Driven: The re-vitalised Hyundai i20: Sensuous sportiness

As one of the company’s most successful models, the i20 stands for quality, reliability and practicality. An important part of the appeal of the all-new i20 is its excellent ride quality and the confident way it handles with a suspension that is sporty and firm, yet comfortable.

“We launched the all-new i20 with the confidence that a five-door hatchback has a definite slot in the local car market – the sales figures and customer’s preferences give credence to our faith in the product. It is also a strong contender in the market for rental cars,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

Two new engines

The new i20 range, driven through the front wheels, features a new engine: A turbocharged three-cylinder petrol power plant that has proven itself in other local Hyundai models, and now propels the i20 with a maximum power output of 90kW. It is linked to either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or a six-speed manual transmission.

Two naturally aspirated petrol engines – the 1.2 Kappa petrol engine, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 1.4 MPi, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission – are used in the other variants in the i20 range.

Exterior

Compared to its predecessor, the all-new i20’s proportions have been made more dynamic, while at the same time ensuring it is practical for navigating around busy urban areas. Its visual stance is improved by a wider body and increased length.

The all-new i20’s stylish character is emphasised with its dynamic-looking front and rear bumpers, as well as its new radiator grille. The side-view offers energetic proportions and a wedge style, which are amplified through a bold side character line.

Interior

With a range of interior enhancements, customers can enjoy quality time inside their new i20. Hyundai’s designers sought innovative aesthetic and technical solutions to convey its stylish proportions while creating a fresh and appealing look. The aerodynamic profile of the all-new i20 helps in improving fuel economy and driving stability.

The interior space achieves an airy feeling inside the cockpit. One design highlight is the horizontal blades that cover the high and prominent dashboard. This gives it a very unconventional look by making the front fascia look slick and wide. Occupants of the all-new i20 Fluid variants can also enjoy pleasant subtle interior lighting at night thanks to new blue LED ambient light technology.

High-tech connectivity

The all-new i20 offers connectivity with a range of high-tech convenience features and premium sound quality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now offered with a wireless link, enable customers to mirror the functionality of their iOS and Android smartphones. To increase the elegance and the visual comfort of the interior, the new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and high-resolution eight-inch centre touchscreen for the infotainment system have been visually combined.

A wireless charging pad in the centre console means occupants no longer need to use a cable to charge their smartphones. Additionally, there are two front USB charging ports in all variants – one for connectivity and one for charging in the middle console, while another charging port is available for rear passengers in the Fluid variants.

Ride and handling

At the front McPherson struts with dampers and coil springs are used for the suspension, while a coupled torsion beam axle with dampers and coil springs are employed at the rear. The Motor-Driven Power Assisted Steering (MDPS) delivers accurate lines through corners and adds stability to the i20’s road manners.

Pricing

• 1.2 Motion manual: R275,900
• 1.4 Motion automatic: R305,900
• 1.2 Fluid manual: R289,900
• 1.2 Fluid manual – 2-Tone: R294,900
• 1.0 TGDI Fluid manual: R330,900
• 1.0 TGDI Fluid manual – 2-Tone: R335,900
• 1.0 TGDI Fluid DCT: R355,900
• 1.0 TGDI Fluid DCT – 2-Tone: R360,900

The all-new i20 has a /high residual value, thanks to its standard equipment offering, as well as its seven-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty. If the vehicle is sold, the warranty is passed on to the next owner, thereby maximising its resale value, and generating peace of mind for the full warranty period. A four-year/60,000km service plan and seven-year/150,000km roadside assistance also forms part of the standard package