WeeklySA_AdminSTYLISH DESIGN:The newcomer debuts in the segment for hatchback cars where it occupies a sizeable 10% share of this competitive part of the local car market
By Ali Mphaki
It is well and good that the newly refreshed Hyundai i20s are sold with an industry-leading 7-years/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, and a 4-years/60 000 km service plan.
The package also includes 7 years/150 000 km roadside assistance with service interval at 15 000 km, or annually.
But for the life of me is it worth it to splash almost half-a-million rands to buy the new top-of-the-range Hyundai 20 1.0 N Line (Dual-Clutch Transmission) which retails at R467 500.
The entry-level Hyundai i20 1.2 Premium (manual) will leave at minus R309 900, a sweet price if you ask me. Thing is the Hyundai i20 boast the reputation of a smart budget car. The price tag for the top-of-the-range Hyundai i20 should not flash your emergency lights for if we open the bonnet there lurks the most powerful engine in the i20 range, a turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol mill which delivers up to 89,5 kW at 6 000 r/min. and 171,6 Nm maximum torque between 1 500 and 4 000 engine revolutions per minute.
The new i20 announces itself in three specification and trim levels and a mix of three engines and three transmissions that gives customers a range of options – from the entry-level Premium variants to the Executive versions, followed by the flagship, sporty N Line with its turbo-charged mill.
What is likely to woo fleet buyers, however, is the excellent fuel efficiency of the 1,2- and 1,4-litre petrol engines in the Premium and Executive variants, while the sporty character of the i20 N Line derivative with its powerful turbo-engine occupies a special place in the range.
At entry level, the i20 Premium is equipped with either a 1,2-litre or a 1,4 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.2 Premium delivers power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4 Premium uses a 6-speed automatic transmission.
One step up in terms of specification level and features, the Executive variants also come with the 1,2-litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox combination, which delivers fuel consumption as low as 5,9 litres/100 km, or the 1,4-litre engine linked to the 6-speed automatic transmission, where overall fuel consumption of 6,9 litres/100 km has been recorded.
The i20 N Line with its turbocharged 1-litre petrol engine and a 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission, also drives the car through the front wheels.
The i20 N Line also comes with a sunroof as standard equipment, and cruise control with buttons on the steering wheel. ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) are also reserved for the i20 N Line only. A button switch is used to start the i20 N Line.
The exclusive three-spoke N Line steering wheel, complete with perforated leather and exclusive red stitching, enhances both the dynamic aesthetics and the driver’s grip. Complementing this is the specially designed gear knob, featuring luxurious leather inlays, bold red accents, and the prominent N logo, serving as a focal point in the cabin. The N Line’s DCT transmission can also be controlled manually with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
A manual air conditioner for the Premium and Executive variants, while the N Line is equipped with an automatic climate control. Rear passengers in all the derivatives benefit from an adjustable air outlet in the console between the front seats. The Executive and N Line versions have a cooling function for the glove box.
All trim versions use the same 3,5-inch Supervision digital instrument cluster with TFT multi-information display for the driver, and all derivatives are equipped with an infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen that also doubles as a display the rear park assist and rear-view monitor. The infotainment system links wirelessly to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay applications. Obvious is the new shape and pattern of the front bumper and glossy black radiator grille, which have been enhanced to create an elegant look with sporty elements.
The i20 Premium is available in 5 exterior colours – Titan Grey Metallic, Fiery Red, Atlas White, Typhoon Silver Metallic, and Moonlight Blue Pearl – while the Executive variants come in either Fiery Red or Atlas White, both with a black roof. Atlas White and a beautiful deep Thunder Blue, also combined with a black roof, are reserved for the flagship N Line derivative..
Convenience extras include a wireless cell phone charger, two cable charging points – USB and USB-C – are also provided, with a standard 12V power socket positioned between them.
The steering wheel in the i20 Premium and Executive contains remote control buttons for the infotainment system’s volume, for Bluetooth-linked telephone calls, and different mode settings. The different trip computer and car settings displays can also be controlled and adjusted with remote buttons on the steering wheel.
With this and more, you probably cannot afford if price is a deterrent.
Motoring:Briefs
BATTLE OF THE HYBRIDS
MG is polishing its next model in Australia ahead of its official debut. The new MG HS shapes up as an affordable medium-sized hybrid machine that could see motorists think twice about the likes of Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid.
The Chinese brand is expected to unveil the production model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK next week. A teaser video published by MG shows the car has slim LED lighting and modern bodywork similar to its sister car, the Roewe RX5 made by parent company SAIC Motor.-WHICHCAR
GO SLOW
TESLA has reportedly delayed its flagship AI project amid a scramble to ‘redesign’ the product. The unveiling of the new autonomous vehicle has apparently been pushed back by two months just weeks out from the initial reveal date. According to Bloomberg, the Tesla ‘robotaxi’ was set to be shown off next month but has now been delayed until October.
The self-driving taxi is intended as a “combination of Airbnb and Uber” which would allow customers to hail cars rented out by owners to ferry them to their destination.-The Sun UK
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the biggest highlights in the motoring calendar, offering the chance to see legendary cars and drivers in action alongside the industry’s hottest new metal.
This year’s Festival of Speed runs from Thursday 11 July to Sunday 14 July, and it’s shaping up to be a memorable weekend. The theme is ‘Horseless to Hybrid’, with exhibits celebrating 130 years of technological progress. The central sculpture will carry an electric car for the first time, as MG celebrates its centenary with the new Cyberster.
BEST-SELLING BAKKIES FOR JUNE
1. Toyota Hilux – 2 435 units
2. Ford Ranger – 1 868 units
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 794 units
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 829 units
5. Nissan Navara – 505 units
6. Nissan NP200 – 476 units
7. Volkswagen Amarok – 334 units
8. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 258 units
9. GWM P-Series – 162 units
10. Peugeot Landtrek – 137 units
SHIFT IN HIJACKINGS
Fidelity Services group has noted that hijackers are increasingly targeting Chinese cars in South Africa, thanks to their growing popularity. Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, confirmed that Fidelity recorded an increase in the number of hijackings during the first half of 2024 compared to the corresponding periods during 2023 and the second half of 2023. As previously mentioned by Bartmann, he explained vehicle hijackings are largely a business driven by demand and supply.
As a result, hijackers target specific vehicles for a specific purpose and market. As a consequence, and the increase in the perceived quality of Chinese-branded vehicles, Bartmann noted that Fidelity had noted an increase in the number of these types of vehicles being hijacked.
MORE SUVs FOR SA
South Africa’s fastest-growing automotive segment is set to welcome at least 20 new models before the calendar clicks over to 2025. Some popular choices include the Toyota Corolla Cross, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and the Nissan Magnite.
Established brands such as BMW, Toyota, and VW plan to release vehicles with this body style within the next six months to meet the increasing demand for crossovers and SUVs. The highly anticipated next-generation BMW X3 is expected to arrive in the final quarter of the year. It will feature a completely new look and updated powertrains. Additionally, newcomers, including GAC Motor, Jetour, and LDV, are also entering the market.
At the same time, the most powerful Land Rover Defender ever, called the Octa, will make its debut. Toyota is also launching a new entry-level crossover in South Africa soon.
