TheChamp
Honorary Master
The round reflectors and the fog lights bulging out of the bodywork are hideous.
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The Hyundai i20 Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Hyundai i20 1.4 Active (2018) Launch Review
In a market where 5-door hatchbacks and SUVs are all the rage, it makes perfect sense to combine the 2 body styles, doesn't it? With the launch of the i20 Active, Hyundai is the latest brand to have done just that.
The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most popular cars in its segment since introduction in 2009, and that takes some doing seeing as this is a market category that includes the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta! Now, for this iteration of Hyundai's compact hatchback's mid-life facelift, the Korean marque has introduced a number of fairly noticeable styling tweaks, some spec refinements and also this – the new crossover-themed i20 Active – as a flagship derivative. Think what CrossPolo is to Volkswagen's Polo and you'll have a perfect view of the i20 Active's positioning.
It's got the look
To turn the standard i20 into the Active, Hyundai has added all the usual SUV-themed design features. You get neat roof rails, 16-inch wheels, a ride height raised by 20 mm, black plastic wheel arch linings and cladding elsewhere, as well as front and rear "skidplates". Interestingly, the new Active derivative actually uses the grille and rear tailgate of the pre-facelift i20, yet it still manages to look fresh...
Red inserts are specific to the i20 Active. Note large touch-screen system that is standard.
Inside, the i20 is distinguished from its siblings by red or blue trim inserts (depending on the choice of exterior colour) on the gear lever console, gearknob and air vents.
Overall, it's a good-looking offering that has plenty of showroom appeal. Build quality appears to be very solid and the facelifted i20s all benefit from subtle upgrades to the trim materials and ergonomics. Included is a neat touchscreen infotainment system that, for an extra R2 500, can be upgraded at dealer level to include navigation. There's also a convenient centre armrest that includes a storage compartment.
In fact, practicality is one of the i20's strengths. The driving position is really good, with a height-adjustable driver's seat being standard. Even with my 1.8m frame behind the steering wheel there was ample legroom left for rear passengers. The luggage bay measures a very decent 285 litres, expanding to 1 001 with the rear seats folded.
Sufficient power
It's an attractively styled newcomer, this i20 Active, and fits perfectly within a popular segment.
The new i20 Active replaces the previous "Sport" in the line-up, but don't expect performance fireworks as a result. It is powered by the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine as other models in the i20 line-up. The engine delivers 74 kW at 6 000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 3 500 rpm. Mated with a fuss-free 6-speed manual transmission, the i20 Active feels sufficiently powerful for the daily grind, but turbocharged rivals feel more responsive to throttle inputs, as you'd expect.
More important than outright performance in this segment is fuel economy – Hyundai claims a combined cycle consumption of 6.7 litres/100 km, which seems fair, seeing as after a morning of hard driving (including mountain passes) our car indicated a consumption figure of 8.8 litres/100 km.
We drove the Active on roads of varying quality in the Western Cape, but did not try it on gravel. The extra 20 mm of ground clearance will undoubtedly be appreciated by owners that travel rougher surfaces often, but we're also happy to report that on tarred surfaces and at higher speeds the raised clearance didn't negatively affect the i20's general surefootedness. This car has always had well-balanced underpinnings. You get the sense that it can easily cope with more power. At the same time, it remains comfortable in the cabin and NVH refinement is very good.
Packed with features, but...
The luggage bay is nicely shaped and sized to accommodate a small family's luggage and more. Rear seats are split 60:40.
When it comes to the showroom appeal of the i20 Active, many boxes are ticked. The new infotainment system is going to be a powerful arm-twisting tool for salesmen, but, besides that, you get automatic climate control, electric windows all-round USB/aux and Bluetooth support, rear park assist and auto lights, among other items.
In terms of safety equipment, the news is not as positive. Dual front airbags are included, as are ABS with EBD, but there's no ESP and some competitors also offer a greater number of airbags. At this price (R279 900) we maintain that ESP really ought to be included. Of course, those ESP-equipped rivals can't always match the i20 in terms of other (non-safety) features and particularly the warranty/service plan, so the consumer has to decide what is ultimately more important to them.
