Continuing its success in the compact car class, Hyundai has introduced a refreshed i20 line-up. Meeting customers’ demands, the i20 five-door now features a more modern design as well as updated safety features with Hyundai SmartSense. For both five and three-door versions, a seven-speed dual-clutch, automated-manual transmission (7DCT) is now available for greater driving comfort. An Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system on all versions reduces CO2 emissions, while offering a choice of three different petrol powertrains highlights an appreciation of current market demands.
The i20 continues to be top-selling model in Europe and updating it in design, safety, connectivity and powertrain range, ensures its ongoing success. The front-end of the car now features the new signature ‘Cascading Grille’, while the rear has updated bumpers and combination tail-lamps, for a more dynamic appearance. New 15.0 and 16.0-inch diameter alloy wheels are part of the changes.
The five-door is available with either a panoramic sunroof, or a Phantom Black two-tone style, offering more personalisation, along with three new and brighter colours in the revised line-up. Enhanced connectivity features integrate seamlessly with the driver’s smartphone and a seven-inch display screen (standard on S and SE trims; with greater features on Premium Nav and Premium SE Nav) offers even easier access. Customers can mirror content readily from their smartphones to the system’s display using Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. Occupants can use the navigation systems on their smartphones, without the need for an in-built system.
Three petrol engines are now available: the Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI unit offers two power outputs: the 97bhp with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the higher-power 117bhp alternative has a six-speed manual. However, the 97bhp unit can also be matched to the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for greater flexibility. A 1.2-litre engine is also available with two different outputs, 72 or 81bhp, both mated to five-speed manual gearboxes.
Hyundai SmartSense introduces Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS – standard on SE and above), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS – SE and above), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB – SE and above) city and interurban, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and High Beam Assist (HBA).
The optional AEB (city and interurban) is an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to emergency situations and brakes autonomously, if required. Using a front camera, AEB operates in three stages: an initial warning both visually and acoustically to the driver is backed-up by controlling the brakes, if there is a danger of collision. Finally, maximum braking force would be applied to avoid a collision, or to minimise the damage should it be unavoidable.
