Introducing the 2021 Hyundai i20

… everything you need to know about the new i20 hatch

The all-new Hyundai i20 has arrived in South Africa with a fresh design inspired by Hyundai’s new “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, a new engine in the range and a cabin that is roomier and sports a sculptured and appealing look.

The all-new i20, which is introduced locally with two specification levels – Motion and Fluid, is the third generation of Hyundai’s B-segment model that was launched globally in 2008, and in 2009 in South Africa.

Since the launch of the first-generation i20 in South Africa, the distributor of the Hyundai brand has sold 106 712 units in the country. It has also proved to be one of many extremely reliable models in the Hyundai range, with an exceptionally low warranty burn rate of only R32 per unit a month.

“We are launching 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, the sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“While the outgoing i20 was a very popular and successful model in our range, we expect the new model with its fresh, sporty styling and the new 1-litre turbo engine to appeal to an even wider audience.”

NEW EXTERIOR DESIGN LANGUAGE

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 stance is improved by a wider body (+41mm) and increased length (+10mm), while the wheelbase has also been increased by 10mm. Ground clearance is 170mm – an increase of 20mm compared to the previous model.

The i20’s stylish character is emphasised further 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 and unique C-pillar design. Meanwhile, the redesigned unique lighting signature at the side connects seamlessly with the rear, emphasising the i20’s width.

Together, the exterior features illustrate modernity, while delivering a premium feeling for drivers. The exterior looks are further augmented by newly designed 16inch alloy wheels for the Fluid derivatives. The Motion derivatives come with 15-inch steel wheels and attractive silver covers.

The aerodynamic profile of the all-new i20, with a drag coefficient of 0.33 versus 0.35 of its predecessor, helps in improving fuel economy and driving stability.

Exterior colour choices include Titan Grey, Polar White, Starry Night, Fiery Red, Typhoon Silver and Phantom Black, complemented by two two-tone colour schemes – Fiery Red with a black roof, and Polar White with a black roof.

ROOMY INSIDE AND PACKED WITH FEATURES

The i20’s interior space achieves an airy feeling inside the cockpit. One design highlight is the horizontal blades that cover the dashboard. This gives it an unconventional look, making the front fascia look wider than expected for a small car.

Hyundai says the all-new i20’s doors embrace the dashboard in an elegant, sensual way, having been inspired by shapes found in nature. The sculpture of the doors also matches the instrument panel section. Its steering wheel is equipped with modern toggle switches, while its colour accents are also matched throughout the interior.

Occupants of the Fluid variants can also enjoy pleasant subtle interior lighting at night thanks to new blue LED ambient light technology, something you pay extra for in most German competitors.

The i20’s proportions offer increased width and an enlarged wheelbase compared to the previous generation. This provides increased seating space for passengers in the rear, with rear passengers able to enjoy 88mm more leg room and 40mm more shoulder room than in the previous generation.

Boot space has been increased while a decreased belt-line and a small, quarterfixed glass window behind the rear door provide drivers with improved visibility.

Available only as a five-door hatchback, the i20 can seat up to five people.

Interior trim choices range from monotone cloth for the Motion and 1.2 Fluid derivatives to dual-tone cloth seats for the 1.2 Fluid 2-Tone; mono-tone artificial leather for the 1.0 Fluid; and dual-tone artificial leather for the 1.0 Fluid 2-Tone derivative.

2021 Hyundai i20 prices in SA

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

All new Hyundai i20 models come with a 7-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty. A 4-year/60 000km service plan and 7-year/150 000km roadside assistance also forms part of the standard package.

- IOL MOTORING