Summary
The i20 range's local success is likely to continue even in the face of new additions to the market from the likes of Volkswagen (Polo), Ford (Fiesta) and Toyota (Yaris). The Korean newcomer offers excellent value for money, after all. The new, improved i20 derivatives are all only R5 000 more expensive than their predecessors, of which you can say about half is accounted for by the VAT increase at the beginning of April. And then there is that peace-of-mind back-up – a 5-year/150 000 km general warranty that is further bolstered by an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty. This particular model is also supported by a 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
At R279 900, the Hyundai i20 Active offers an alluring ownership proposition with its crossover looks, standard features and excellent warranty/service plan.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/hyundai-i20-14-active-2018-launch-review/45048/
In a market where 5-door hatchbacks and SUVs are all the rage, it makes perfect sense to combine the 2 body styles, doesn't it? With the launch of the i20 Active, Hyundai is the latest brand to have done just that.
The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most popular cars in its segment since introduction in 2009, and that takes some doing seeing as this is a market category that includes the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta! Now, for this iteration of Hyundai's compact hatchback's mid-life facelift, the Korean marque has introduced a number of fairly noticeable styling tweaks, some spec refinements and also this – the new crossover-themed i20 Active – as a flagship derivative. Think what CrossPolo is to Volkswagen's Polo and you'll have a perfect view of the i20 Active's positioning.
It's got the look
To turn the standard i20 into the Active, Hyundai has added all the usual SUV-themed design features. You get neat roof rails, 16-inch wheels, a ride height raised by 20 mm, black plastic wheel arch linings and cladding elsewhere, as well as front and rear "skidplates". Interestingly, the new Active derivative actually uses the grille and rear tailgate of the pre-facelift i20, yet it still manages to look fresh...
Red inserts are specific to the i20 Active. Note large touch-screen system that is standard.
Inside, the i20 is distinguished from its siblings by red or blue trim inserts (depending on the choice of exterior colour) on the gear lever console, gearknob and air vents.
Overall, it's a good-looking offering that has plenty of showroom appeal. Build quality appears to be very solid and the facelifted i20s all benefit from subtle upgrades to the trim materials and ergonomics. Included is a neat touchscreen infotainment system that, for an extra R2 500, can be upgraded at dealer level to include navigation. There's also a convenient centre armrest that includes a storage compartment.
In fact, practicality is one of the i20's strengths. The driving position is really good, with a height-adjustable driver's seat being standard. Even with my 1.8m frame behind the steering wheel there was ample legroom left for rear passengers. The luggage bay measures a very decent 285 litres, expanding to 1 001 with the rear seats folded.
Sufficient power
It's an attractively styled newcomer, this i20 Active, and fits perfectly within a popular segment.
The new i20 Active replaces the previous "Sport" in the line-up, but don't expect performance fireworks as a result. It is powered by the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine as other models in the i20 line-up. The engine delivers 74 kW at 6 000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 3 500 rpm. Mated with a fuss-free 6-speed manual transmission, the i20 Active feels sufficiently powerful for the daily grind, but turbocharged rivals feel more responsive to throttle inputs, as you'd expect.
More important than outright performance in this segment is fuel economy – Hyundai claims a combined cycle consumption of 6.7 litres/100 km, which seems fair, seeing as after a morning of hard driving (including mountain passes) our car indicated a consumption figure of 8.8 litres/100 km.
We drove the Active on roads of varying quality in the Western Cape, but did not try it on gravel. The extra 20 mm of ground clearance will undoubtedly be appreciated by owners that travel rougher surfaces often, but we're also happy to report that on tarred surfaces and at higher speeds the raised clearance didn't negatively affect the i20's general surefootedness. This car has always had well-balanced underpinnings. You get the sense that it can easily cope with more power. At the same time, it remains comfortable in the cabin and NVH refinement is very good.
Packed with features, but...
The luggage bay is nicely shaped and sized to accommodate a small family's luggage and more. Rear seats are split 60:40.
When it comes to the showroom appeal of the i20 Active, many boxes are ticked. The new infotainment system is going to be a powerful arm-twisting tool for salesmen, but, besides that, you get automatic climate control, electric windows all-round USB/aux and Bluetooth support, rear park assist and auto lights, among other items.
