At the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show last week, Hyundai Motor introduced the New Hyundai i20 Active, a rugged compact crossover for customers with active lifestyles.
Further expanding the popular i20 range, the New i20 Active will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of 2016, joining the spacious, functional i20 five-door and the sporty, individual i20 Coupe. The car’s arrival also broadens Hyundai Motor’s European crossover and SUV offering to four models – alongside the All-New Tucson, New Santa Fe and New Grand Santa Fe – each new or enhanced in 2015.
“With the introduction of New i20 Active we further diversify our offer in the B-segment with an attractive crossover model,” explains Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “In 2015 our entire crossover and SUV line-up has been renewed, as part of our youngest ever model range in Europe. And with the introduction of our 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, we further enhance our customer proposition in the European B-Segment.”
Design
The distinctive and rugged crossover design of the Hyundai i20 Active sets it apart from conventional B-segment models. While the new car is based on the i20 five-door – sharing its expansive space, comfort and quality – over 50% of the exterior parts are unique to this model.
To give the Hyundai i20 Active a characteristic crossover stance, revised suspension settings elevate the body of the i20 Active by 20 mm compared to the i20 five-door. The seating position is also raised, placing the driver higher within the car. The result makes ingress and egress more comfortable, as well as offering superior visibility while driving.
Underlining the i20 Active’s adventurous appeal are the unique front and rear bumpers with integrated skid plates, which offer additional protection when driving away from public roads. Round fog lamps are integrated at the front and rear, with an exclusive rear spoiler adding to the i20 Active’s appeal.
The rugged appearance is further enhanced by bold side skirts and side cladding, to complement the robust wheel-arch mouldings. Moving to the top of the car, a set of silver roof rails complement the crossover’s stance, adding essential practicality.
Other details that set i20 Active apart from its siblings include a reverse treatment of the signature Hyundai hexagonal grille in high-gloss black with chrome surroundings, a fuel cap cover in silver finish and newly designed 17-inch wheels.
The interior benefits from the superior space, comfort and quality of the i20 five-door, with greater ergonomics from the heightened driving position and further design enhancements. Unique metal pedals present a robust and high quality appearance, while Tangerine Orange interior colour applications expand the personalisation options. Also exclusive to the i20 Active is the Morning Blue exterior colour, a distinctive option for those wanting a bespoke finish.
“The New i20 Active’s rugged design and crossover features target young urban customers with active lifestyles,” says Raf Van Nuffel, Head of Product Management at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The higher stance and the bespoke design enhancements express the car’s adventurous spirit without compromising the spaciousness and comfort of the i20 5-door version.”
Engines
Coinciding with the arrival of the i20 Active comes the introduction of a new engine for the i20 family. Focused on dynamic and efficient driving, the new Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine will be available across all i20 body types from the end of 2015.
The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is available in two power outputs. The standard-power 100 PS version is tuned to maximise fuel economy and focuses on comfort, while the high-power 120 PS unit has been developed to facilitate more spirited driving without sacrificing efficiency.
“The new 1.0-litre T-GDI is a perfect fit for the i20 family,” states Dr. Michael Winkler, Head of Powertrain at Hyundai Motor’s European Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim. “A downsized 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with direct gasoline injection and a matched compact turbocharger with electrical wastegate actuator offers customers not only fuel economy but also driving pleasure.”
These new fuel efficient 1.0-litre T-GDI engines, which achieve up to 4.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions as low as 106 g/km in the New i20 Active, are the first of a new generation of newly-developed small, turbocharged power plants tuned for Europe. Hyundai Motor’s European Technical Centre in Germany played a key role in the engine’s research, development, engineering and testing, specifically for use on European roads.
The new engine features highly efficient combustion and dynamic performance to fulfil Hyundai’s dedication to implementing downsizing as a fuel saving technology. The standard 100 PS version and the high power 120 PS version both deliver a peak torque of 171.6 Nm at 1,500 rpm providing a perfect combination of dynamism and efficiency.
A turbo charger with electric waste gate actuator improves fuel efficiency by lowering pumping losses as well as improving throttle response and low-end torque. An optimised split-cooling concept for the cylinder head and block brings engine refinement by reducing friction.
To keep the engine unit as small as possible, the exhaust manifold is integrated within the cylinder head and can therefore be cooled efficiently using the cylinder head water cooling system. These efforts result in faster warm-up of the catalyst and ultimately in improved real-world fuel consumption and emissions.
The Hyundai i20 Active will also be available with a 1.4-litre Kappa engine. The 1,368 cc four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers 100 PS and 134.4 Nm of torque.
