Hyundai has released some more information on its new i20, along with new pictures, ahead of its imminent release in the UK.
According to Hyundai SA's general manager of corporate communications, Deon Sonnekus, the facelifted hatch is set to go on sale in South Africa this August.
The European range boasts a new line-up of engines, including 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol motors and a super-frugal 1.1 diesel.
At this stage Sonnekus can only confirm the 1.4 petrol engine for local introduction but says that the company is definitely considering at other options. “We are looking at how to spec the package to be most competitive within its segment,” he added.
The i20's mid-life makeover is most noticeable at the front end where you'll see more than a passing resemblance to the latest Elantra and the new i30 that's coming here next month. The B-segment hatch remains untouched in the side profile and rear-end changes are limited to a restyled bumper and new taillight innards.
The big news on the engine front is Hyundai's new 1.1-litre 'U-II' turbodiesel engine that produces 55kW and 180Nm. When mated to an idle-stop system, this i20 is the lowest-emitting car in its class, producing 84g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.
Europeans can also opt for a more powerful 1.4-litre diesel, which has 66kW on tap and emits 96g/km. The petrol equation includes a 63kW 1.2-litre 16-valve motor, as per the Kia Rio, and a 74kW 1.4-litre unit. The latter will feature in the South African range and according to Hyundai it'll run from zero to 100km/h in 11.6 seconds and drink just 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle.
Interior changes include a reworked fascia with more sophisticated switchgear and new piano black inserts on the dashboard.
While at this stage Hyundai SA cannot confirm the local specification, range topping models in Europe come with some lavish equipment, including automatic climate control, keyless entry and start as well as a reversing camera built into the rearview mirror - the latter a segment first.
Watch this space for the South African info when it arrives here in August.