In terms of safety equipment, the news is not as positive. Dual front airbags are included, as are ABS with EBD, but there's no ESP and some competitors also offer a greater number of airbags. At this price (R279 900) we maintain that ESP really ought to be included. Of course, those ESP-equipped rivals can't always match the i20 in terms of other (non-safety) features and particularly the warranty/service plan, so the consumer has to decide what is ultimately more important to them.
Summary
The i20 range's local success is likely to continue even in the face of new additions to the market from the likes of Volkswagen (Polo), Ford (Fiesta) and Toyota (Yaris). The Korean newcomer offers excellent value for money, after all. The new, improved i20 derivatives are all only R5 000 more expensive than their predecessors, of which you can say about half is accounted for by the VAT increase at the beginning of April. And then there is that peace-of-mind back-up – a 5-year/150 000 km general warranty that is further bolstered by an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty. This particular model is also supported by a 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
At R279 900, the Hyundai i20 Active offers an alluring ownership proposition with its crossover looks, standard features and excellent warranty/service plan.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/hyundai-i20-14-active-2018-launch-review/45048/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The following 2 points need to be stated again:
Pro: Good news that every single model has a relatively-large infotainment system fitted as standard.
(Major) Con: Zero models have ESP, I see no indication of it being an option even. Additionally all models only have 2 airbags.
Pro: Good news that every single model has a relatively-large infotainment system fitted as standard.
(Major) Con: Zero models have ESP, I see no indication of it being an option even. Additionally all models only have 2 airbags.
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Tucson 2.0 does not have ESP and EBD yet that did not stop anyone, Hyundai have figured out the South African consumer and they have their number, no need to lose money ifbyou can sell cars without important safety features at a premium.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
I think it's the oak's mic tbh...
Hyundai still persisting with the 10+ year old engine range and the same 4 speed auto box that's been in what seems 4 generations of car.
When I bought my accent in 2012 it was the best value for money auto I could get. Iirc the Honda ballade was a good shout as well.
They dont seem such good value for money any more.
When I bought my accent in 2012 it was the best value for money auto I could get. Iirc the Honda ballade was a good shout as well.
They dont seem such good value for money any more.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Kia pulls the same tactic in 1st World Markets even. Think Rio in Australia.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters launch video of the facelifted i20
[video=youtube_share;rkmA-kYcJ7w]https://youtu.be/rkmA-kYcJ7w[/video]
[video=youtube_share;rkmA-kYcJ7w]https://youtu.be/rkmA-kYcJ7w[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Hyundai i20 2018 review
Should I buy one?
If you’re after a compact car that still provides enough space for adults to sit in the back row, and still has a sizeable boot, the i20 absolutely fits the bill - it’s just that rivals have made more progress in the time since it first arrived.
More equipment inside the cabin and safety systems as standard are both welcome inclusions, but the competition offers a similar spec with superior refinement for not much more money.
The i20 also does little to excite you on the road. Yes, it’s still spacious and practical, but so are the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo - and they both have superior dynamics that make them a more fun, more comfortable drive overall.
Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 120 PS 6MT Premium Nav specification
Where Frankfurt, Germany Price £13,995 (est) On sale now Engine 998cc 3-cyl turbocharged petrol Power118bhp at 6000rpm Torque 171lb ft at 1500-4000rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1218kg Top speed 118mph 0-62mph 10.2sec Fuel economy 54.3mpg CO2 114g/km Rivals Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/hyundai/i20/first-drives/hyundai-i20-2018-review
Should I buy one?
If you’re after a compact car that still provides enough space for adults to sit in the back row, and still has a sizeable boot, the i20 absolutely fits the bill - it’s just that rivals have made more progress in the time since it first arrived.
More equipment inside the cabin and safety systems as standard are both welcome inclusions, but the competition offers a similar spec with superior refinement for not much more money.
The i20 also does little to excite you on the road. Yes, it’s still spacious and practical, but so are the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo - and they both have superior dynamics that make them a more fun, more comfortable drive overall.
Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 120 PS 6MT Premium Nav specification
Where Frankfurt, Germany Price £13,995 (est) On sale now Engine 998cc 3-cyl turbocharged petrol Power118bhp at 6000rpm Torque 171lb ft at 1500-4000rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1218kg Top speed 118mph 0-62mph 10.2sec Fuel economy 54.3mpg CO2 114g/km Rivals Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/hyundai/i20/first-drives/hyundai-i20-2018-review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition TV insert
[video=youtube_share;U6RANv6Sa1E]https://youtu.be/U6RANv6Sa1E[/video]
[video=youtube_share;U6RANv6Sa1E]https://youtu.be/U6RANv6Sa1E[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
REVIEW: 2018 Hyundai i20 Active
Make no mistake, Hyundai South Africa made a smart move to introduce the i20 Active to the local market especially considering the recent launch of the Polo Vivo Cross, another pseudo crossover.
Sean Parker asks the pertinent questions about Hyundai's latest hatchback.
So, what sets apart the new i20 Active apart from a normal i20?
To differentiate itself as a lifestyle vehicle, the Active sports a different grille and fog lights. There's some silver cladding on the matt-black front and back bumper.
Hyundai says the new model boasts a higher ground clearance (170mm), a nice touch (practically and aesthetically) are the roof rails to carry bicycle carriers or a roof box for to make transporting camping gear easier.
The Active model sits on 16" wheels and with ample tyre profile, suited for gravel roads says the automaker. We didn't venture onto gravel roads with the Active.
Inside you'll find red accents on the air vent, gear lever console and gear knob if you're car is decked out in a red hue. And blue accents if the exterior colour is blue. The red even makes its way to the front seats bolsters, you just can't escape it. To be honest, it doesn't look too garish and I didn't find it over the top.
So does this mean there's a new engine for the Active model?
No change here, the Active is powered by the familiar 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 74kW and 133Nm. Top speed is quoted at 182km/h.
Its mated to a six-speed manual in this particular model. I enjoyed the feel of the manual 'box as it's rare we get to test cars where you have to swap your own cogs. But I found the solid action of the Hyundai's gearbox to be pleasant and a boon in stop/start traffic.
The engine has enough vooma for the daily commute, but it does struggle on inclines and overtaking.
What's it like to drive?
Good but mundane. And yes, this car is not meant to be terribly sporty or dynamic and it doesn't pretend to be. Using a McPherson strut layout for the front suspension and a torsion beam at the rear, the i20 Active offers a comfortable ride that soaks up the bumps when it needs to.
The engine as I mentioned is revvy and eager to go but you'll need to row through the gears quite a bit to extract the measly 130-odd Nm of torque. Fuel consumption hovered around the 9.0-litre/100km mark, which is quite high, but would've had a lot to do with my driving style.
All in all, it does what it needs to do, and with the addition of some funky and practical styling additions, it's competing for attention of consumers looking for a 'hatchcomecrossover'.
Summary
It makes sense doesn't it? Using a nameplate (i20) popular with the public and adding a suffix to create a car that competes with Volkswagen's recently launched Polo Vivo Maxx, Toyota's Etios Cross, Volkswagen's Cross Up!, Fiat's Panda Cross 4x4 and Suzuki's Ignis.
What you get with the Hyundai is a strong dealer network, good (percieved) build quality and a two-year/30 000km service plan as well as the standard five-year/150 000km warranty. But at just under R280 000, there are other options available in this segment. So shop around before you put your hard-earned money down.
Team opinion
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post says: "Hyundai's i20 sells several hundred units each month, while the more popular Grand i10 reaches over 1000 units monthly on average.
To add to the brand's onslaught, the Korean automaker has added the i20 Active to its range.
So what's the point of this kind of vehicle?
As mentioned, think VW Polo Vivo Maxx or Toyota's Etios Cross. It most certainly does not give you right of way to go bundu-bashing, but it does take away the daily bashes of being parents with kids.
Picture having to climb the kerb or higher ground at soccer or rugby fields for Saturday game days for your little ones. Or trying to hold onto your child who is trying to run away while you're trying to unload the trolley before it gently rolls into the back of the vehicle. Those silver under-plates and black plastic side trims come in extra handy when you least expect.
The 1.4-litre found in the rest of the i20 range delivers 74kW/133Nm is more than suffice as a daily drive whether you're trotting to work or going away for a weekend with the family in tow. There's more than enough boot space to load luggage bags and a cooler box or two.
While it isn't a vehicle made to run the speedometre needle off the clock, it drives comfortably and is hardly lazy for a steady cruise or a bit of a gravel driving. It's eager to overtake and it's 133Nm proves to give the i20 Active more than enough grunt to perform any necessary overtaking manoeuvres.
