The third-generation Hyundai i20 hatchback has arrived in South Africa, sporting a bold new look and – for the first time – the option of turbo power.
Hyundai has also tweaked the proportions to match the sportier look with overall width increasing by 30mm and height being reduced by 24mm, while overall length has grown by just 5mm. Boot space, meanwhile, has grown by 25 litres to a commendable 351 litres.
Here’s how much the new range costs:
1.2 Fluid manual – R289 900
1.4 Motion auto – R305 900
1.0T Fluid manual – R330 900
1.0T Fluid auto – R355 900
Fluid models can be ordered with a two-tone exterior paint scheme for an additional R5000
Wider range of engines
Buyers now have a wider range of engines to choose from, with the long-awaited arrival of the 1-litre turbopetrol option. This three-cylinder unit packs a punch to the tune of 89.5 kW and 171.6 N.m, which is enough to get it from 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, according to Hyundai. Customers opting for the turbo variants can choose between a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch DCT gearbox.
For those on a tighter budget, Hyundai has carried over the two previous normally aspirated motors, these being a 1.2-litre unit with 61 kW and 115 N.m on tap and a 1.4-litre that’s rated at 73.6 kW and 133 N.m. The 1.2-litre is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 1.4 can only be had with a six-speed automatic.
The most affordable model in the range is the 1.2 Fluid (R289 900), which actually has a higher specification than the 1.4 Motion auto, which sacrifices some spec to offer the bigger 1.4-litre engine with an auto gearbox at a relatively affordable price.
In spec terms the Motion ships with 15-inch steel wheels, manual air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, electric windows, dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
The Fluid adds 16-inch alloy wheels to the mix, along with black side skirts, cruise control, wireless phone charging, height-adjustable driver’s seat, cooled glovebox, side and curtain airbags and rear disc brakes.
All models are sold with a seven-year / 200 000 km warranty and four-year / 60 000 km service plan.
Watch this space for our driving impressions later this week.
