PICTURE GALLERY: Hyundai i20 takes on the big boys
Enjoy the pictures and read Alan Candy's road test
There's so much fear out there in the car-buying world that anyone easing the pain is going to be flavour of the month.
That's why so many people are now turning to Hyundai with the peace of mind five-year warranty, 10-year anti-perforation and three years RAC cover.
While the shift to brands such as Hyundai are inevitable during the credit crunch, the Korean company really has its work cut out in the toughest section of the market, where the mid-sized hatch i20 model competes head on with established supermini names such as the VW Golf, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta.
So does the i20 have the overall performance and quality to compete with the best and start eating into their sales? Worryingly for the i20's rivals, I think it does.
For a start, the price is right. The i20s start at an affordable 8,645 and even the most expensive model is unlikely to break the bank at 11,845.
The style is also right on the money, with a curvier and more interestingly style than the outgoing Getz, which is narrowe, shorter and plainer by comparison. In particular, the i20 is most easily recognisable by the swooping curves which decorate the top and bottom of the side doors, though the sharply-pointed, slim teardrop headlamps which climb up the front wings are also an eye-opener.
I also admire the build. With those five-year warranties, the i20 needs to have a tough-guy image and results are impressive. Doors shut with a healthy thud and build quality is very good. Interiors are smart and look like they are made to last, from the no-nonsense hard plastic of the dash to the quality furnishings.
There's also no skimping on equipment. All models feature as standard air-conditioning, remote central locking, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, Aux-in socket, switchable passenger airbag and electric windows. The i20 1.2 Comfort manual I drove was smartly furnished, with classic black dash and doors and good all-round vision, with generous glass areas.
It's all so simply laid out, too, with excellent ergonomics, clear displays and a dashboard which doesn't take up too much space.
In particular I liked the fingertip audio controls on the steering wheel, which can be operated without taking your eyes off the road, and extra-large vents which allow big airflow through the car. And the information data supplied at a glance is actually useful.
The i20 makes decent on-board space, too, with bags of headroom and plenty of width, plus acceptable rear legroom. Rear seats genuinely fold and tumble easily to create maximum load space and a completely flat load floor if you have serious luggage carrying in mind.
Plenty of oddments space has also been built in, with double cup-holders and big indentations front and back of the centre console.
And extensive European testing has yielded impressive results on the road. The i20 feels refined and agile on the move, with involving steering, and its quick and accurate responses make it a relaxing and enjoyable drive.
Hyundai have concentrated on keeping weight and noise down and results are impressive. The 1.2-litre model I tested was smooth and refined – not the quickest off the mark but still notable for its rounded overall performance and unruffled cruising.
Hyundai has reinvented itself in a remarkably short time and its aggressive pricing and attractive warranties make the i20 a stand-out choice in a market scrapping for sales.
Fast facts:
Hyundai i20 five-door hatchback, from 8,645-11,845.
Five-year unlimited mileage warranty (transferable), 10-year anti-perforation warranty and three-year Hyundai RAC Assistance.
Emissions: 142 g/km.
Economy: Extra urban 56.5mpg.
i20 follows sell-out success of i10 city car and i800 people carrier.
i20 is bigger all round than outgoing Getz model with higher levels of luxury, convenience and safety equipment and engaging handling from all-new chassis.
Line-up of new petrol and turbodiesel engines, plus the choice of manual or auto transmissions.
Designed and developed in Europe, with new technology and low running costs.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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