New Hyundai i20 - Another serious player from South Korea
Hyundai in the B segment came for the first time in 2002 with the model Getz, without having left a greater mark in the memory of European drivers. When Hyundai i20 arrive on european market the situation has changed somewhat, but with 400,000 units sold in six years of existence, the greater commercial success was absent.
The fact that Hyundai wants to correct with the second generation, is the simple reason that the 22% of total sales, this segment has on the "old continent" (2.86 million vehicles). In addition, in the coming years will receive a substantial progress of 14%, thus whole sales reached 3.25 million units. Well, where is the whole story for i20? Far, very far behind the leading "youngsters", close to the twentieth position.
For example in France, in 2014, are sold:
105,182 Renault Clio,
83,965 Peugeot 208 ,
59,627 Citroen C3,
40,407 VW Polo,
24,916 Ford Fiesta , and
4,001 Hyundai i20
(CCFA source - Comite des Constructeurs français d'automobiles). In other European countries the situation is somewhat better, with position near the tenth position.
Now the light of day saw a whole new generation of Hyundai i20. Conceived and developed by the European center of Hyundai in Germany, with comprehensive help from young French designer Olivieja Denamur, instead of in India, Hyundai i20 this time is produced in Turkey (Izmir).
Everything indicates that Hyundai aims to increase sales to the European clientele, which is why the style for the new Hyundai i20 is quite improved. We will say serious competitor on the VW Polo.
The C-pillar is covered with black plastic, which, combined with strongly tinted rear windows creates the impression that the C-pillar isn't there. The rear part from the car is the most aggressive, with a massive and highly elevated lights in LED technology, gives it a striking appearance. Actually i20 looks much larger than it actually is, even with the 4.04 m (+ 4 cm compared to the former), belongs to the class "little ones".
The C-pillar is covered with black plastic, which, combined with strongly tinted rear windows creates the impression that the C-pillar isn't there. The rear part from the car is the most aggressive, with a massive and highly elevated lights in LED technology, gives it a striking appearance. Actually i20 looks much larger than it actually is, even with the 4.04 m (+ 4 cm compared to the former), belongs to the class "little ones".
Inside, the driver has the feeling that the steering wheel of a vehicle is in the superior segment. Good molded seats, with a large sitting body surface can be adjusted for height and control in both directions.
Despite the massive center console, for the seats do not lack place for knees, neither place for head. The driver and passenger are not in close contact, their shoulders never touch. The credit for this belongs to the entirely new platform, with a wheelbase of 2.57 m (+ 4 cm compared to the previous).
From the new platform benefits also have and the rear passengers, and although it can not compete with i30, two adults fits effortlessly. The same applies to the trunk, which is with 326 liters (+31 liters), more spacious than most competitors. Hyundai has predicted and a shelf with two levels, when folding rear backrest for even surface. Aren't forgotten neither the places for practical aspect, nothing easier to empty the pockets and place the little things, even for bottles of 1.5 l ...
Analog instruments and center console are angled slightly towards the driver (at an angle of 5 °). Even the quality services, a portion of the valve is covered with a soft two-tone plastic (with any final level). At night, as usual for Hyundai, "ice" blue light illuminates the interior. For more comfort there is holder for smartphone.
Korean manufacturers produces real good and safe cars, however, still lack a certain "charm". But not on the highway, where the i20 behaves like a large. Hard trim does not allow the chassis to "wiggle", after all, this is according to engineers lighter and stiffer than the previous one. With quite acceptable noise of the wind and discreet 1.4 CRDI diesel (at least while in constant mode), it is quite feasible "cruise" speed of 150-160 km / h and reach a maximum of 180 km / h (kilometers per hour).
We can say it is kind of slow, partly due to the weight of the diesel engine. It is a four-cylinder 1.4 with 90 hp, which provides the necessary power for 1165 kg heavy vehicle. It is primarily for drivers who exceed tens of thousands of kilometers a year, partly because of low consumption, and because of significantly higher prices of gasoline.
As for gasoline engines, for now, all known from former versions. So one petrol unit 1.2, 75 and 84 hp and 1.4 of 100 hp. Now is announced a small three-cylinder 1.0 GDI 100 and 120 hp.
As for gasoline engines, for now, all known from former versions. So one petrol unit 1.2, 75 and 84 hp and 1.4 of 100 hp. Now is announced a small three-cylinder 1.0 GDI 100 and 120 hp.