Red interiors are never one of my favourite things, but I absolutely love the minimalist approach Hyundai has taken with this derivative. The subtle red inserts on the seats and red trim on the outer air vents works well, along with the red top of the gear lever and the red stitching on the leather gear-lever pouch.
Priced at R280 000, it's most certainly not the cheapest of offerings but it does tick the right boxes for families looking for something a tiny but more rugged in terms of styling in a family vehicle.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-2018-hyundai-i20-active-20180705
Make no mistake, Hyundai South Africa made a smart move to introduce the i20 Active to the local market especially considering the recent launch of the Polo Vivo Cross, another pseudo crossover.
Sean Parker asks the pertinent questions about Hyundai's latest hatchback.
So, what sets apart the new i20 Active apart from a normal i20?
To differentiate itself as a lifestyle vehicle, the Active sports a different grille and fog lights. There's some silver cladding on the matt-black front and back bumper.
Hyundai says the new model boasts a higher ground clearance (170mm), a nice touch (practically and aesthetically) are the roof rails to carry bicycle carriers or a roof box for to make transporting camping gear easier.
The Active model sits on 16" wheels and with ample tyre profile, suited for gravel roads says the automaker. We didn't venture onto gravel roads with the Active.
Inside you'll find red accents on the air vent, gear lever console and gear knob if you're car is decked out in a red hue. And blue accents if the exterior colour is blue. The red even makes its way to the front seats bolsters, you just can't escape it. To be honest, it doesn't look too garish and I didn't find it over the top.
So does this mean there's a new engine for the Active model?
No change here, the Active is powered by the familiar 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 74kW and 133Nm. Top speed is quoted at 182km/h.
Its mated to a six-speed manual in this particular model. I enjoyed the feel of the manual 'box as it's rare we get to test cars where you have to swap your own cogs. But I found the solid action of the Hyundai's gearbox to be pleasant and a boon in stop/start traffic.
The engine has enough vooma for the daily commute, but it does struggle on inclines and overtaking.
What's it like to drive?
Good but mundane. And yes, this car is not meant to be terribly sporty or dynamic and it doesn't pretend to be. Using a McPherson strut layout for the front suspension and a torsion beam at the rear, the i20 Active offers a comfortable ride that soaks up the bumps when it needs to.
The engine as I mentioned is revvy and eager to go but you'll need to row through the gears quite a bit to extract the measly 130-odd Nm of torque. Fuel consumption hovered around the 9.0-litre/100km mark, which is quite high, but would've had a lot to do with my driving style.
All in all, it does what it needs to do, and with the addition of some funky and practical styling additions, it's competing for attention of consumers looking for a 'hatchcomecrossover'.
Summary
It makes sense doesn't it? Using a nameplate (i20) popular with the public and adding a suffix to create a car that competes with Volkswagen's recently launched Polo Vivo Maxx, Toyota's Etios Cross, Volkswagen's Cross Up!, Fiat's Panda Cross 4x4 and Suzuki's Ignis.
What you get with the Hyundai is a strong dealer network, good (percieved) build quality and a two-year/30 000km service plan as well as the standard five-year/150 000km warranty. But at just under R280 000, there are other options available in this segment. So shop around before you put your hard-earned money down.
Team opinion
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post says: "Hyundai's i20 sells several hundred units each month, while the more popular Grand i10 reaches over 1000 units monthly on average.
To add to the brand's onslaught, the Korean automaker has added the i20 Active to its range.
So what's the point of this kind of vehicle?
As mentioned, think VW Polo Vivo Maxx or Toyota's Etios Cross. It most certainly does not give you right of way to go bundu-bashing, but it does take away the daily bashes of being parents with kids.
Picture having to climb the kerb or higher ground at soccer or rugby fields for Saturday game days for your little ones. Or trying to hold onto your child who is trying to run away while you're trying to unload the trolley before it gently rolls into the back of the vehicle. Those silver under-plates and black plastic side trims come in extra handy when you least expect.
The 1.4-litre found in the rest of the i20 range delivers 74kW/133Nm is more than suffice as a daily drive whether you're trotting to work or going away for a weekend with the family in tow. There's more than enough boot space to load luggage bags and a cooler box or two.
