Hyundai’s i20 light car is in line for an update and these Carparazzi spy pix show the Korean company is on track to bring a freshened-up version to market in 2012.
The heavily-clad prototype caught here on test in southern Europe shows the little Hyundai will get an entirely new face that almost seems to turn back the clock with a new restraint evident in the design of the headlights, which are arranged more horizontally than the upswept teardrops of the current model.
It appears these will blend into the upper grille, which itself will be underwritten by an ovalised lower air intake incorporating horizontal slats, similar to the recently introduced Accent model that slots between the i20 and i30...
Likewise, the tail lights also appear to adopt a more restrained form contrasting with the curvy, wraparound lenses used in today’s model. The i20’s profile appears pretty unchanged, right down to the external rearview mirrors and the well defined upper and lower body creases.
As for the interior, the Carparazzi photographers weren’t able to sidle in for a closer, through-the-window look, but we would have to assume any changes there would be minimal and focussed only on small details.
The i20 was introduced locally earlier this year and in the month of August was sitting on second sales spot for Hyundai, behind the i30. The updated Hyundai i20 is expected to go on sale during 2012.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...