Test Drive Hyundai I20 since 2009 hatchback

I, Hyundai! Ai, well done!

Hyundai i20. Price: not defined. On sale: since spring 2009.
Hyundai Getz has become a sales hit in class B. But nothing is forever under the moon. It is time to global update. The model that changed Korean Bestseller was called the i20. And she does not remind her predecessor

Test pilot
Maxim Egorov, 23 years old, car journalist, driving experience 5 years, personal car Mitsubishi Lancer
In the spring of the Russian market debuts the new model Hyundai, which they decided not to call the name of their own. The novelty was assigned the i20 index. In front of the machine is a difficult task to repeat the success of the legendary Hyundai Getz, which appeared in public in 2002. Then the pretty machine was accepted with a bang. For the year it was possible to sell more than 200 thousand copies. Additional popularity gave Korean restyling, which spent four years ago. The secret of success lies in a properly selected formula: the attractiveness is relevant practicality functionality accessibility. Of course, it is difficult to combine these concepts into one thing, but in the case of Getz it was possible.
Many mistakenly believe that the rapid career growth of the Korean company began with GETZ. In fact, the story goes in the distant 1975, when the light saw Hyundai Pony. He became the first developing Koreans. Moreover, the success of a small horse accompanied not only in the Asian markets, but also in Europe.
Now that we know about the roots, it's time to go to the day today. In the fall of 2008, the public of the Paris Motor Show introduced a successor of glorious traditions. And closer to the end of the year the first test drive took place, which was arranged in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthat is, in the usual habitat of the car in-class.
New car, compared to Getz, added in size. The feeling of larger volume is added rounded bodybar forms, which changed the style of techno. The novelty is seriously distinguished by smooth lines, moving from the front grille on the shoulder zone to the rear lamps.
And what's in the cabin? The interior is even remotely reminded what can be seen in Getz. Plastic and quality materials are an order of magnitude higher. The seat upholstery can be either tissue or combined skin. A distinctive feature is the presence of good lateral support on the front and rear chairs. Landing may seem a bit close, but the body is well fixed with sharp maneuvers. But with a search for convenient posture not everything is so perfect. This is due to the fact that the seats even in the lowest position are on a decent height, and the lower cushion is short. As a result, it does not always have enough adjustment range. I want to go lower, or move the steering wheel. Therefore, the selected landing has to get used to. Perhaps this is the organization of space from the front, it allowed to improve the comfort of the rear passengers: threesome closely, and two more than free. In addition, the volume of the trunk has increased, which has grown from 254 to 295 liters.
Basic equipment I20 became much richer than gotz. Already in the standard there is a system of invincible access, which you will not always meet on the highest-class machines. So the start of the motor occurs through the rotation of the small joystick in the usual location on the steering column. The key card can not even get out of the pocket. The first engines with which can be purchased i20 in Russia will be two gasoline units. The volume of the weakest is 1.2 liters with a capacity of 78 liters. with. The other is more powerful 1.4 liters, which develops 100 liters. with. A little later will appear with a 1.6-liter version, and then, what the hell is not joking, diesel is possible.
Transmissions are provided by two: 5-speed mechanics and a 4-speed automaton, which, however, is not installed for a 1.2 liter engine. As for the dynamics, it is almost identical on all versions regardless of motor and transmission. Of course, the 1.6-liter version of the I20 goes a little more fun, but it feels this difference unless the specialist. If you compare the numbers, then overclocking up to 100 km / h differs only by 1.3 s. In our opinion, the most successful combination is an engine of 1.4 liters, working in conjunction with automatic transmission.
In I20, the suspension was seriously modernized, but the schematic diagram remained like GETZ. McPherson installed in front, and a half-dependent beam is rear. Such a design does not claim leadership or originality, but provides good handling and sufficient comfort. And what else is needed for the city car! Hyundai i20, in our opinion, claims to the role of a worthy follower of Getz.
What in the future?
Three years after restyling in 2005, GETZ was sold more than 600 thousand cars. Implementation per year of one model in the amount of more than 200 thousand is it not successful? The car has become a bestseller on many automotive markets, including Russian. Such high popularity of the model and large sales justified the hopes of the Korean company, when it was spent several tens of millions of euros for the construction of a technical center in Rüsselsheim.
The discoverer of this center and became a successful getz. The follower, i20, is also designed in this center. The global concept of creating a new car remained the same. Only with the nuance that the client became much more demanding. And even in a budget car wants to see, for example, a system of invincible access. No matter how it was the reason for the decline in demand, because the price tag now began to watch much more closely.

Love not love
New engines are very economical due to small volumes, modern gas distribution systems and high toxicity standards. Economic
The presence of output to connect external audio devices, including fashionable iPod, becomes the norm. Fashion
Driving
There are no complaints to manageability. I20 have a well-balanced suspension. But the engines are calculated more on cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, sometimes not enough speakers.
Salon
Salon, as well as appearance, causes a peace. Nothing striking. Boring.
Comfort
Salon can be recognized spacious for this class. But it is not possible to find a convenient posture.
Security
Already in the basic configuration, six airbags are provided, the stabilization system and active front head restraints.
Price
Unspecified.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Quiet appearance, high-quality materials, economical engines, balanced suspension.
- Uncomfortable landing, low dynamic characteristics of motors.

Specifications
Brand and model - Hyundai i20
Dimensions - 3940/1710/1490 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1248 cm3, 78 liters. s. / 6000 min-1
Transmission - Mechanical, 5-speed
Dynamics - Max 165 km / h; 12.9 s to 100 km / h
Competitors - Chevrolet Aveo, Mitsubishi Colt, VW Polo, Skoda Fabia

Our opinion
Hyundai i20 has become a worthy continuation of Getz. In a new look, the car fully corresponds to the ideologists of the previous generation. True, a novelty already in the database has a large list of options, so the price is hardly low. And it is now important. After all, the proposals are now a lot, and the demand falls.

Author: Maxim Egorov
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [March 2009]