Excellent finish and fit and a very firm and comfortable ride
Hyundai has just released its latest B, and extremely competitive segment, offering - the i20 and although there is not much to complain about in terms of the previous model, this is but part of the constant artificial ageing of models and it happens all over the manufacturing spectrum.
Make-up
The i20 has always been one of Hyundai’s biggest sellers and competes head-on with VW Polo, Fiesta, Renault and Kia to name but a few. The new exterior design would most certainly find favour with the younger generation as it is a lot sharper than that of the previous model.
The front end with it’s large grill, narrow headlights and narrow insert just beneath the grill, gives the i20 a broad low and masculine stance. The style lines running down the bonnet accentuates this and exude strength and visual appeal. The shoulder line which runs the full length of the car, right from the front grill, establish continuity in its design. I do however feel that the rear end, despite the wide and sculpted bumper, is a little bit of a let down as it is just too big a reminder of what the i30 looks like.
The new i20 is 45mm longer than the previous models and this of course allowed the Hyundai designers to squeeze more leg, elbow and headroom from the car. But this did not necessarily add to the luggage space though. The latter is however adequate for a small family – well, if they pack ergonomically?
Office space
Two words: practical and ergonomic – that’s Hyundai’s trademark and the new i20 stayed true to this intention. Finish and fit is excellent but perhaps it is time for Hyundai to go the soft-touch route in terms of the upper part of the dash. Seats are comfortable and supportive with the drivers seat offering height adjustment also.
The i20 offers a driver’s position which confident and welcoming. Hyundai placed all the G-generations goodies – USB, AUX, 12-volt power point and the rest beneath the air conditioner controls on the centre stack and behind the gear shift.
Very accessible but not a place where the driver should focus his/her attention while driving. Legroom in the rear is good and the luggage area can be increased by folding down the seats.
The kitchen
The i20 comes kitted with either a 1.2-litre or a 1.4-litre power plant. I drove the latter and fitted with a manual six-speed gearbox.
Developing 74kw and 133Nm, she will certainly feel a little abandoned when challenged between the traffic lights but be that as it may, the durability of these engines may just outlast those with more vroom-vroom because she will face less robot-to- robot challenges.
She is not the quietest on the road but Hyundai did well to contain both engine and road noise to such an extent that the i20 does offer an appreciative driving experience.
And, you may be forgiven for thinking that she has been kitted with a sport suspension because, on bumpy roads, it sure feels like it. Suffice to say that, on good roads, the ride is firm and comfortable – road holding is good despite a the vagueness of the steering.
Final word
The i20, considering it’s best in the business, five-year 150 000km warranty certainly offers a value-for-money proposition like no other and will be a good buy for first buyers and families. For the more spirited, the engine may lack the spark to keep that itch sedated. Will I buy it … yes!
Photos: www.quickpic.co.za
