India’s second best car manufacture Hyundai motors has unlocked another milestone as the premium compact hatchback has crossed 1 million global sales. The figures include the sales of first gen i20, Elite i20 and the crossover version i20 Active. Hyundai launched the first gen i20 in the year 2008 which received a mild facelift in 2012. In 2014, Hyundai introduced an all new model Elite i20 based on latest fluidic design philosophy which helped it earned the Indian car of the year award last year. Later on, it was joined the by the crossover version of the hatchback i20 active.
Since its inception in 2008, i20 has received as many as 34 awards including the ICOTY 2015. Even selling for a premium over hatchbacks like Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo and newly launched Maruti Baleno, i20 still managed to outshine them with great numbers. Apart from a strong hold in domestic market, its export numbers are relatively great that adds to the global success of the hatchback.
The Elite version has been the most successful of the lot as it garnered 56,000 bookings within four months of its launch and crossed lakh sales milestone in less than a year’s time. Hyundai has recently updated the already feature rich model with a 7 inch touchscreen with AVN system, projector headlamps with LED DRLs and static cornering lights etc. Since its launch in 2014, the new model has regularly been in the list of top 10 cars of the month.
Here is the model and year wise sales presentation of the i20 series:-
| Version | Launch date | Domestic sales | Exports | Total |
| Hyundai i20 | 29 December 2008 | 367146 | 389889 | 7,57,035 |
| Elite i20 | 11 August 2014 | 205441 | 16603 | 2,22,044 |
| I20 Active | 17 March 2015 | 30887 | 7153 | 38,031 |
| Grand Total | 10,17,110 | |||
Mr Y.K. Koo – MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), said on the achievement, “Reaching this historic mark is a testament to Hyundai i20’s staying power and the global appeal of a vehicle that delivers sporty design, functionality and class-leading performance. We are extremely delighted that i20 models have achieved this milestone of 1 million global sales and met the aspirations of Indian and Global customers.Hyundai is modern Premium brand that offers quality, innovation and value for money with awards winning cutting-edge technology, styling and performance. Hyundai is committed towards fulfilling the customers’ aspirations and will continue to evolve its products as per the ever changing market trends.”
To further set the sales chart of fire, Hyundai to launch an automatic transmission version of its popular and best selling Elite i20. The official launch is expected in the couple of months with deliveries starting during the upcoming festive season. Reports also hint that Hyundai will be launching automatic transmission at least on the two trims- Magna and Asta or Sportz.
The AT will be paired with a 1.2L VTVT petrol engine that delivers 82bhp power and 115Nm of torque. However, elite i20 AT is also available with 1.4l but unfortunately it is limited to international markets only. Hyundai might skip some features in order to make it price lucrative, the AT version is expected to start at Rs. 6.6 lakh (showroom).
