Hyundai’s new i20 has hit the road in South Africa with a refreshed, stylish design that is part of a well-rounded motoring package in the segment for hatchback cars, where it occupies a sizeable 10% share of this competitive part of the local car market.
The new i20 announces itself in three specification and trim levels and a mix of three engines and three transmissions that gives customers a range of options – from the entry-level Premium variants to the Executive versions, followed by the flagship, sporty N Line with its turbo-charged mill.
“The Hyundai i20 has been a solid competitor over the years in the hatchback market segment. It is a car for many tastes and budgets and offers a comprehensive motoring package, even at its basic trim level,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“We know that it is also a popular vehicle for fleet buyers, who will be attracted by the excellent fuel efficiency of the 1,2- and 1,4-litre petrol engines in the Premium and Executive variants, while the sporty character of the i20 N Line derivative with its powerful turbo-engine occupies a special place in the range.
“Moreover, it is a reliable, solid car with outstanding build quality – a warranty burn rate of only R10,52 per unit per month bears testimony of that,” says Anderson.
At entry level, the i20 Premium is equipped with either a 1,2-litre or a 1,4 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.2 Premium delivers power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4 Premium uses a 6-speed automatic transmission.
One step up in terms of specification level and features, the Executive variants also come with the 1,2-litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox combination, which delivers fuel consumption as low as 5,9 litres/100 km, or the 1,4-litre engine linked to the 6-speed automatic transmission, where overall fuel consumption of 6,9 litres/100 km has been recorded.
At the top of the range is the i20 N Line with its turbocharged 1-litre petrol engine and a 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission, also driving the car through the front wheels.
Exterior
The refreshed design of the new i20 includes a new shape and pattern of the front bumper and glossy black radiator grille, which have been enhanced to create an elegant look with sporty elements.
At the rear, a redesigned bumper and a unique taillight design completes the picture, while a side view shows the new-look 16-inch alloy wheels for the Executive and N Line derivatives. The Premium variants are equally elegant with their 15-inch steel wheels, cladded with carbon-black wheel covers. A dynamic light signature that emphasises its overall bold look, is provided by the front lights – with halogen lamps for the Premium and Executive, and LEDs for the N Line.
Even with its compact B-segment dimensions of 3 995 mm (length) by 1 775 mm (width), the new i20 offers customers plenty of interior room, as well as 311 litres of boot space.
The i20 Premium is available in 5 exterior colours – Titan Grey Metallic, Fiery Red, Atlas White, Typhoon Silver Metallic, and Moonlight Blue Pearl – while the Executive variants come in either Fiery Red or Atlas White, both with a black roof. Atlas White and a beautiful deep Thunder Blue, also combined with a black roof, are reserved for the flagship N Line derivative.
