Hyundai is the fastest growing automotive company in the world and the new Hyundai i20 light car reflects the Korean marque’s transition from cheap and cheerful to accomplished and refined. The Hyundai i20 is like a more compact version of the highly acclaimed Hyundai i30 but the interesting aspect of Hyundai's product placement is that this sophisticated and refined newcomer does not replace the entry level Getz but supplements it in the same market sector.
Taken as a team, these two cars reflect Hyundai’s progress. While the Huyndai Getz does a good job at the entry level to the burgeoning light car sector (almost 70,000 sales in the first half of 2010 compared with 49,000 of the once dominant large cars and 120,000 small cars), the Hyundai i20 shapes up against the Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift and Mazda2 end of the contest. Hyundai’s research shows that the Getz appeals to older buyers and will deliberately target the Hyundai i20 at the other end of the age spectrum where the Swift finds most of its custom.
Hyundai has matured over just the past few years – since the launch of the i30 in fact – and its best cars are the equal of their Japanese rivals. Hyundai spans the light car sector all the way from the $13,990 Getz through $14,990 for the i20 Active to $23,810 for the automatic variant of the leather-trimmed Premium finished in one of the striking metallic/mica colours, a broad spread indeed.
Hyundai i20 Overview
Even the entry level three-door Hyundai i20 Active manual model is quite well specified with electronic stability control, keyless entry and alarm, air-conditioning and a novel glovebox cooling system. Add $1000 for two more doors and $2000 for the four-speed automatic in lieu of a five-speed manual transmission. The Hyundai i20 Active models have a 73.5 kW 1,4-litre engine.
Next up is the five-door 91.1 kW 1.6-litre Hyundai i20 Elite which adds features such as a trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps and extra airbags. It has 15-inch alloys. The Hyundai i20 Elite costs $18,490 for the manual or an extra $2000 for the automatic version. For $21,490 the manual Hyundai i20 Premium has stylish leather seats and a driver’s armrest bound in the same material. It scores 16-inch alloys and climate control. Again, automatic adds $2000. Metallic/mica paint costs an extra $320 on any i20.
Hyundai i20 Engine
The 1.4-litre engine develops 73.5 kW of power and 136 Nm of torque. It emits 142 g/km in manual guise and 152 as an auto. The 1.6 makes 91.1 kW and 156 Nm of torque, while emitting 144 g/km (manual) or 155 (auto). Performance of both engines is good and even the 1.4 exhibits handy torque quite low in the rpm range. While the 1.6 has the expected edge, buyers of the 1.4, especially as a manual, are unlikely to feel short-changed. Four ratios is one too few for a modern automatic transmission but the five-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use with light, precise shifts.
The real story here though is fuel economy. Hyundai hired ex-rally champion Ed Ordynski to see how far north he could drive a manual Active from Sydney on one tank of fuel (theoretically 45 litres but actually 53.3 with the long nozzle down to the under-floor tank, fuel lines, etc). Ed admitted to Car Showroom that he had serious doubts about reaching Brisbane on the Pacific Highway during the school holidays. But after 200 kilometres with the fuel light glowing, the Hyundai i20 got to Bundaberg before running out of fuel. Ed Ordynski cruised at 75-80 km/h and used just 4.23 litres for every 100 km, comparable with many larger, diesel-powered vehicles.
Hyundai i20 Interior
The Hyundai i20 impresses with its packaging. It is a big-feeling light car with generous room for four occupants or five at a pinch. Even with the rear seatbacks up, you can fit 295 litres of luggage into the boot. You sit comfortably with excellent all-round vision. There is no evidence of cost-cutting and the leather seats in the Hyundai i20 Premium are especially appealing.
Ergonomics are not without fault and the trip computer readout in the centre of the dash can be confusing with its different settings manipulated by a large button nearer the passenger than the driver. A quite reasonable sound system wired for the now expected AUX, USB and iPod connectivity should satisfy the target buyer.
Hyundai i20 Exterior & Styling
Styling is important to younger buyers who are keen for their automotive purchase to exude cool and the Hyundai i20 will not disappoint in this regard. The design is bold and integrated, especially in five-door guise and when painted in one of the brighter mica liveries such as Electric Green.
And it is unmistakably Hyundai from the bold H-badge in the grille back to the large tail lights. It is easy to imagine this car with the ‘treatment’ of huge alloy wheels and lowered suspension, presented as a fashion statement.
Hyundai i20 On The Road
The Hyundai i20 is no sports car but there is little to criticise about the way it conducts itself. At the launch there was talk of the steering having been re-calibrated for Australian conditions. This was perhaps a response to criticism that the recently launched Hyundai i45 sedan’s steering is too light and lacking in feel. Well, the smaller car steers nicely with just enough weight at the wheel rim.
Indeed, it is probably the best-steering Hyundai sedan or hatch yet. The handling is balanced with little evidence of understeer. Ride comfort is good, although occasionally there is some noise from the front suspension.
Hyundai i20 Challenges
The leather of the Hyundai i20 Premium variant is appealing but the vehicle seems quite expensive at a ‘premium’ of some 50 per cent over the entry level Hyundai i20 Active three-door manual, which does the job well.
Hyundai i20 Verdict
The Hyundai i20 is an appealing car in a booming market sector. Curtain airbag-equipped models have five-star safety which is important and it will be interesting to see how the model mix plays out. The Hyundai i20 looks likely to advance Hyundai's match up the sales charts.
Hyundai i20 Competition
At the lower level of the class, the Hyundai i20 Active looks set to steal sales from its Getz sibling. Few light cars offer leather and it will be interesting to see whether the Premium succeeds at its comparatively high price. The Honda Jazz and Mazda2 look like tough rivals.
Likes:
Great economy, surprising torque, cool design
Dislikes:
Premium variants look overpriced, some ergonomic niggles
