Hyundai i20: First Look

Jay Williams - 15/July/2010

Seoul, South Korea - One of the world’s fastest growing car companies Hyundai has just released it's latest small car range - the Hyundai i20.

Designed at Hyundai’s European Design Studio at Russelsheim in Germany, the latest model in the i-series line-up is said to offer comfort, economy and efficiency in a stylish compact design.

Styling features include teardrop headlamps, stacked rear lighting clusters and body coloured mirrors and handles. Front and rear fender flares combined with wrap around bumpers ensure a smooth design.

Seating and storage options in i20 are addressed with the provision of versatile split rear seating and a generous 295-litre boot (rear seat backs in upright position). Multiple in-cabin stowage areas such as the innovative glove-box cooling system and storage recesses for convenient placement of mobile phone, sunglasses and coins, provide easy access storage solutions.

i20 provides an integrated in-dash audio package with CD player, MP3, WMA and AM/FM tuner. The auxiliary audio input jack and USB input with iPod® connectivity allows connection to external audio sources.

The i20 range has a choice of two engines, both feature 16-valves and twin overhead camshafts. The 1.4-litre Gamma petrol engine delivers 73.5kW of power at 5500rpm and 136Nm of torque at 4200rpm, while the 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine  produces 91.1kW of power at 6300rpm and 156Nm at 4200rpm.

The 1.4-litre Gamma petrol has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 6.0-litres per 100kms and 6.1- litres per 100kms for the 1.6-litre petrol manual model. CO2 emissions are 142 (combined g/km) for the 1.4-litre petrol manual and 144 (combined g/km) for the 1.6-litre petrol manual models.

Both engines have the option of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed electronic HiVec (Hyundai intelligent Vehicle electronic control) ensures smooth, precise gear changes.

Keeping the i20’s wheels on the road are a set McPherson struts with coil springs in the front and a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle in the rear, offering nimble manoeuvrability and ride comfort.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), four-channel, four-sensor Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

All model variants are easily identified by unique wheel designs (15” steel on Active,15” alloy on Elite and 16” alloy on Premium).

The Hyundai i20 range will officially go on sale 19th July.

New i20 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol manual 3-door $14,990*
 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol automatic 3-door $16,990*
 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol manual 5-door $15,990*
 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol automatic 5-door $17,990*
 i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol manual 5-door $18,490*
 i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol automatic 5-door $20,490*
 i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol manual 5-door $21,490*
 i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol automatic 5-door $23,490*
 Optional metallic / mica paint $320*

Note: *Manufacturer's List Price - includes G.S.T but does not include dealer delivery and statutory charges.

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- Hyundai Equus (2010)
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