Hyundai has brought their new i20 to South Africa complete with a new design and engine. Having been around since 2009, Hyundai has had substantial success with the i20 hatchback and is hoping that the new design will expand upon that.
“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.” – Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
A “Sensuous Sportiness” design.
A little wider and longer with an increased wheelbase, the new i20 has a very new look to it. Following their “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, Hyundai has given the i20 new bumpers and grille that moves into the headlights. The lighting signature has also been changed up.
At launch, there will be two variants available – Motion and Fluid. The first one will receive 15-inch steel wheels while the more expensive Fluid will have 16-inch alloy wheels.
There is a wide variety of colour choices, especially for the Fluid models that have a two-tone option. The standard colours are Titan Grey, Polar White, Starry Night, Fiery Red, Typhoon Silver and Phantom Black. For some extra cash you can get the i20 in Fiery Red with a black roof or Polar White with a black roof. The two-tone variant also changes the interior.
“The all-new i20 features our new Sensuous Sportiness design identity. We enhanced the proportions to create a dynamic and emotional design. As a result, the all-new i20 is a car that speaks to your senses.” – Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at the Hyundai Motor Company’s Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Changes to the Hyundai i20 cabin.
Those changes for the interior will replace either the mono-tone cloth or artificial leather seats with either dual-tone cloth or artificial leather. That is just about it for an increase in R5000. A rather pricy change for something that really doesn’t add much.
The interior gets a soft blue ambient light and two digital screens. There is the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This all comes compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and to help with reversing, a rear-view camera will display on the infotainment screen.
Owners of the fluid variant will also receive electric folding mirrors, air vents for rear passengers and a cruise-control function on the steering wheel.
A new TGDI engine option for this i20.
There will be three engine options between the Motion and Fluid, all petrol. These start with the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder that powers the car with 61 kW and 115 Nm via a five-speed manual transmission. Next is the 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that only appears on one model. It packs 74 kW and 133 Nm with its six-speed automatic gearbox.
Finally, there is the new 1.0-litre T-GDi. With an improved 90 kW and 172 Nm, it comes equipped with either a seven-speed automatic or a manual six-speed gearbox. Hyundai has also given its Continuously Variable Valve Duration to this engine. This technology optimises engine performance and fuel efficiency.
All models have a reinforced body structure, driver and front passenger airbags and ABS with EBD. The Fluid will receive more airbags, six to be precise.
Price for the new Hyundai i20 in South Africa.
- 1.2 Motion manual: R275 900
- 1.4 Motion automatic: R305 900
- 1.2 Fluid manual: R289 900
- 1.0 TGDI Fluid manual: R330 900
- 1.0 TGDI Fluid DCT: R355 900
Source: QuickPic