Hyundai has launched its new i20 compact hatchback in Mzansi. We got behind the 'wheel of the Korean firm's Volkswagen Polo fighter to see if it's any good.

Since2009, when the Hyundaii20 debuted in South Africa, the Korean firm has sold a staggering 106 712 units of its compact hatchback in the Republic.Sales of the 1st-gen model, which was offered until 2014, alone totalled 67 539. The 2nd-model that replaced it has now been superseded by the all-new, distinctively styledi20, which features an expanded line-up, including turbopetrol derivatives.

The 5-door compacthatchback segment still represents a considerablechunkof the new vehicle market; there are quite a few fresh contenders in the shapes of the newly-arrived Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208 andCitroen C3, but Hyundai nonetheless has the segment leader, the Volkswagen Polo, in its crosshairs. Other noteworthy rivals include the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Mazda2, Nissan Micra and Toyota Yaris.

The styling of the Hyundai i20 is quite out there compared to the predecessor.

Like its comparatively conservative predecessor, the new Hyundai i20 is built in India. The newcomeris longer,wider and offers a bitmore ground clearance than before. The cabin dimensions have also increased slightly(to free up more shoulder room and rear legroom for occupants), while the load bay capacity has grownto a claimed 311 litres by virtue of offering more depth, width and height.

The cabin, especially the fascia, has beensignificantly modernised. The dashboardlooksvery sophisticated thanks to the neat integration of Hyundai's proprietary infotainment unit, which neatly flanks the instrument binnacle. The touchscreen, meanwhile,is complemented by digital instrumentation, which hasreplacedthe previous i20's traditional analogue dials.

There are 2grades on offer:Motion and Fluid. All derivatives come with daytime running lights, electric windows, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, rear parking sensors, a reverse-viewcamera, auto headlights and aircon.

The Motion has 2airbags and15-inch steelwheels, while the Fluid features 16-inch alloys, another 2 airbags, front fog lights, a wireless charging pad, cruise control, electric folding side mirrors, leather upholstery and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob.

A digital dashboard is available across the range

Hyundai i20 engine line-up

Hyundai offersits new i20 hatchback with a range of petrol engines. The1.2-and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engines are carried over from the previous model. These two powertrains produce61 kW and 115 Nm, and 74 kW and 133 Nm respectively. The 1.2-litre is paired witha 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4-litre is sold exclusively with an automatic transmission.

However, anew 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, which develops 90 kW and 172 Nm, has been added to the range to takethe fight to the forced-inductionsegment leaders. The motor is offered in conjunction with either a 6-speed manual 'box or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Whereasthe previous-generation i20 couldn'tmatch the mechanical sophistication of rival offerings, many of whichhadmore flexibledownsized turbocharged powertrains, this is no longer the case… The all-new i20 looks advanced and the new motor in the top derivatives delivers more than enoughperformance.

What's it like to drive?

There's far more engagement when it comes to driving the Hyundai i20

We drove both manual and auto versions of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol derivatives. It's a very willing (even spirited) engine and if it wasn't for the driving rain we encountered on the launch route, we would have driven muchmore enthusiastically!There's atrademark 3-potgrowltowards the top of the motor's rev range, which gives it a sporty sound, but it's refined and quiet when you're driving normally.

The manual gearboxhas a pleasingly light shift action and the clutch pedal is simple to modulate. In fact, there's a handy shift light to tell you when to swopcogs to achieve optimal fuel efficiency, which was useful as we often forgot to change into 6th gear on long open sections of road. We did note the engine had a touch of hesitation (lag, if you will) at low revs, but this is a trait exhibited by most smallturbocharged motors;once the bar on the revcounter sweeps upwards, progress is smooth and linear.

As for the automatic,Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmissions(DCT) weren't the best – the Korean brand develops and produces its own gearboxes (in case you didn't already know that), but the marque seems to havecaught up nicely since then. The self-shifting 7-speed transmission in the new Hyundai i20 changes up and downeffortlessly and,provided you don't make staccato throttle inputs, forward momentum is silky smooth. Shifts are quick, albeit but not as lightning-quick as those of VW GroupDSG units. What's great about this setup is that the DCT ably keepsthe engine in its sweet spot.

Given how automatics are becoming increasingly popular in our market(especially for those urbanites who brave congested traffic conditions every day of their working lives), we'd say the DCT is amore logical choice than the 6-speed manual. That being said, we were nonetheless pleasantly surprised by the engagement offered by the manual version of the 1.0 TGDI.

The driving characteristics ofthe newcomer represent a marked improvement over those of its, not to be cruel,so-so predecessor. The all-new Hyundai i20 tips the scales at just over 1 000 kg and feels nimble and sufficiently wieldy, which is refreshing. Granted, the ride quality is a bit on the firmer side, but given the softly-sprung vagueness of itspredecessor, weprefer the new model without question.

It's just that much more entertaining to drive by comparison, but without being too taxing or overly involving to drive.The suspension's responses are measured and predictable, even on i20s shod with the sportier 16-inch wheels and tyres. Our test route was a genuinely perfect stretch of tarmac with very few bumps, so we'll defer the final verdict to our road test, but first impressions were good.

After we'd completed the launch route in the manual version, the indicatedfuel economy figure on the i20's instrument cluster was 6.6 L/100 km, which we'd say was impressive, given our bouts of enthusiastic driving. After our stint in the DCT (automatic) derivative, we saw a figure of 7.1 L/100 km – which was also a fair result.

Flaws? Well, wewould have liked a greater range of height adjustmenton the driver's seat, whichdoesn't quite go down low enough;you end up with a feeling of sitting on the car, as opposed to in it, so the driving position isn't ideal for taller drivers. Some of the cabin materials used don't quite feel as premium as the i20's list prices suggest, but this is a criticismwe often level at cars in this segment.

Summary

It's a marked improvement all round for the Hyundai i20. Game on!

While the new Hyundai i20's looks won't appeal to everyone – its bold appearance represents quite a departure from thatof the previous model– thenewcomer does movethe game along significantly. Not only has it finally received an energetic and punchy engine to keep pace with those of its rivals, but its specification (at the price) comfortably eclipses the competition in terms of outright value.

The i20's driving manners have improved dramatically too. Indeed, thisKorean compact hatchback offers a modicum of genuine driver involvement and feels far more involving to pilot than before; it's a veritable quantum leap from the 1st-generation model's insular driving experience. A sporty Hyundai that doesn't have an N badge? What is the world coming to? We like this place.

Combined with the substantial warranty and after-sales back-up (including a 4-year/60 000 km service plan) offered by the Korean brand's local subsidiary, we think there might be a short-termstock shortage of the new i20. Hyundai South Africa said that no fewer than 45 units drove off showroom floors on the first official day of sales – a strong indication of things to come, perhaps?

Evidently, Hyundai has come out swinging with its new i20. It knows that while its SUV modelsbringin significant sales, it still needs to have a strong offering in the compact hatchback segment and the latest generation i20 will certainly nick more than a few sales from its rivals. Whether it can match the segment-leading Volkswagen Polo remains to be seen, but that's what group tests are for, right?

How much does the new Hyundai i20 cost in South Africa?

The new Hyundai i20 is sold with a5-year/150 000 km manufacturer's warranty andan additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty, a 5-year/160 000 km perforation warranty, 7 years' (oruntil 150 000 km) roadside assistance, as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan with intervals at every 15 000 km.

Further Reading

Hyundai i20 (2021) Specs & Price in SA

Full Reveal: Hyundai i20 N with 150 kW!

Hyundai i20 N Line Previews Hardcore Hot Hatch

Hyundai i20 (2021) International Launch Review