Hyundai’s little subcompact makes its big debut.
BY TOM LUDWICK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHIAS KNOEDLER AND THE MANUFACTURER
BY TOM LUDWICK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHIAS KNOEDLER AND THE MANUFACTURER
The big news in Hyundai’s camp at the 2008 Paris auto show is the tiny i20 B-segment car. This all-new addition to the i line will replace the economic and reliable Getz predecessor.
The i20 was designed and developed in Europe, along with the i10 (which we don’t get in the U.S.) and the stylish i30 known here as the Elantra Touring. Thus the design elements are similar. Up front, a chrome-topped grille is flanked by teardrop headlights, and all models come standard with 16-inch alloys.
Inside, Hyundai claims the i20 blends luxury and versatility. There are four trim levels—classic, comfort, style, and premium. Each abounds with standard features such as climate control, CD and MP3 audio, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors.
To pack some practicality into its tiny body, the i20 employs the usual tricks. The rear seats split 60/40, there is a low lip in the rear cargo area, and it will swallow 10.4 cubic feet of junk. The glovebox is cooled much like the Chill Zone in Chrysler vehicles and there are many handy storage spaces throughout the cabin.
Under the hood, the i20 offers a smattering of powertrain options. There are three gas-powered flavors: 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6-liter inline-fours; with horsepower ranging from 77 in the 1.2 to 124 in the 1.6. The efficiency highlight of the gas engines is the 1.2, which returns 45 mpg on the European combined cycle. To meet the Euro demand for torquey and efficient diesels, there are two versions of the 1.4-liter and two versions of the 1.6-liter. The star here is the 113-hp 1.4-liter that delivers an impressive 55 mpg.
The Newest Member of the i-Blue Family
Following hot on the footsteps of the all-new i20, the i20 Blue Concept pushes the efficiency envelope even further. The ‘Blue’ concept includes enhancements to the powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis.
The i20 was designed and developed in Europe, along with the i10 (which we don’t get in the U.S.) and the stylish i30 known here as the Elantra Touring. Thus the design elements are similar. Up front, a chrome-topped grille is flanked by teardrop headlights, and all models come standard with 16-inch alloys.
Inside, Hyundai claims the i20 blends luxury and versatility. There are four trim levels—classic, comfort, style, and premium. Each abounds with standard features such as climate control, CD and MP3 audio, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors.
To pack some practicality into its tiny body, the i20 employs the usual tricks. The rear seats split 60/40, there is a low lip in the rear cargo area, and it will swallow 10.4 cubic feet of junk. The glovebox is cooled much like the Chill Zone in Chrysler vehicles and there are many handy storage spaces throughout the cabin.
Under the hood, the i20 offers a smattering of powertrain options. There are three gas-powered flavors: 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6-liter inline-fours; with horsepower ranging from 77 in the 1.2 to 124 in the 1.6. The efficiency highlight of the gas engines is the 1.2, which returns 45 mpg on the European combined cycle. To meet the Euro demand for torquey and efficient diesels, there are two versions of the 1.4-liter and two versions of the 1.6-liter. The star here is the 113-hp 1.4-liter that delivers an impressive 55 mpg.
The Newest Member of the i-Blue Family
Following hot on the footsteps of the all-new i20, the i20 Blue Concept pushes the efficiency envelope even further. The ‘Blue’ concept includes enhancements to the powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis.
Hyundai started with the 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine and mated it to a six-speed manual. The ratios were altered in 3rd, 4th, and 5th to keep engine rpm low. The engine software was also tuned for the high efficiency and low emissions. Hyundai even went as far as to use low-friction, high-performance engine oil which has been known to improve mileage as much as two percent.
Other modifications include a start-stop system to cut the engine when the car is not moving and the tranny is in neutral. Outside, the ground clearance has been lowered an unnoticeable 15 mm and full-length covers enhance aerodynamics underneath.
Hyundai says the package should result in 64 mpg on the European combined cycle and a 15-percent reduction in carbon emissions. Performance from the 1.4-liter—which puts out 89 hp and 162 lb-ft—is a top speed of 109 mph and a 0-62 time of around 13 seconds.
No i20 for the U.S.
Set to be launched early 2009, the i20 will only be available across the pond with no word on a version for the States. The i20 Blue is so far only a concept but we wouldn’t be surprised to see it join the production Blue family along with the 2011 Sonata hybrid and Santa Fe Blue hybrid.
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