While it isn't a vehicle made to run the speedometre needle off the clock, it drives comfortably and is hardly lazy for a steady cruise or a bit of a gravel driving. It's eager to overtake and it's 133Nm proves to give the i20 Active more than enough grunt to perform any necessary overtaking manoeuvres.
Red interiors are never one of my favourite things, but I absolutely love the minimalist approach Hyundai has taken with this derivative. The subtle red inserts on the seats and red trim on the outer air vents works well, along with the red top of the gear lever and the red stitching on the leather gear-lever pouch.
Priced at R280 000, it's most certainly not the cheapest of offerings but it does tick the right boxes for families looking for something a tiny but more rugged in terms of styling in a family vehicle.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-2018-hyundai-i20-active-20180705
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Hyundai i20 1.2 Fluid (2018) Review
Hyundai i20 Price in South Africa
The Hyundai i20 Fluid is priced from R241 900. All derivatives are sold inclusive of Hyundai's excellent 5-years/150 000 km warranty (and additional 2-years/50 000 km powertrain warranty), while 1.2L derivatives come with a 2-years/30 000 km service plan, extended to 3-years/60 000 km for 1.4L offerings. Roadside assistance is also part of the deal, for 5-years/150 000 km.
Verdict
With the B-segment pushing pricing into the R300k range for models like the Polo and Fiesta, it's great to see that there's still value to be found without compromising on features or that dreaded cost-cutting / buying-down feeling. While many will look to the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, the reality is that both of these models have simply become too expensive meaning buyers will look elsewhere to find a decent set of wheels. That's where the 1.2-litre i20 comes in...
Specification and practicality are good in the facelifted Hyundai i20, and while we'd like to see some form of traction control or stability control, we realise that this would have an effect on the list price. We found the engine acceptable if not entirely inspiring, offering just enough power to see it keep pace in an urban environment. It does need to be worked hard on a national highway to keep pace. Luckily the gearbox and clutch action is light and quick to keep the engine on the boil. Factor in that ultra-comprehensive warranty and generous service plan for additional peace of mind and it looks like the Hyundai i20 sales will continue at a steady pace.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/hyundai-i20-12-fluid-2018-review/45254/
Hyundai i20 Price in South Africa
The Hyundai i20 Fluid is priced from R241 900. All derivatives are sold inclusive of Hyundai's excellent 5-years/150 000 km warranty (and additional 2-years/50 000 km powertrain warranty), while 1.2L derivatives come with a 2-years/30 000 km service plan, extended to 3-years/60 000 km for 1.4L offerings. Roadside assistance is also part of the deal, for 5-years/150 000 km.
Verdict
With the B-segment pushing pricing into the R300k range for models like the Polo and Fiesta, it's great to see that there's still value to be found without compromising on features or that dreaded cost-cutting / buying-down feeling. While many will look to the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, the reality is that both of these models have simply become too expensive meaning buyers will look elsewhere to find a decent set of wheels. That's where the 1.2-litre i20 comes in...
Specification and practicality are good in the facelifted Hyundai i20, and while we'd like to see some form of traction control or stability control, we realise that this would have an effect on the list price. We found the engine acceptable if not entirely inspiring, offering just enough power to see it keep pace in an urban environment. It does need to be worked hard on a national highway to keep pace. Luckily the gearbox and clutch action is light and quick to keep the engine on the boil. Factor in that ultra-comprehensive warranty and generous service plan for additional peace of mind and it looks like the Hyundai i20 sales will continue at a steady pace.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/hyundai-i20-12-fluid-2018-review/45254/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Oh dear
genetic
Honorary Master
About sums up most Hyundais
PhireSide
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2006
- Messages
- 18,421
- Reaction score
- 11,860
You really don't like Hyundai's do you?
genetic
Honorary Master
Worst (new) cars I've driven.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: Hyundai i20 Active is a decent 'adventure hatch'
Like craft beer and artisanal food, it’s become the crowd-enticing trend.
Take a hatchback, give it some plastic body ‘armour’ and raise the suspension and voila - you have yourself a pseudo adventure vehicle. Not quite an SUV, but let’s call it a hatchback in hiking boots.
