For decades, Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai has been renowned for selling reliable and budget-priced cars the world over. For many, price and functionality were more than adequate when deciding which car to purchase. For others, however, something was missing. That something was ‘design’.
Following years of intense research and drawing upon inspiration from major cities across the globe, Hyundai’s design centre therefore embarked on the creation of a new philosophy based on design planning, cutting-edge technology and consumer lifestyles, all of which were closely studied and researched in order to ultimately create original car concepts and well-designed road-ready models that would be loved and admired by all and sundry.
The new Hyundai i20 is one such car to boast of such qualities.
What immediately strikes you when looking at the new Hyundai i20 is a set of aggressive looking headlamps and a sporty grill resting on a large and elegant bonnet. The car’s sleek lines go right through the entire body of the car, giving it a feel of aerodynamic continuity. No frills or thrills, just plain good design.
What immediately strikes you when looking at the new Hyundai i20 is a set of aggressive looking headlamps and a sporty grill resting on a large and elegant bonnet
Inside, the car is spacious and comfortable, with ample head and leg room for those travelling both in front and at the back. The driver sits in a commanding position, with unobstructed vision all round and with the dashboard’s dials clearly in the line of sight. The seating position for all the passengers is optimal. Very impressive interior finishes and trimmings give this sporty car a truly elegant look and feel.
When put to the test in traffic, the i20 ambled along comfortably. On open roads, the car was a pleasant cruiser and performed incredibly well. With air-conditioning blowing at full force, the car registered very good acceleration and never felt in difficulty. The Hyundai’s 1,200cc engine translates into low emissions and likewise, low fuel consumption. Its low centre of gravity and well balanced chassis gives it good roadholding on all types of surfaces, both wet and dry. The corners were taken with ease and the gearbox felt very smooth. Each gear is closely spaced so to give you that short gear change feel that any sport car, true to its name, gives.
The i20 comes equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and VSM (Vehicle Stability Control), all of which certainly help to keep the driver and his passengers safe. And while talking about safety, we must not forget to mention the car’s driver/passenger and side/curtain airbags too.
With its fantastic price, the new Hyundai i20 comes across as a great car for first-time buyers and/or for that driver with a relatively restricted budget. Those young at heart will also find this car to be a very safe bet as it offers all the fun and excitement that is to be expected from a car of this segment.