The second generation of the Hyundai HB20 has been around in Brazil for three years now, so it was high time for a facelift. The hatchback underwent plastic surgery last month, and the HB20 ‘S’ model – the sedan – has followed suit today.
The car has a completely new front end with an overhang that’s 50 mm (2 inches) longer than before. As usual, LED DRLs are reserved for top trims only.
Many changes were made at the rear end, too, where a LED strip now connects the taillights and the license plate mount has moved onto the trunk lid. At 4,325 millimeters (169 inches) long, the sedan is 65 mm (2.5 in) longer than the pre-facelift version. Buyers of the more expensive trims may opt for new 16-inch wheels. Their design is different between the HB20 and HB20S models.
Changes aren’t as immediately apparent inside the cabin, where the materials are new but the layout and the equipment are the same. The top trim level now unlocks access to a virtual dashboard with a tiny 4.2-inch display in the middle surrounded by regular gauges. The multimedia system still measures 8 inches corner-to-corner, but benefits from a redesigned UI and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support.
Going for the base spec gets you six airbags and an ESP, as usual, plus climate control and remote engine launch. The climate system is a welcome improvement over the simple AC from before. Automatic emergency braking, lanekeeping and blind spot monitoring are still the same.
In Brazil, the HB20 sedan is available with two 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines and no further options. The naturally aspirated one makes 80 PS (79 hp / 59 kW) and utilizes a five-speed manual transmission. The turbo churns out 120 PS (118 hp / 88 kW) and drives the wheels through a six-speed auto gearbox. While the HB20 hatchback has a manual turbo version, the HB20S turbo is automatic only.
