The new version of the Hyundai i20 has been shown ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. The new car has undergone extensive chassis changes as well as a new design and interior. The i20 will go on sale across Europe from November 2014.
The New Generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, the mantra followed in the creation of the new car was to create class-leading interior space, high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and clean, refined design.
Sitting on a new platform, the wheelbase has been extended by 45mm to 2570mm creating more space for occupants. Additionally theres more front and rear legroom, whilst boot capacity is up to 326-litres from 295 in the previous model.
The inclusion of front and rear parking assist, heated steering wheel, static bending headlamps and automatic defog system are impressive for a B-segment hatch. Other new features include a dashboard-integrated seven-inch satellite navigation system, automatic folding door mirrors and smartphone docking integration. USB and auxiliary connectivity is fitted as standard and can be specified with an integrated My Music function along with Bluetooth hands free, where up to 1GB of music can be stored and played.
Standard across the range is Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). The ESC has been carefully tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible during driving.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is a welcome addition to the range and alerts drivers if they are veering off course without signalling their intention to change lane during motorway driving.
Cornering headlamps, activated during cornering when the steering wheel is turned left or right by more than 25 degrees and illuminating the direction of travel have been added.
The engines remain the same from the previous generations except that they have been engineered to deliver torque lower down the rev range. The more accessible torque improves the throttle response and makes town driving more exciting.
There are three petrol models and two diesels in the range. Petrols include a 1.25-litre with two different outputs 55 kW with 122 Nm or the higher output 62 kW with the same 122Nm. The top spec petrol engine is a 1.4-litre with 74 kW and 134 Nm of torque. The 1.2 lays power to the ground via a five-speed manual whilst the 1.4 has a choice of a six-speed manual or four-speed auto.
The diesel power comes courtesy of either a 1.1-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel with 55 kW and 180 Nm or a 1.3-litre four cylinder turbodiesel with 66 kW and 240 Nm
Hyundai simultaneously released a sketch of a possible two-door variant of the i20. Here it is.