Remember the Hyundai Getz? Once one of the Korean brand’s most popular cars in South Africa, it has quietly disappeared from the market after the arrival of the i20. Now, reports suggest a spiritual successor to the Getz may be on the cards.
Rumours of a new Hyundai B-segment cheapie, tentatively dubbed the i15, have been intensifying, and recently peaked when the vehicle was captured on film by spy photographers in Brazil. It is believed that the car will be revealed for the first time near the end of this year, and potentially reach other markets such as India afterwards.
We would not be surprised to see the i15 reach South Africa. The segment it would compete in is one of the fastest growing of the entire market, and recently saw the addition of Toyota’s Indian-sourced Etios. Other rivals include the VW Vivo, Ford Figo and Renault Sandero (itself due for a facelift next year).
Hyundai South Africa has been eyeing this segment with envious eyes for years, and has also considered the sub-i10 model, the Eon, but the exchange rate has made it impossible to bring this car to South Africa at a price that hugely undercuts the i10. We have asked Hyundai about the i15, but thus far there has been neither confirmation nor denial.
Judging by these renderings from Auto Esporte, it would appear that the i15 would easily be one of the most stylish in this segment. Early reports also suggest a very generous standard specification and an interior design similar to the Elantra/Accent in design.
It is likely to hit the Brazilian market with a 1,2-litre petrol engine, as well as a small-capacity turbodiesel. Hyundai’s trusty 1,4- and 1,6-litre petrol engines will reportedly also fit.
Depending on right-hand drive availability and cost, we believe the i15 would be a perfect fit for the South African market.
