Hyundai’s i20 gets smarter
REFRESHED AND NEW FLAGSHIP DERIVATIVE Safety features a lap belt for a third, middle occupant on the rear bench.
Hyundai Automotive SA is continuing its success in the midsized hatchbacks segment by introducing a refreshed i20 line-up with a more modern design, and the addition of a flagship derivative.
The refreshed i20 range consists of six derivatives, which includes the range-topping 1.4 Active that takes the place of the outgoing 1.4 Sport. The other derivatives, with a slightly different styling than the Active, are the 1.2 Motion and 1.2 Fluid – both with a five-speed manual transmission, the 1.4 Motion and 1.4 Fluid – with a four-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.4 Fluid with a sixspeed manual transmission. The 1.4 Active also comes with the sixspeed manual transmission.
The Motion package offers the entry-level features list, while the higher specification list of the Fluid and Active derivatives offers more luxury features.
A two-year / 30 000km service plan is part of the 1.2-litre derivatives’ standard package, while the 1.4-litre i20s come with a threeyear / 60 000km service plan included in the price.
To go with the new exterior, a new dashboard and centre console contributes to the neat layout and functional interior features of the i20. Drivers also benefit from outstanding roominess, with an uncompromised trunk capacity of 285 litres, and 1 001 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down.
The new i20 Active distinguishes itself from its Motion and Fluid siblings by red or blue colour trim – depending on the exterior body colour – around the air vent, gear lever console and gear knob. The Active’s seat also boasts colour inlays to add to its bolder nature.
The car offers an infotainment system in the middle console that integrates seamlessly via Bluetooth with the driver’s smartphone, which will ensure greater comfort while travelling. The infotainment system functions can be expanded to include satellite navigation by buying an optional SD memory card for R2 500.
Motion derivatives have manual air conditioners, while the Fluid and Active versions come with automatic climate control as a standard luxury feature. All derivatives have glove-box cooling by the air conditioner.
Fluid and Active derivatives have a storage compartment underneath the front armrest that can move forward for more comfort. Across the range, the i20 is equipped with remote controls on the steering for the sound system’s audio control, Bluetooth phone connection and the onboard computer, which shows average fuel consumption and speed, distance to empty for the fuel tank, immediate fuel consumption and two trip meters.
The range offers a choice of two petrol multi-point fuel-injection powertrains: the Kappa 1 197cc engine with a 61kW maximum power output at 6 000rpm, and the Kappa 1 368cc engine generating a maximum output of 74kW, also at 6 000rpm. The 1.2-litre engine’s maximum torque delivery is 115Nm at 4 000rpm, and the 1.4-litre engine generates 133Nm at 3 500rpm.
The automatic transmission for the i20 has four forward ratios. Fuel economy was measured at 5.9 litres / 100km for the i20 1.2 manual; 7.5 litres / 100km for the i20 1.4 automatic; and 6.5 and 6.7 litres / 100km respectively for the 1.4 Fluid manual and 1.4 Active manual respectively.
All derivatives have ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes at the rear, with a fourwheel electronic, four-channel and four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System and electronic Brake Force Distribution.
Passive safety gets taken care of by a driver and passenger’s airbag in all derivatives and four three-point safety belts.
The refreshed i20 is launched with a competitive price tag for all derivatives, as well as the fiveyear / 150 000km warranty which is extended with an additional two years or 50 000km powertrain warranty across the range.