Model packed with features

HYUNDAI is ready to make its presence felt even more in the very competitive B-segment of the South African automotive market with an all-new i20 hatchback, one of the bestsellers in its local range, and a car that comes packed with features at a very attractive price.

The new model makes its entry in South Africa in three derivatives:

• i20 1.2 Motion (manual gearbox).

• i20 1.4 Fluid (manual gearbox).

• i20 Fluid (automatic four-speed gearbox).

It is a true five-seater hatchback, with a very useful boot capacity of 294 litres that makes it a really versatile vehicle.

The distinctive design of the new i20 at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany, was influenced by the latest interpretation of Hyundai Motor’s design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, with the clean and elegant lines giving it a sophisticated appearance.

Compared to its predecessor, the new i20 is also wider. The width has increased by 24mm (overall 1 734mm) making it one of the widest cars in its class. The overhangs at the front have been shortened to communicate the dynamic qualities of the driver experience.

The new i20 has a bold front aesthetic that now features a distinctive dual-element grille. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes, while a thin, horizontal grille connecting the headlamps, emphasises the width of the vehicle. Reinforcing the vehicle’s purposeful stance, the wheel arches subtly flow into the long hood.

At the rear, the new i20 features a wrap-around, gloss-finished black C-pillar which gives the impression of a floating roofline. The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the trunk lid and feature a distinctive “boomerang” LED design.

At the rear, the new i20 features a large tailgate for ease of loading into its generous boot space, with a convenient wide boot opening. The reverse lamp has been integrated into the rear bumper, a first for Hyundai.

A coloured inlay that runs the full width of the dashboard and around the handle on the door emphasises the width and available space, giving the cabin a brighter feel. It encompasses the redesigned air vents, which overhang the dashboard into the doors, have been shaped specifically to provide better air flow into and around the cabin.

With a large cabin and a generous list of standard technologies, the new i20 offers a sophisticated and luxurious occupant environment that will appeal to a young audience.

Additional legroom was created in the front by raising the height of the dashboard and moving the glovebox and surrounding components forward, made possible due to the longer hood.

Other new features in the new i20 include:

• Automatic folding door mirrors.

• Smartphone docking integration.

• USB and auxiliary connectivity fitted as standard with an audio system.

• Bluetooth hands free phone function.

The Kappa 1,4-litre engine in the new i20 1.4 Fluid manual and 1.4 Fluid automatic delivers maximum power of 74kW at 6 000rpm, with the torque output at 133Nm at 3 500rpm. The i20 1.2 Motion manual, equipped with the 1,2 litre engine, has a maximum power output of 61kW at 4 000rpm and a maximum torque of 115Nm at 4 000rpm.

The more powerful 1,4 litre engine in the i20 Fluid manual and 1.4 Fluid automatic is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic gearbox, and the new i20 1.2 Motion manual uses a five-speed manual gearbox.

The latest generation of Hyundai cars has been engineered from the earliest stages with occupant and pedestrian safety as a key priority.

Every new i20 model is fitted, as standard, with a four-wheel electronic four-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

The prices of the new i20 model range are:

• i20 1.2 Motion Manual – R184 900.

• i20 1.4 Fluid Manual – R204 900.

• i20 1.4 Fluid Automatic – R214900.

Included in the prices are the Hyundai Warranty and Roadside Assistance for five years or the first 150 000km.

A two-year or 30 000km service plan is included in the 1.2 Motion’s price, while the 1.4 Fluid derivatives include a three-year or 60 000km service plan.