Renault did it with the Sandero Stepway, and VW with the Polo Vivo Maxx - to mention a couple - and now Hyundai’s done it with its i20 Active.
It’s based on the i20 compact hatch but in Active form it’s butched up with SUV-style roof rails and plastic front and rear skidplates. To make it stand out even more, the front bumper and grille are styled differently to the rest of the recently-facelifted i20 range.
Inside, the Active gets a splash of extravagance with red or blue colour trim (depending on the exterior body colour) on the seats, dashboard and gearshift.
Though it’s front wheel driven like the rest of the i20 line up and has minimal offroading aspirations, the new 1.4 Active gets a raised ride height (from 150mm to 170mm) to give it better ground clearance on gravel.
It’s the new flagship of the updated i20 range and is available in a single 1.4-litre, six-speed manual model selling for R279 990, which includes Hyundai’s five-year/150 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km service plan.
The Active gets the i20’s familiar 1.4-litre petrol engine with outputs of 74kW and 133Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
In all i20 models the infotainment has been upgraded to a large screen system with Bluetooth and USB music connection, while navigation can be ordered as an optional extra. All versions also come standard with keyless entry, driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes, aircon, and front electric windows.
The top-specced Active replaces manual aircon with automatic climate control, swops steel wheels for 16” alloy versions, and throws extra features like automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, rear electric windows, a centre armrest, and rear park assist into the mix.
I like the new touchscreen infotainment with its large and simple-to-use icons. Apart from Bluetooth smartphone-pairing, the car comes with AUX and USB connectors for your music.
The cabin is smartly finished and the contrasting colours give the black interior an appealing splash of colour. It’s also reasonably roomy for a compact car, with adults able to fit into the rear seats without requiring specialised yoga skills. The 285 litre boot is a useful size and expands to a cavernous 1 001 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down.
The car has perkier performance than you’d expect from a humble normally-aspirated 1.4. It scoots about the suburbs with no fireworks but no sluggishness either, and also finds a happy place on the freeways where it quite easily cruises at the 120km/* speed limit - and will max out at 182km/h according to Hyundai.
It’s unthirsty too, with our test car averaging 6.7 litres per 100km.
Hyundai’s compact hatch impressed me with its soft-spoken refinement too. The smooth-running engine never gets noisy or buzzy even when revved hard, and the lack of wind noise and general feel of rattle-free solidity gives the car a grown-up vibe.
The gear shifter is light and slick, but less impressive is the electric power steering which is hesitant to self-centre and requires small corrections to keep the car going in a straight line. It’s a somewhat annoying trait we’ve also experienced in other Hyundais, including the Creta.
The slightly raised ride height doesn’t notably affect the cornering agility, for those who might fear that the extra 20mm might have turned the car into something that handles like a pudding. This is very much still a car-like driving experience, with nimble road manners.
The ride is quite comfortable too, and while this Hyundai isn’t realistically intended for dirt adventures, it does come fitted with gravel-friendly high-profile 195/55 tyres.
VERDICT
The i20 Active is a pleasant little ‘adventure hatch’ with good refinement, eye-catching looks and a bit more pace than its humble engine suggests. But it’s also quite expensive, with an asking price that’s similar to more powerful rivals (see comparison table).
Hyundai i20 Active vs rivals
Vehicle Power/Torque Ride Height Price
Hyundai i20 Active manual 74kW and 133Nm 170mm R279 990
Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost Trend 92kW and 170Nm 206mm R287 500
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort 88kW and 145Nm 210mm R263 200
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active 115kW and 204Nm 160mm R290 800
Peugeot 2008 1.2T Active 81kW and 205Nm 165mm R299 900
Renault Captur 66kW turbo Dynamique 66kW and 135Nm 170mm R281 900
Renault Sandero Stepway 66kW turbo Plus 66kW and 135Nm 193mm R206 900
Renault Duster 1.6 Dynamique 77kW and 148Nm 210mm R266 900
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL 86kW and 151Nm 185mm R277 900
VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Maxx 77kW and 153Nm N/A R225 000
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...0-active-is-a-decent-adventure-hatch-16055849
Like craft beer and artisanal food, it’s become the crowd-enticing trend.
