Produced in 2008 as a replacement for the Getz, the third generation Hyundai i20 is a front-wheel drive car which has carved quite a reputation in the European market for its fuel efficiency, versatility and practicality. With the launch of the Third Generation i20 Cross Sport version early this year, this Korean hatchback is out for blood as it battles the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Polo and the Honda HR-V for a profitable slice of the small, yet highly competitive local market.
The excellent performance and practicality of the previous model, which earned its nickname as the “Korean Supermini”, makes it easy for the current version to tap into the consumer market. For starters, the current version is a looker and has a spacious interior. It is relatively bigger than its predecessors, longer, wider and lower with the wheelbase increased by 45mm which means more space for the passengers. “Our target market for the i20 are the active individuals and families who explore the outdoors every weekend, those who demand comfort and performance at an affordable price,” says Rafael Batuigas, marketing head of Hyundai Automotive Resources Inc (HARI), the distributors of the Hyundai brand in the country.
What immediately strikes you with this hatchback is the Fluidic Sculpture design of the i20 which is both elegant and sporty judging from the roof rails and the 170mm ground clearance. I particularly love the sweeping headlamps and the front fascia which is a trademark design of Hyundai.
The test unit that I drove was equipped with the 1400cc Kappa gasoline engine with a Variable Intake System (VIS) packing 100 bhp and is matted to an automatic transmission. The more zippy 1400cc CRDi version comes only in a six-speed manual transmission which might possibly become its Achilles Heel given the traffic jam problems of Metro Manila. Buyers would normally gravitate towards the A/T equipped i20’s. For a hatchback conservatively priced at P918,000 for this A/T gas version, this Korean Supermini comes equipped with a stable Independent MacPherson Strut suspension up front and Coupled Rear Torsion Beam Axle at the rear; standard ABS systems, and a two-tone interior which is both functional and visually appealing.
As I write this piece, my Accent sedan is currently being serviced which explains this unit. I asked for an Accent hatchback, instead, Hari had this i20 prepared as my loaner car. It was a pleasant surprise and given the performance qualities of this Cross Sport variant, it seems I would not mind having my car serviced for a month. This hatchback definitely fits the bill.