Hyundai Automotive South Africa has expanded its popular i20 range with the addition of a new 1.4-litre engine derivative, which has been fitted with an automatic gearbox and an attractive package of standard features.
The new i20 1.4 Motion Automatic, with a recommended retail price of R249 900, takes its slot in the middle of one of the bestselling model ranges in Hyundai’s local product line-up, and – as with the other i20 derivatives – comes with a comprehensive list of features.
The other derivatives are the i20 1.2 Motion and Fluid (both with a 5-speed manual gearbox); the i20 1.4 Fluid (with a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox respectively); and the i20 1.4 Sport with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The redesigned i20 hatchback model was introduced in the local market in 2015, and it has since been a backbone in Hyundai’s sales, culminating in the company earning the 4th position among automotive brands in South Africa.
Engine and transmission
Power in the new i20 1.4 Motion comes from its Kappa 1.4 litre engine that delivers 74 kW at 6 000 RPM, with the torque output reaching its limit at 133 Nm, delivered at 3 500 RPM. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
The 1.4 litre engine delivered fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100 km in a combined test cycle, according to Hyundai.
Apart from its power source, the new i20 1.4 Motion derivative shares the specification level of its sibling in the i20 range, the i20 1.2 Motion manual, which is equipped with the smaller 1.2 litre engine that delivers maximum power of 61 kW at 4 000 RPM, and maximum torque of 115 Nm at 4 000 RPM.
Comfort and convenience
With a large cabin and a generous list of standard technologies, the i20 offers a sophisticated and luxurious occupant environment.
Standard comfort features in the new i20 1.4 Motion (auto) derivative include:
• Audio system remote control buttons on the steering wheel;
• Height adjuster for the driver’s seat;
• Bluetooth hands-free setup for the audio system and for receiving cell phone calls;
• USB and AUX connectivity for the audio system, with a radio and CD player;
• A manual air-conditioner;
• A steering wheel that can adjust in height and reach (telescopic column);
• A sunglass holder in the centre roof console; and
• A remote-locking key.
The Hyundai i20 features a large tailgate for ease of loading into its generous boot space of 294 litres, with a convenient wide boot opening. The rear bench can fold fully flat, boosting trunk capacity to 1 010 litres. The rear seats can also fold flat in a 60:40 split.
Safety
At the core of the i20, safeguarding above-average impact resistance, is the strong chassis and body shell, which benefits from the extensive use of advanced high-strength steel.
Every i20 model is fitted, as standard, with a 4-wheel electronic 4-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), as well as Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Ventilated disc brakes are used on the front wheels, while the rear wheels are equipped with solid discs for the brakes.
The i20 1.4 Motion auto features passive safety equipment to protect occupants, including a driver and front passenger airbag, with front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and a lap belt for the middle passenger in the rear. The height-adjustable head restraints provide protection against whiplash.
Pricing
The prices of the i20 model range are:
i20 1.2 Motion (manual) R224 900
i20 1.2 Fluid (manual) R236 900
i20 1.4 Motion (automatic) R249 900
i20 1.4 Fluid (manual) R256 900
i20 1.4 Fluid (automatic) R274 900
i20 1.4 Sport (manual) R292 900
Pricing includes Hyundai’s Roadside Assistance for five years or 150 000 km in all the i20 packages, as well as the industry-leading Hyundai seven year or 200 000 km warranty. Furthermore, a two year or 30 000 km Service Plan is included in the i20 1.2 Motion and Fluid’s prices, while the i20 1.4 Motion and Fluid derivatives include a three year or 60 000 km Service Plan.
