HYUNDAI INTRODUCES NEW ENTRY-LEVEL i20

One of the most popular 5-door hatchback car ranges in South Africa now offers even more for buyers in this segment of the local market thanks to the addition of a new, well equipped entry-level i20 by Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The new Hyundai i20 1.2 Motion will extend the range to four derivatives when it takes its place next to the recently launched Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid and the present range-topper, the i20 1.4 Glide.

Although the newcomer in the i20 range will create a new entry-level derivative in the range, this solid front wheel driven hatchback boasts a full features list, offering exceptional value for money. Apart from the smaller 4-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, there is not much that sets the new i20 Motion apart from its 1.4 siblings.

Hyundai’s popular i20 supermini – intended to appeal to a new, younger group of car buyers – was launched in August with a new appearance after it was revised and refreshed both inside and out. The new i20 1.2 Motion now joins the i20 1.4 Fluid, which is available with a choice between a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox; and the i20 1.4 Glide with its 6-speed manual gearbox.

“After the launch of the refreshed i20 earlier in 2012, it was a logical step to see how we can expand the range and to offer an entry-level derivative with a good specification level, but at a price that would appeal to many people out there who have shown an interest in one of Hyundai’s best-sellers,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“The i20 is a solid, well-designed and spacious hatchback that offers good fuel economy, a class-leading warranty, roadside assistance and a service plan. If you throw in the many features of the i20 1.2 Motion, it is an option that cannot be ignored.”

Hyundai’s new i20 Motion is equipped with a 1.2-litre, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft petrol engine that delivers 64kW (similar to some competitors’ 1.4-litre engines) at 6 000rpm and a peak torque figure of 120Nm at 4 000rpm. The i20 Fluid and Glide derivatives are equipped with Hyundai’s 73kW 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Exterior changes that distinguish the Motion from its Fluid and Glide partners include black door handles and exterior rear view mirror housings, 14-inch steel rims with attractive silver wheel covers, and a side indicator light fitted to the front side panels instead of being integrated into the rear view mirror housings as with the Fluid and Glide derivatives.

STORY BY HYUNDAI