Hyundai spunks up its i20 hatch

Published Mar 5, 2012

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Given the rapid pace at which Hyundai's styling has evolved, its i20 hatch has fallen behind rather quickly despite it not being that old.

Thankfully, the Korean carmaker has a quick remedy for that in the form of a facelifted i20 that's set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

Hyundai is also using the opportunity to flex its green muscles, with a new diesel engine that emits less CO2 than any other conventional engine in the world.

This, however, won't be part of the South African line-up that's due to land here around midyear. In fact our range will only include a 1.4-litre petrol engine as the i20 is no longer being built in 1.6-litre form.

The biggest departure from the current model is a totally redesigned front end with new headlights that bear a family resemblance to the latest Accent and Elantra and a slim hexagonal grille. A new bonnet and slimmer bumper round off the new front while restyled taillights and rear bumper distinguish the new i20 from behind.

As mentioned, the European market gets a super-frugal diesel engine in the form of a 1.1-litre three-cylinder unit that puts out 55kW and which achieves a class-leading claimed CO2 output of just 84g/km.

More information on the South African range will be released closer to its launch date.

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