Take a hatchback, give it some plastic body ‘armour’ and raise the suspension and voila - you have yourself a pseudo adventure vehicle. Not quite an SUV, but let’s call it a hatchback in hiking boots.
Renault did it with the Sandero Stepway, and VW with the Polo Vivo Maxx - to mention a couple - and now Hyundai’s done it with its i20 Active.
It’s based on the i20 compact hatch but in Active form it’s butched up with SUV-style roof rails and plastic front and rear skidplates. To make it stand out even more, the front bumper and grille are styled differently to the rest of the recently-facelifted i20 range.
Inside, the Active gets a splash of extravagance with red or blue colour trim (depending on the exterior body colour) on the seats, dashboard and gearshift.
Though it’s front wheel driven like the rest of the i20 line up and has minimal offroading aspirations, the new 1.4 Active gets a raised ride height (from 150mm to 170mm) to give it better ground clearance on gravel.
It’s the new flagship of the updated i20 range and is available in a single 1.4-litre, six-speed manual model selling for R279 990, which includes Hyundai’s five-year/150 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km service plan.
The Active gets the i20’s familiar 1.4-litre petrol engine with outputs of 74kW and 133Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
In all i20 models the infotainment has been upgraded to a large screen system with Bluetooth and USB music connection, while navigation can be ordered as an optional extra. All versions also come standard with keyless entry, driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes, aircon, and front electric windows.
The top-specced Active replaces manual aircon with automatic climate control, swops steel wheels for 16” alloy versions, and throws extra features like automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, rear electric windows, a centre armrest, and rear park assist into the mix.
I like the new touchscreen infotainment with its large and simple-to-use icons. Apart from Bluetooth smartphone-pairing, the car comes with AUX and USB connectors for your music.
The cabin is smartly finished and the contrasting colours give the black interior an appealing splash of colour. It’s also reasonably roomy for a compact car, with adults able to fit into the rear seats without requiring specialised yoga skills. The 285 litre boot is a useful size and expands to a cavernous 1 001 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down.
The car has perkier performance than you’d expect from a humble normally-aspirated 1.4. It scoots about the suburbs with no fireworks but no sluggishness either, and also finds a happy place on the freeways where it quite easily cruises at the 120km/* speed limit - and will max out at 182km/h according to Hyundai.
It’s unthirsty too, with our test car averaging 6.7 litres per 100km.
Hyundai’s compact hatch impressed me with its soft-spoken refinement too. The smooth-running engine never gets noisy or buzzy even when revved hard, and the lack of wind noise and general feel of rattle-free solidity gives the car a grown-up vibe.
The gear shifter is light and slick, but less impressive is the electric power steering which is hesitant to self-centre and requires small corrections to keep the car going in a straight line. It’s a somewhat annoying trait we’ve also experienced in other Hyundais, including the Creta.
The slightly raised ride height doesn’t notably affect the cornering agility, for those who might fear that the extra 20mm might have turned the car into something that handles like a pudding. This is very much still a car-like driving experience, with nimble road manners.
The ride is quite comfortable too, and while this Hyundai isn’t realistically intended for dirt adventures, it does come fitted with gravel-friendly high-profile 195/55 tyres.
VERDICT
The i20 Active is a pleasant little ‘adventure hatch’ with good refinement, eye-catching looks and a bit more pace than its humble engine suggests. But it’s also quite expensive, with an asking price that’s similar to more powerful rivals (see comparison table).
Hyundai i20 Active vs rivals
Vehicle Power/Torque Ride Height Price
Hyundai i20 Active manual 74kW and 133Nm 170mm R279 990
Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost Trend 92kW and 170Nm 206mm R287 500
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort 88kW and 145Nm 210mm R263 200
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active 115kW and 204Nm 160mm R290 800
Peugeot 2008 1.2T Active 81kW and 205Nm 165mm R299 900
Renault Captur 66kW turbo Dynamique 66kW and 135Nm 170mm R281 900
Renault Sandero Stepway 66kW turbo Plus 66kW and 135Nm 193mm R206 900
Renault Duster 1.6 Dynamique 77kW and 148Nm 210mm R266 900
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL 86kW and 151Nm 185mm R277 900
VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Maxx 77kW and 153Nm N/A R225 000
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...0-active-is-a-decent-adventure-hatch-16055849