హ్యుందాయ్ Elite ఐ20 2017-2020 1.4 మాగ్నా AT

The Hyundai Elite i20 has been a bestseller since its introduction in 2014. However, it was only in 2016 that the car was launched with an automatic transmission. Available in just one variant, the Elite i20 1.4 Magna AT is priced at Rs 9.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi, as of 8 May, 2017). Compared to the equivalent manual variant, this model commands a hefty premium of Rs 3.09 lakh.

To begin with, the Hyundai Elite i20 comes with dual front airbags as standard. However, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are restricted to the Sportz and above, i.e. variants in which the petrol automatic is unavailable. On the outside, the car features body-coloured wing mirrors, bumpers and door handles, while the wing mirrors get integrated turn indicators.

On the feature front, there are a few features you get in the Magna AT that are not offered in the equivalent manual transmission-equipped variant. These include a foldable key, the headlamp escort function (follow-me-home headlamps), a rear parcel tray and a sunglass holder. A useful inclusion is the height-adjustable driver seat. While the Magna MT also gets a 2-DIN stereo with 6 speakers, the Magna AT gets two additional tweeters at the rear. It is also the only one of the two to feature Bluetooth connectivity and steering-mounted audio controls.

While the Elite i20 AT does have some unique features when compared to its manual counterpart, that is not what causes its hefty price premium. That would be down to its powertrain.

Powering the Elite i20 1.4 Magna AT is a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 100PS of power and 132Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. The primary reason why the Elite i20 automatic commands such a heavy premium is its engine. As it displaces over 1.2-litres, it is not eligible for the sub-4 metre car excise duty cut.

Rivals to the Elite i20 automatic include the Maruti Baleno CVT, Honda Jazz CVT and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI.