i20 Gets More Affordable as Hyundai Motor India reintroduces the Era variant, slashing the premium hatchback’s entry price by approximately Rs 87,000. This strategic pricing move comes at a critical juncture when the premium hatchback segment faces mounting pressure from SUV competition and aggressive pricing from rivals like Maruti Baleno and Tata Altroz. With Tata Motors climbing to second position in overall passenger vehicle sales and Maruti Baleno outselling the i20 by nearly five times, Hyundai’s price correction was less a choice and more a market imperative.
Why Did Hyundai Need This Price Correction?
The Indian automotive landscape has undergone a seismic shift. SUVs now command over 55 per cent market share in passenger vehicle sales, while hatchbacks have witnessed their share plummet from 35 per cent in 2022 to just 27.8 per cent in FY2024.
The Hyundai i20, despite being one of the most feature-laden hatchbacks in India, has been losing ground steadily. Monthly sales figures tell a compelling story: the i20 registered just 3,777 units in November 2025, marking a 4 per cent year-on-year decline. While this still placed it ahead of the Tata Altroz (3,013 units), the gap with segment leader Maruti Baleno (selling over 16,000 units monthly) had become insurmountable at the previous price point.
The Competitive Pressure Factor
Maruti Suzuki’s Baleno, priced from Rs 5.99 lakh, has consistently outsold its rivals by a massive margin. In December 2025, the Baleno dispatched 22,108 units registering a staggering 143 per cent year-on-year growth while the i20 managed just 3,339 units. The price parity now achieved by Hyundai with its i20 Gets More Affordable strategy directly addresses this competitive imbalance. Toyota Glanza, essentially a rebadged Baleno, also outsold the i20 with 6,451 units in December.
Tata Motors’ resurgence adds another dimension to this competitive scenario. The homegrown manufacturer climbed to second position in overall passenger vehicle sales for January 2026, dispatching 70,222 units domestically a remarkable 46 per cent year-on-year growth. This placed Tata ahead of both Mahindra (63,510 units) and Hyundai (59,107 units) in the monthly rankings. The gap between Tata and Mahindra widened to approximately 8,000 units, consolidating Tata’s position for the fourth consecutive month.
This market momentum, driven primarily by SUV offerings like Nexon (23,000+ units) and Punch (19,000+ units), has intensified pressure on traditional hatchback manufacturers to offer more compelling value propositions. When buyers can get a sub-4-metre SUV like the Tata Punch at similar price points, premium hatchbacks need stronger differentiation.
Premium Hatchback Segment Sales Comparison
| Model | Dec 2025 Units | YoY Change | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Baleno | 22,108 | +143% | Rs 5.99 Lakh |
| Toyota Glanza | 6,451 | +85% | Rs 6.39 Lakh |
| Hyundai i20 | 3,339 | -3% | Rs 5.99 Lakh* |
| Tata Altroz | 2,871 | +54% | Rs 6.30 Lakh |
*New pricing effective February 2026
The December 2025 figures underscore why Hyundai needed urgent intervention. Maruti Baleno alone sold 22,108 units more than six times the i20’s 3,339 units. This stark 6:1 sales ratio at nearly identical price points indicated a fundamental value perception gap that the i20 needed to address. Even Toyota Glanza, essentially a rebadged Baleno, outsold the i20 by nearly double.
What Changes With The New Era Variant?
The i20 Gets More Affordable positioning is not merely about price reduction Hyundai has ensured the entry-level Era variant offers genuine value.
Hyundai i20 Era Variant Features
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Standard), ABS with EBD, Hill-Start Assist |
| Convenience | Digital Instrument Cluster, Telescopic Steering, Type-C USB Port |
| Exterior | Body-Coloured ORVMs, Door Handles, Front/Rear Skid Plates |
The six airbags standard fitment is particularly noteworthy, positioning the i20 Era as a future-proof choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Complete Variant-Wise Price Breakdown
Hyundai has restructured the i20 lineup with meaningful price cuts across multiple variants. The Magna Executive and Magna trims receive Rs 13,000 reductions, making them more attractive propositions in the mid-variant space.
Hyundai i20 2026 Key Variant Prices (Ex-Showroom)
| Variant | New Price | Previous Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era (MT) | Rs 5.99 Lakh | — | New Entry |
| Magna Executive (MT) | Rs 6.74 Lakh | Rs 6.87 Lakh | Rs 13,000 |
| Magna (MT) | Rs 6.99 Lakh | Rs 7.12 Lakh | Rs 13,000 |
| Sportz (MT) | Rs 7.99 Lakh | Rs 7.99 Lakh | — |
| Asta (O) (MT) | Rs 9.65 Lakh | Rs 9.65 Lakh | — |
| N Line (DCT) | Rs 11.16 Lakh | Rs 11.16 Lakh | — |
An optional dealer-fitted accessory package at Rs 14,999 adds a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and rear-view camera, backed by three-year warranty.
