Malta in winter can provide glorious days – while the rest of Europe is freezing, we are basking in a pleasant sun. Which is a perfect backdrop when driving a fun car. A good drive, a nice meal and plenty of sun – what more could anyone want?
The new Hyundai i20 Cross is a crossover version of the second generation i20. This Hyundai subcompact hatchback is pretty unique in the market. The new generation i20 was launched in other markets in August of 2014, serving as Hyundai competitor in the B-segment.
In terms of design, the i20 Cross is essentially the i20 albeit with some body cladding, revised bumpers, larger wheels, a sporty fuel lid and a spoiler to beef up the look. It’s actually quite a good looking little crossover, and it does have plenty of kerb appeal.
In terms of size, the car fits in the family segment, and measures in at 3,995mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,555mm tall. Ground clearance has been raised from 170mm on the standard i20 to 190mm in the Cross, making it worthy of being called a crossover.
On busy roads, the i20 Cross is an easy drive
The cabin of the i20 Cross is cool. The colour combination looks great with accents on the trim for the air-conditioning vents, audio unit, gear lever, seats and even stitching. This translates into a dashboard that is fresh and modern.
The seats are more comfortable than what was expected, and that’s always a good thing. It was actually easy to settle into the driver’s seat. Seating in the back is also quite comfortable and there’s decent legroom to go around. The boot can accommodate 210 litres of cargo and the rear seats can be folded so you can fit in some larger equipment or shopping in there.
For features the Cross is fully loaded. Hyundai’s homogenous audio system occupies the centre of the dash, while below it is an automatic climate control system for comfortable driving. There are two 12-volt sockets for your smartphone charging needs, as well as a port for analogue audio cables and a USB port for your iPod or music-laden flash drive. Bluetooth is standard on this variant, along with steering wheel controls and a rather comprehensive drive computer with readouts for fuel economy, average speed and other data. Also, this i20 Cross gets the typical convenience features such as electric power steering, power windows and a smart key with push-button ignition.
Start up the engine and there’s an unusual sensation from the engine bay. The reason is that it is powered by one of Hyundai’s CRDI turbo diesels. The engine itself is one of the newest in the series, displacing 1.4-litres and producing 90PS and 220Nm of torque. Those who prefer petrol smoothness can opt for other variants with a 1.2-litre petrol engine.
On busy roads, the i20 Cross is an easy drive. The electric power steering feels and reacts to the driver’s actions. All around visibility is good, and the steering is precise. The clutch is light and the gear take up is easy to get accustomed to. Fuel economy, however, has to be the best part as the i20 Cross gives you plenty of distance for money spent at the fuel station.
On the open road, the i20 Cross offers a great drive. Wind noise isn’t too bad, and the six-speed gearbox on car we tested makes for economical driving as well. Most importantly, the suspension is smooth and absorbs much of the rough stuff. The engine has some liveliness to it – put your foot down and there’s a good thrust.
Overall, the i20 Cross drives as it promises. Fuel efficiency, stylish looks, a peppy interior and a long list of standard features are its good points.
The Cross is a good crossover, made for family needs or the active person.