto unit with a new 6 speed automatic transmission.

Wondering why we are talking about it? Because the car was recently spotted by a Flywheel reader in camouflage in India. It is not clear why is the company testing the ix20 on our soil considering that there doesn’t appear to be a proper space where Hyundai can slot it in. So there is a possibility that this may just be a part of Hyundai’s regular testing of products in different terrains and weather conditions across the world.

Hyundai ix20 Spy Pics India

However, a far fetched story might be that the South Korea based manufacturer, buoyed by the success of their premium hatchback Elite i20, may be planning to launch the ix20 as a smaller MPV. Larger 7 seaters like the Mobilio and Lodgy have pretty much failed to  garner success, and their case history is something from which Hyundai might have taken a leaf or two.

Hyundai ix20 Spy Pics India

In terms of engines, the new ix20 gets the same 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre diesel mills with increased torque outputs of 240 Nm and 260 Nm respectively. The petrol is also the same 1.6 litre mill seen in cars like the Verna and Creta in India, with a 6 speed auto unit.

Also ReadNew 2016 Hyundai Elantra Spotted in India First Time! May Launch This Year

So, the question is – Hyundai what’s cooking?

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