After last week an image leak revealed the shapes of the new Hyundai i20 , the South Korean brand decided to break the suspense and revealed the technical data of its new utility vehicle that will be publicly presented at the Geneva Motor Show.
According to Hyundai, the new i20 is 24mm shorter than its predecessor, 30mm wider, 5mm longer and has seen the wheelbase increase by 10mm. The result was, according to the South Korean brand, an increase in the shares of rear living space and an increase of 25 liters in the luggage compartment (now there are 351 liters).
The inside of the Hyundai i20
Speaking of the interior of the new i20, the main highlights are the possibility of having two 10.25” screens (instrument panel and infotainment) that are visually combined. When not equipped with a navigation system, the central screen is smaller, 8″.
There we also find ambient light and a horizontal “blade” that crosses the dashboard and incorporates the ventilation columns.
Technology at the service of comfort...
As expected, one of Hyundai's main bets in this new generation of the i20 was a technological reinforcement. For starters, it became possible to pair the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, now wirelessly.
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The Hyundai i20 also now has an induction charger in the center console, a USB port for the rear occupants and became the first model of the brand in Europe to feature a Bose sound system.
Finally, the new i20 is also equipped with Hyundai's Bluelink technology, which offers a wide range of connectivity services (such as Hyundai LIVE Services) and the possibility of controlling various functions remotely through the Bluelink app, whose services have a five-year free subscription.
Among the features offered by this app, real-time traffic information is highlighted; the location of radars, gas stations and car parks (with prices); the possibility of locating the car and locking it from a distance, among others.
… and security
In addition to focusing on connectivity, Hyundai also reinforced the arguments of the new i20 in terms of safety technologies and driving assistance.
Equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense security system, the i20 has systems such as:
- Adaptive cruise control based on the navigation system (anticipates turns and adjusts speed);
- Front anti-collision assistant with autonomous braking and detection of pedestrians and cyclists;
- Roadway maintenance system;
- Automatic high beam lights;
- Driver fatigue alert;
- Rear parking system with anti-collision assistance and rear traffic alert;
- Blind spot radar;
- Maximum speed information system;
- Front vehicle start alert.
The engines
Under the bonnet, the new Hyundai i20 uses a pair of familiar engines: the 1.2 MPi or the 1.0 T-GDi. The first presents itself with 84 hp and appears associated with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.0 T-GDi has two power levels, 100 hp or 120 hp , and for the first time available with a 48V mild-hybrid system (optional on the 100hp variant and standard on the 120hp variant).
According to Hyundai, this system made it possible to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions between 3 and 4%. When it comes to transmissions, when equipped with the mild-hybrid system, the 1.0 T-GDi is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an unprecedented six-speed intelligent manual (iMT) transmission.
How does this smart manual gearbox work? Whenever the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the gearbox is able to automatically disengage the engine from the transmission (without the driver having to put it in neutral), thus allowing, according to the brand, greater economy. Finally, in the 100 hp variant without mild-hybrid system, the 1.0 T-GDi is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The new Hyundai i20 will be present at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. At the moment, dates for the start of marketing in Portugal or prices have not yet been announced.
Note: article updated Feb 26 with addition of interior pictures.