Next-Gen Hyundai i20 Spotted Testing: Premium Hatchback To Take On Maruti Baleno In India

Hyundai is one of the largest car manufacturers in the country and they have a presence in international markets too. In fact, only a small portion of their international lineup is actually available to us in India. The i20 is a popular premium hatchback from Hyundai in India and around the world, and it looks like the Korean brand is now working on the next-generation model of this hatchback. Spy pictures of the upcoming i20 have now surfaced online.

The images have been shared by Motor.es on their website. Internationally, the i20 is a popular budget car and it looks like Hyundai is not ready to give up on it. The next, or the fourth-generation Hyundai i20, has been spotted testing in Europe.

Initially, a prototype of the i20 was spotted in South Korea a few months ago, and now we have a much more production-ready version of the car on the road. There were rumours that the test mule spotted earlier was an EV.

However, in this case, the i20 seen here is the ICE version as we get to see the exhaust tip in one of the shots. The car is completely wrapped in camouflage and actually looks similar to the current-generation model in the images. There is a possibility that Hyundai has gone for a design derived from the current-generation model.

From the images, it looks like the front end of the car is going to be different from the current version. It will get a wider front grille with sleeker headlamps that have integrated LED DRLs. These are likely to be dual-function DRLs, which also act as turn indicators. The bonnet design is also likely to change, and we are expecting fog lamps on the bumper too.

Coming to the side profile, you notice large windows with a rising window line. The alloy wheel design on this test mule is also different from the current-generation model. It gets 5-spoke gloss-black wheels with curtain-type inserts. The design of the ORVMs looks different too.

As we move to the rear, there is a large rear windshield with clear-lens LED tail lamps, and the rear bumper is likely to be given a sporty look.

An interior image of the car has also surfaced online and shows a fully covered dashboard. Hyundai is likely to follow their new design language with the next-gen i20 as well. The car is expected to be launched in the market in the second half of 2026. The hatchback might make its way to India soon after the international launch.

Coming to the engine options, the Indian version of the i20 is likely to be offered with petrol and hybrid powertrain options. There is a possibility that Hyundai might introduce a 1.2-litre turbocharged hybrid engine that not only offers better power but is fuel-efficient too. There are also reports that Hyundai might introduce an electric version of the i20. In India, Hyundai i20 rivals with the likes of Tata Altroz, Maruti Baleno in its segment.