Preview: Hyundai i20 Premium (2010)
by edit@cnet.com.au (Derek Fung)In brief
The new-to-Australia Yaris-sized Hyundai i20 doesn’t replace the current Getz. Rather, it’s a newer, more premium model that complements the Getz, for the time being.
Three trim levels are available in the i20 range: Active, Elite and Premium. The entry-level Active is fitted with a 74kW/136Nm 1.4-litre engine, while the Elte and Premium come with a 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre engine.
Click through for a complete photo gallery.
(Credit: Hyundai)
Features on the Active include stability control, traction control, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, immobiliser, alarm, air-con, and power windows and mirrors. The sound system is equipped with four speakers, an auxiliary jack and an iPod-compatible USB port.
Upgrade to the Elite and you’ll gain 15-inch alloy wheels, a total of six airbags, steering wheel audio controls, a six-speaker sound system, and leather for the steering wheel and gear knob. The top-end Premium comes with 16-inch alloys, part-leather seats and climate control air-conditioning.
First drive impressions
At the launch event we drove a manual Elite with the 1.6-litre engine, which proved to be lively around town and in the suburbs. The gear shift felt quite decent, but the long-travel clutch took quite a bit of getting used to. The ride seemed to be nicely balanced, although we’ll reserve judgement for our full review.
The highlight of our time behind the wheel was the steering, which with its meaty feel gave the i20 an impressive feeling of solidity. During our morning session with the India-sourced i20, build quality seems to be on par with the Thai-sourced cars that it’s up against.
Outlook
The entry-level Active is available in both three- and five-door forms that retail for AU$14,990 and AU$15,990, respectively. Rounding out the range are the five-door only AU$18,490 Elite and AU$21,490 Premium. A five-speed manual is standard, with the four-speed automatic adding AU$2000 to the list price.
All prices include GST, but exclude statutory and on-road charges.
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