Hyundai’s Sleek New i20 Takes South Africa by Storm
The all-new Hyundai i20 has made a grand entrance onto South African roads, showcasing a stylish and modern design that redefines the hatchback segment. With a substantial 10% market share in this competitive category, the new i20 offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and versatility.
Available in three distinct trim levels, the i20 caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Customers can choose from the entry-level Premium, the feature-rich Executive, or the sporty N Line, each offering a unique driving experience with a choice of three engines and three transmissions.
“The Hyundai i20 has been a formidable player in the hatchback market for years. It’s a versatile vehicle that appeals to a broad audience, providing an excellent motoring package even at the basic trim level,” says Stanley Anderson, Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “It’s also popular among fleet buyers, thanks to the impressive fuel efficiency of the 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines in the Premium and Executive variants. The sporty i20 N Line, with its powerful turbo engine, stands out in the range for those seeking a dynamic driving experience. Moreover, it boasts outstanding build quality and reliability, as evidenced by a warranty burn rate of only R10.52 per unit per month.”
Performance and Efficiency
At the entry level, the i20 Premium is powered by either a 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.2 Premium delivers power through a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4 Premium features a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Executive variants elevate the experience with the same 1.2-litre engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, achieving a remarkable fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km. The 1.4-litre engine in the Executive version, linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission, offers a combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100 km.
The top-tier i20 N Line boasts a turbocharged 1-litre petrol engine coupled with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Stylish Exterior
The new i20 features a refreshed design, including a sleek front bumper and glossy black radiator grille, giving it an elegant yet sporty look. The rear sports a redesigned bumper and unique taillight design, while the side view reveals new 16-inch alloy wheels for the Executive and N Line variants. The Premium models come with 15-inch steel wheels and carbon-black wheel covers. The dynamic front lights, with halogen lamps for the Premium and Executive models and LEDs for the N Line, further enhance its bold appearance.
Despite its compact B-segment dimensions (3,995 mm in length and 1,775 mm in width), the new i20 offers ample interior space, including a 311-litre boot.
Elegant Interior
Inside, the i20’s spacious cabin is complemented by a clean, ergonomic design. The Premium and Executive variants feature a mix of cloth and artificial leather seat covers, while the N Line boasts exclusive artificial leather. All models come with a manual tilt and telescopic steering column and driver seat height adjustment.
The Premium and Executive variants include a manual air conditioner, while the N Line is equipped with automatic climate control. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable air outlets, and the Executive and N Line versions also offer a cooling function for the glove box.
All variants feature a 3.5-inch Supervision digital instrument cluster with a TFT multi-information display, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Executive and N Line models add a wireless phone charger and two charging points (USB and USB-C).
N Line Specifics
The i20 N Line stands out with exclusive design elements that enhance its sporty appeal. It features N Line logos on the radiator grille and tailgate, LED headlamps with signature Day Running Lights, and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior is adorned with red and metal accents, an exclusive N Line steering wheel, and sports pedals, creating a motorsport-inspired ambiance. The N Line also includes a sunroof, cruise control, ESP, and HAC, with a push-button start and shift paddles for manual control of the DCT transmission.
Engine and Transmission Options
Hyundai offers a range of powerplants for the i20, including the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines for the Premium and Executive variants. The 1.2-litre Kappa engine delivers 61 kW and 114.7 Nm of torque, while the 1.4-litre engine produces 73.3 kW and 133.4 Nm of torque. The turbocharged 1-litre engine in the N Line provides 89.5 kW and 171.6 Nm of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience with excellent fuel efficiency.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the new i20, with upper and lower ISOFIX attachment points for child seats, airbags for the driver and front passenger in the Premium and Executive models, and additional side impact and curtain airbags in the N Line. All variants feature ABS, EBD, and a full-size spare wheel. The N Line also includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Pricing and Warranty
The new Hyundai i20 is available at competitive prices:
- i20 1.2 Premium (manual): R309,900
- i20 1.2 Executive (manual): R329,900
- i20 1.4 Premium (automatic): R329,900
- i20 1.4 Executive (automatic): R349,900
- i20 1.0 N Line (Dual-Clutch Transmission): R467,500
Each i20 comes with a 7-year/200,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-year/60,000 km service plan, and 7 years/150,000 km roadside assistance, with service intervals of 15,000 km or annually.
With its stylish design, diverse engine options, and comprehensive features, the new Hyundai i20 sets a high standard in the hatchback segment, making it an exceptional choice for South African drivers.
