Hyundai i20 Active IAB-10

With the B-segment SUV market gaining traction, one would expect carmakers to forget the raised hatchback, an old idea that was simple to pull off. But no, the segment-defining Volkswagen CrossPolo is still alive, and Hyundai will soon be launching an i20 with a raised body and rugged looks.

The Hyundai i20 Active, as it is called, has been spotted without any camouflage in India, where it is set to be launched in March. These pics, by our friends from Indian Autos Blog, show an Elite i20 wearing skid plates at both ends, large circular foglamps and projector headlamps.

The rear bumper, which is new, incorporates round reflectors to match the front fogs, while the raised 4,035 mm body gets black plastic cladding and roof rails for that desired 4X4 image. This test mule's brown paint is not one of the Elite i20's colour options.

The Hyundai Elite i20, the reigning Indian Car of the Year, comes with two engine choices - a 83 PS/115 Nm 1.2L Kappa petrol and a 90 PS/220 Nm 1.4L U2 turbodiesel. Both are paired with manual gearboxes, five speeds for the petrol and six for the oil burner. Four trim levels – Era, Magna, Sportz, Asta – are available, with prices starting from 4.9 lakhs (RM28,569).