Fresh New Hyundai i20 Hits the Road in South Africa

Hyundai’s new i20 has burst onto the South African motoring scene with a look that’s as fresh as your morning cup of rooibos. This little hatchback, occupying a robust 10% share of the local car market, is here to prove that dynamite does indeed come in small packages.

The new i20 struts its stuff in three specification levels, three engines, and three transmissions, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the modestly-priced Premium models to the swanky Executive versions and the sporty, turbocharged N Line, the i20 is ready to take on all comers.

Stanley Anderson, the sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, assures us, “The Hyundai i20 has been a solid competitor over the years in the hatchback market segment. It’s a car for many tastes and budgets and offers a comprehensive motoring package, even at its basic trim level.” Well, if Mr. Anderson is this enthusiastic, who are we to argue?

Engines and Transmissions: A Symphony of Options

At entry-level, the i20 Premium sports a 1.2-litre or a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.2 Premium comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of old-school gear shifting. If you’re not into that, the 1.4 Premium’s 6-speed automatic transmission is as smooth as butter.

Climbing up the ladder, the Executive variants also offer the same engine options, with fuel efficiency that would make even a Prius jealous. The 1.2-litre engine boasts a consumption of just 5.9 litres/100 km, while the 1.4-litre engine clocks in at a respectable 6.9 litres/100 km.

And then there’s the i20 N Line, the bad boy of the bunch, with its turbocharged 1-litre petrol engine and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. This one’s for the drivers who like to let their hair down (or at least pretend they still have hair to let down).

Exterior: Beauty and the Beast

The i20’s refreshed design features a chic front bumper and glossy black radiator grille that scream elegance. The rear bumper and unique taillight design complete the look, while 16-inch alloy wheels on the Executive and N Line derivatives add a touch of flair. For those who like a more understated elegance, the Premium variants come with 15-inch steel wheels cladded with carbon-black covers. Fancy, right?

With a compact B-segment size, the new i20 offers a surprising amount of interior room and 311 litres of boot space—enough for your gym bag, groceries, and maybe even your dog (if it’s a very small dog).

Interior: Where Comfort Meets Convenience

Inside, the i20 offers a blend of cloth and artificial leather for the Premium and Executive versions, while the N Line gets exclusive artificial leather seat covers. All variants include a manual tilt and telescopic steering column, ensuring you find the perfect driving position, whether you’re short or, let’s say, vertically gifted.

Air conditioning is standard across the board, with the N Line boasting automatic climate control. Rear passengers won’t feel left out either, thanks to adjustable air outlets in all models.

The i20’s tech game is on point too, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The N Line even throws in a wireless phone charger, because, of course, it does.

Safety: Because You Only Live Once

Safety isn’t an afterthought with the new i20. All variants feature upper and lower ISOFIX attachment points for child seats and airbags for the driver and front passenger. The N Line ups the ante with additional side and curtain airbags.

Braking is handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as standard. The N Line also comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), proving it’s not just about looks.

Specifications at a Glance

• Engines:

  • 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, 61 kW, 114.7 Nm

  • 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 73.3 kW, 133.4 Nm

  • 1-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder, 89.5 kW, 171.6 Nm

• Transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual (1.2-litre)

  • 6-speed automatic (1.4-litre)

  • 7-speed Dual Clutch (1-litre turbo)

• Fuel Consumption:

  • 5.9 litres/100 km (1.2-litre)

  • 6.9 litres/100 km (1.4-litre and 1-litre turbo)

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 3,995 mm

  • Width: 1,775 mm

  • Boot Space: 311 litres

• Safety:

  • Airbags: Driver, front passenger, side (N Line), curtain (N Line)

  • Brakes: Disc front, drum rear

  • ESC (N Line)

The Hyundai i20 isn’t just another hatchback; it’s a statement. It says, “I’m practical, but I like to have fun.” So, whether you’re a fleet buyer or just someone who appreciates a good ride, the new i20 is worth a test drive. Just be prepared to fall in love.

Pricing

The prices of the new i20 derivatives with its respective standard specification packages are:

All i20s are sold with an industry-leading 7-years/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 4-years/60 000 km service plan, and 7 years/150 000 km roadside assistance. The service interval is 15 000 km, or annual.

The post Fresh New Hyundai i20 Hits the Road in South Africa first appeared on Fuelled.