Hyundai has silently introduced a new automatic gearbox for the Elite i20. Remember, that the old i20 came with a conventional torque converter automatic gearbox. But for now, on the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 facelift, the premium hatchback features a CVT automatic gearbox which is a first for Hyundai in India.
Hyundai has launched the i20 with a CVT gearbox in two variants. Available only on the 1.2L petrol engine option, the Magna CVT variant is priced at INR 7.04 lakh while the Asta CVT variant is priced at INR 8.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
While the old i20 had a 4-speed conventional automatic gearbox, the new CVT gearbox ideally is a single gear for moving forward, but makes use of pulleys for seamless progression without actually any mechanical shifts inside. Of course, you will feel the rubber band effect on this, which is typical of a CVT gearbox. Also, the previous automatic i20 was available with a 1.4L petrol motor, which made it expensive. With the new 1.2L CVT, there are tax benefits resulting in competitive pricing.
The 1.2L motor on the Hyundai i20 CVT produces 83 HP of power.
However, when you compare the manual Magna & Asta variant to the CVT combination, the price difference is a massive INR 1 lakh. BUT, this pricing of the Hyundai i20 CVT undercuts the pricing of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with a CVT automatic gearbox marginally. So that’s a job well done by Hyundai.