Hyundai is no longer a fringe player in the SA market. Look around on your daily commute and you’ll probably see as many Hyundais as any other brand on the roads. One of the undoubted sales successes for the brand has been the Hyundai i20. Over 88 000 units have been sold since the i20 was launched locally in 2009. The model goes head-to-head with the likes of the VW Polo and Toyota Etios so the sales figure is no mean feat.

Click here to read our latest sales report for the SA market.

A few weeks ago the i20 range was given a small refresh and Hyundai SA added a new flagship to the line-up, called the Hyundai i20 Active. We spent a few days reviewing one and left with the following impressions.

  1. It is a handsome looking model. The raised ride height and extra cladding take nothing away from the car’s inherent tidy looks. Angular headlamps create a smart, modern-looking visage. Twin-spoke 16-inch alloys lend an air of sportiness while the cladding on the front bumper, sides and roof rails endow it with SUV-like characteristics.
  2. The neat execution continues inside. There’s nothing overtly stylistic about the facia, it all just seems to be extremely user-friendly. In particular, we enjoyed the height adjustable driver’s seat. Red detailing, to match the exterior paintwork, is a nice touch. Hyundai claims that the i20 has 285 litres of boot space on offer.
  3. Standard specification in the Hyundai i20 Active is quite impressive. There are many items to mention. Highlights include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offers plenty of functionality, such as Bluetooth connectivity and can optionally be fitted with satellite navigation. USB and an aux port are standard. Automatic climate control is another standard feature, as is a cooled glovebox. Remote steering wheel controls, an on-board computer and rear parking sensors are part of the package.
  4. One of the most impressive characteristics of the Hyundai i20 Active is its ride quality. The increased ride height over other models in the range (by 20 mm) imbues it with ride comfort among the best in class. This model is really commendable in this regard. The six-speed manual transmission requires a light touch, which is good. The steering feel is similarly light, which we weren’t completely enamoured with. We are sure most i20 buyers will prefer the light action.
  5. The 1,4-litre engine produces 74 kW at 6 000 r/min. Peak torque is 133 N.m at 3 500. Compared to turbocharged engines of its rivals, the torque figure seems low and its delivery seems a bit high. Hyundai claims the i20 Active can top 180 km/h and returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6,7 L/100 km. On the road, we felt there is no lack of pace for a car of this type.

Summary

After spending a week with the Hyundai i20 Active it is not difficult to see why these little cars have been bought in such large numbers by locals. They offer plenty of standard equipment along with enough space and power.

Add to that the peace of mind of an anti-lock braking system, dual airbags and a 3-year/60 000 service plan all at an extremely competitive price and a model such as the Hyundai i20 Active is very difficult to ignore.

You can check out the entire Hyundai i20 range by clicking here.

Price: R279 900

Engine: 1,4-litre inline four

Transmission: six-speed manual, FWD

Max power: 74 kW

Max torque: 133 N.m

Top speed: 182 km/h

0-100 km/h: n/a

Fuel consumption: 6,7 L/100 km