Technical Specifications: Hyundai i20 Engine & Performance
Hyundai i20 Engine Specifications
| Parameter | 1.2L Petrol (MT/CVT) | 1.0L Turbo GDi |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,197 cc | 998 cc |
| Power | 83-88 PS | 120 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT / CVT | 6-Speed iMT / 7-Speed DCT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 19.65-20.35 km/l | 20.25 km/l |
Dimension & Comfort Specifications
| Parameter | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length x Width x Height | 3,995 x 1,775 x 1,505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Boot Space | 311 litres |
Quick Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Rs 87,000 lower entry price brings segment parity | No diesel or CNG option unlike Tata Altroz |
| Six airbags standard across all variants | Base Era lacks touchscreen infotainment |
| Refined 1.2-litre petrol engine with proven reliability | Slightly firm ride quality at low speeds |
| Premium interior quality and fit-finish levels | Higher maintenance costs than Maruti alternatives |
| Strong 1.47 million+ customer base in India | Lacks 360-degree camera even on top variants |
| Turbo option available for enthusiast buyers | N Line variants remain expensive |
How Does The i20 Now Stack Up Against Competition?
With the i20 Gets More Affordable strategy, Hyundai has achieved price parity with the Maruti Baleno at the entry level.
Premium Hatchback Comparison: Base Variant Features
| Feature | Hyundai i20 Era | Maruti Baleno Sigma | Tata Altroz XE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Rs 5.99 Lakh | Rs 5.99 Lakh | Rs 6.30 Lakh |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol |
| Power | 83 PS | 90 PS | 86 PS |
| Digital Cluster | Yes | No | No |
| Touchscreen | No | No | No |
| Automatic AC | No | No | No |
| Safety Rating | Not Tested | 4-Star Bharat NCAP | 5-Star Global NCAP |
The i20’s six standard airbags provide a significant safety advantage over the Altroz XE, which offers only two airbags in its base configuration.
Market Context: Why This Price Move Was Inevitable
January 2026 sales data reveals the continued dominance of SUVs and challenges facing traditional body styles.
January 2026 Top Carmakers Performance
| Rank | Manufacturer | Jan 2026 Units | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki | 1,74,529 | +0.54% |
| 2 | Tata Motors | 70,222 | +46.07% |
| 3 | Mahindra | 63,510 | +25.37% |
| 4 | Hyundai | 59,107 | +9.45% |
Maruti Suzuki saw hatchback and sedan sales decline 11.78 per cent year-on-year, while SUV and MPV segments registered 14.64 per cent growth. Hyundai’s response with the i20 Era variant demonstrates proactive market adaptation.
Ownership Experience: What Buyers Can Expect
The Hyundai i20’s 15-year presence in India has resulted in a mature ownership ecosystem. With over 1.47 million units sold cumulatively, spare parts availability and service network coverage are comprehensive.
i20 Ownership Costs Estimate
| Parameter | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Insurance (First Year) | Rs 25,000-35,000 |
| Annual Maintenance (Avg) | Rs 8,000-12,000 |
| Resale Value (3 Years) | 65-70% |
The standard warranty coverage of three years or 1,00,000 kilometres provides adequate peace of mind.
Should You Consider The New i20?
Ideal for buyers who:
- Want a premium hatchback experience without SUV bulk
- Prioritise safety with six standard airbags
- Prefer refined petrol-only powertrain options
- Desire a sporty N Line or turbo variant for enthusiast appeal
Consider alternatives if:
- CNG or diesel powertrain is essential (Tata Altroz)
- Lowest running costs are primary concern (Maruti Baleno)
- SUV ground clearance is desired (Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter)
Motors77 Verdict
The i20 Gets More Affordable headline tells only part of the story. Hyundai’s decision to reintroduce the Era variant represents a calculated response to market realities rather than a desperate move.
At Rs 5.99 lakh, the Hyundai i20 Era now matches the Maruti Baleno Sigma on price while offering meaningful advantages in safety equipment with six standard airbags. The digital instrument cluster and telescopic steering adjustment add genuine value at this price point.
However, the absence of a touchscreen infotainment system on the base variant may disappoint buyers expecting modern connectivity features. The optional Rs 14,999 accessory package addresses this partially.
For the premium hatchback segment to regain relevance against SUV competition, pricing innovations like this are necessary but not sufficient. The i20’s inherent strengths—its spacious cabin, refined driving experience, and upmarket ambience remain compelling propositions.
The Hyundai i20 Era represents excellent value for safety-conscious buyers. The six standard airbags alone justify consideration over base variants of competitors.
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Please confirm with your nearest Hyundai dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new starting price of Hyundai i20? The Hyundai i20 now starts at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom) with the reintroduced Era variant.
How much cheaper is the new i20 Era? The i20 Era is approximately Rs 87,000 more affordable than the previous entry-level variant.
Does the base i20 Era come with six airbags? Yes, all Hyundai i20 variants, including the Era, come standard with six airbags.
What engine options are available? The i20 offers a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (83-88 PS) and a 1.0-litre turbo GDi petrol (120 PS) engine.
