Hyundai South Africa is well-versed with great budget offerings. Helping to refresh some of its product line-up is the all-new i20. Three derivatives will be available a 1,2 Motion (manual); a 1,4 Fluid (manual); and the i20 Fluid equipped with an automatic 4-speed gearbox.
Good looking
The new models embody Hyundai’s familial face, while looking fresh and new compared to the models they replace. At the same time Hyundai has engineered the i20 range to be larger and more space efficient.
“The bold and distinctive volume of the new i20 gives the car a unique personality, which is underlined by the premium look of the headlamps and rear combi lamps. For example, the concave element below the rear lamp expresses the three-dimensional and sculptural aspect of the Hyundai design language,” says Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre in Europe.
Engines and transmission
Buyers will have a choice of two petrol power plants: A 1 197 cm3 4-cylinder and a 1 368 cm3 four cylinder engine, both variable valve timing.
The 1,4 litre engine in the new Fluid models delivers maximum power of 74 kW at 6 000 r/min, with peak torque of 133 N.m, delivered at 3 500 r/min. The 1,2 engine develops maximum power of 61 kW at 4 000 r/min., and maximum torque of 115 N.m at 4 000 r/min.
The Fluid manual and automatic are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic gearbox, respectively, while the new 1,2 manual uses a five-speed gearbox.
Creature comforts
Throughout the new model, Hyundai engineers have applied technologies aimed at reducing the intrusion of noise and vibration to the cabin. Increased sound-absorption at the base of the A-, B- and C-pillars protects occupants from road vibrations, while a high-density anti-noise pad is fitted within the floor pan to limit noise ingress. Hyundai has equipped the new i20 with an improved, low-frequency ISO PAD behind the dashboard, which helps reduce engine noise within the cabin.
Other new features include automatic folding door mirrors and smartphone docking integration. USB and auxiliary connectivity is fitted as standard with an audio system, along with a Bluetooth hands free phone function and the ability to stream music over the sound system with Bluetooth from a cell phone or music player.
Hyundai i20 pricing
- 1,2 Motion manual R184 900
- 1,4 Fluid manual R204 900
- 1,4 Fluid automatic R214 900
A 2 year or 30 000 km service plan is included in the 1,2 Motion’s price, while the Fluid derivatives include a 3 year or 60 000 km service plan.
Check back on this site early next week for a full driving impression on the new model as we will be attending the launch.
