Designed at Hyundai’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the new i20 follows in the stylish footsteps of the acclaimed i10 and i30 models. Lower, longer and wider than the Getz it replaces, the five-door i20 rides on an extended 2525mm wheelbase, enhancing both its ride comfort and spacious interior architecture. Featuring Hyundai’s distinctive design motifs – a bold chrome-topped grille flanked by teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters – the i20’s modern lines are further strengthened by neat details. These include colour-co-ordinated bumpers, integrated door handles and chunky 15 or 16-inch wheels. The i20 also introduces a new palette of bold colours – inside and out.

Comfort and versatility blend seamlessly in the new i20’s spacious and generously-appointed cabin. All three trim levels – Classic, Comfort and Style – feature air-conditioning, remote central locking, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, Aux-in socket, switchable  passenger airbag and electrically operated windows. The i20’s list of standard features puts it head and shoulders above rivals – some of which cost thousands more. Moving up to
the Comfort and Style models adds even more equipment

Developed on European roads, the new i20 delivers an agile yet refined driving experience

In keeping with its dynamic styling, the i20 rides on an all-new platform that delivers an agile driving experience combined with remarkable refinement. Much of the car’s ride and handling development work was undertaken on European roads – hot weather testing was carried out in Spain, cold weather trials took place in Sweden while high-speed testing was completed in Germany. As a result, Hyundai’s ride and handling engineers were able to tune the i20’s front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension to deliver the taut and alert driving dynamics demanded by the European market. Passive safety was a top priority too, and the i20 handles in a predictable manner. However, in extreme situations, the driver has the added back up of ESP – standard on all i20s built after February.

The new rack and pinion steering setup has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility. Extensive use of advanced noise reduction materials throughout the development process – particularly in the diesel-powered models – has resulted in exceptionally high levels of refinement, giving the i20 a cosseting cabin ambience.

Keeping the weight low was another priority for the engineers, and a series of clever measures has resulted in a car which is barely heavier than the smaller Getz it replaces. Despite being loaded with equipment and extra safety features, the 1.2-litre i20 has a kerb weight of just 1,085kg – giving benefits in handling, economy and performance.

Economical and clean, the new i20’s high-tech powerplants mean exceptionally low running costs for owners

Hyundai’s all-new i20 debuts with a range of new petrol and diesel engines that have been engineered to deliver greater performance, enhanced economy and lower emissions than ever before.

The petrol line-up comprises of the all-new 78PS 1.2-litre Kappa engine and a 100PS 1.4-litre unit previously seen in the i30. The latter is offered with the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Posting a low CO2 rating of just 124g/km (that’s around 15g less than similarly-sized petrol engines from most rivals) and returning 54.3 mpg on the combined cycle, the all-new 1.2 all-alloy engine delivers an excellent combination of performance and economy. This engine is expected to be the best seller in the UK. The 1.4-litre petrol unit delivers an equally impressive 133g/km and 50.4mpg combined (in Comfort versions) – figures that better some rivals’ 1.0-litre engines!

Geared up to meet the rising demand for low-emission, high-economy diesel power, the i20 will be launched with two all-new turbodiesel engines, both with a 1.4-litre capacity and offering 75PS or 90PS. Emissions and fuel economy figures are exceptional – at just 116g/km and 64.2 mpg for the 75bhp version and 118g/km and 62.8 mpg for the larger-wheeled 90bhp model. As a result, both i20 diesels are in VED band ‘B’, which means a tax disc will cost just £35 a year.

In addition, company car drivers will find they are taxed for benefit-in-kind at just 13% - offering significant savings for those wanting to downsize.

Designed to be the safest car in the class, all i20s have six airbags and anti-whiplash headrests as standard

As the i30 proved, Hyundai is serious about safety. The new i20 debuts with exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety equipment – in fact it is Hyundai’s aim to make the i20 the safest car in the supermini class.

Hyundai doesn’t believe safety should be limited to the more expensive models in the range either – Active Head Restraints and a total of six airbags are standard on all i20s. In a first for the supermini class, Hyundai is also making ESP standard across the range on all i20s built after February 2009. Hyundai’s bold move for road safety will mean the i20 offers unrivalled levels of active and passive safety in the class.

Its outright agility, responsiveness and electronic aids play a key role in keeping the i20 driver out of harm’s way, but should the worst occur, those on board are protected by the extensive use of high-tensile steel in the robust chassis. Front, side and curtain airbags protect from front and side collisions while active headrests lessen the effects of whiplash if hit from the rear.

This safety package is further enhanced by ISOFIX mounting points in the rear and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants. Hyundai is confident of a top points score in Euro NCAP adult occupant protection and child protection crash test results, even under the new stricter rules for 2009.

The i20’s five-seater interior may pamper, but it also scores top marks for everyday practicalities. The 40:60 split rear bench folds flat, while the roomy and sensibly-shaped 295-litre boot is not bettered by any key rival. Fold the seats flat and a massive 1060 litres is on offer.

The i20 also features numerous interior storage spaces including a massive, cooled passenger glovebox and two cupholders.  These elements are complemented by the reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel, complete with integrated audio controls on most models, plus keyless central locking actuated by i20’s folding keyfob.

Unrivalled equipment levels and aggressive pricing make the i20 the most cost-effective supermini in the class

Anyone making a new car purchase in these challenging times will only do so after conducting extensive research and comparing any potential purchase against rivals. This is where the i20 really scores.

The entry level 1.2-litre Classic starts at just over £8,000 for the three-door with a five door costing an extra £450. Remember that despite this low price, all i20s are equipped with air-conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, remote central locking, electric front windows and an Aux-in socket. In addition, there is the reassurance of Hyundai’s Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty – a unique package in this class.

The mid-range Comfort model – expected to be the best seller – adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors and handles, plus electric rear windows. Comfort models also feature full iPod integration, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a trip computer and a six-speaker system.

Flagship of the i20 range is the Style, which comes equipped with 16-inch alloys, climate control, part-leather upholstery, metal-look facia and front fog lights.