Paris show: Hyundai reveals full Euro i20 details

HYUNDAI has revealed full details of its eagerly awaited new-generation i20 and provided a first look at its redesigned interior ahead of the light car’s official debut at the Paris motor show next month.

The Korean car-maker said that the third generation of its popular city hatchback would bring new user technology, more efficient and powerful engines and a “class-leading interior” with more space and fresh styling.

As GoAuto reported last month when exterior photographs and initial details were released, the new i20 has grown in length, freeing up 10 per cent more boot space and extra room for passengers.

However, Hyundai’s European press pack released this week shows that comfort has been boosted in a variety of areas.

Despite having a lower roofline than the outgoing version, passengers have 33mm more headroom in the front and 8mm more at the rear, while headroom, hip-room, shoulder-room and legroom have all increased.

A full length tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof now features in the i20, and the cupholder count and small-item storage space have been boosted in the front compartment. The driver is also now handed a heated steering wheel option.

Hyundai says that extensive ergonomic design and the use of ‘Thermal Plastic Olefin’ and durable materials have given the cabin of the new i20 a more premium and pleasant feel, while an asymmetric dashboard is more practical but stylish, too.

The redesigned dash houses a seven-inch screen to display navigation and other vehicle information, and updated entertainment systems allow the connectivity of devices via USB ports, Bluetooth and a special dash-mounted smartphone holder.

The technology also allows up to 1GB of internal music storage.

Australian specifications are yet to be revealed but European versions will get a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, coupled with two manual gearbox options or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Two entry-level 1.2-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder petrol engines are available with either 55kW or 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque, while the top-tier 1.4-litre petrol turns out 74kW and 134Nm.

Diesel engines start with a 55kW/180Nm 1.1-litre three-cylinder unit and top out with 1.4-litre four-pot, which produces 66kW and a hearty 240Nm.

Both 1.2-litre engines are only available with a five-speed manual gearbox, diesel versions are also restricted to a manual (with one more gear), while the top-spec 1.4-litre petrol – the main attraction for the Australian market – has a choice of either six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption figures are not yet available but Hyundai says all engines are Euro 6 compliant thanks in part to new all-aluminium construction, lighter conrods and CVVT variable valve timing, while in-gear acceleration is also said to be quicker.

The latest i20 uses more lightweight high-strength in its construction, resulting in an 81 per cent more torsionally rigid and 63 per cent stiffer structure, which increases occupant safety and vehicle responsiveness.

Improvements in construction techniques have also cut noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), which is further improved by more extensive use of high-density low-weight absorption pads.

Aerodynamic development of the i20 body has reduced drag from 0.32Cd to 0.3Cd.

Hyundai says the upshot is reduced cabin noise caused by turbulence at higher speeds, and improved fuel efficiency.

Suspension is a conventional combination of front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam, with the latter receiving longer-travel dampers to improve comfort and load-carrying ability.

The electric power steering system has a faster ratio and Hyundai says the new i20’s 10.2m turning circle makes the car easy to use in an urban environment.

Chassis set-up has been honed for use on European roads but Hyundai says the i20, as with all models sold in Australia, will arrive with suspension tuned for roads Down Under.

Safety features including six airbags, mandatory ESC, lane-departure warning, active headlight beams, hill-hold assist and Isofix child-seat anchors. A five-star ANCAP crash-test rating is expected.

The new i20 will also arrive with the largest list of exterior and interior colour combinations to date, allowing a greater degree of customisation.