Hyundai's i20, the second model in its "i" series and due in South Africa in the second quarter of 2009, is being punted in Europe under the slogan "More for Less" at very competitive prices with a full list of safety and comfort features.
The i20 will not replace the Getz, says Hyundai SA, but will slot in immediately above it.
Its smaller sibling, the 1.1-litre i10 which was long on mod cons but short on crash bags and anti-lock brakes when it was launched in South Africa in July 2008 - although Hyundai SA has since reacted to market and media criticism with a 1.2-litre model that has both.
All i20s will have six crash bags, active head-restraints, remote locking, aircon, power front windows, an auxiliary audio socket - and Hyundai's five-year or 150 000km warranty.
The mid-range Comfort model will also have 15" alloy rims, body colour door mirrors and handles, power rear windows, iPod integration, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a trip data computer and a six-speaker system.
The flagship Style variant will have 16" alloys, automatic aircon, part-leather upholstery, metal-look fascia trim and front foglights.
POWER OPTIONS
The i20 will debut in Europe with two petrol and one diesel engine - although it's not known whether the diesel will reach South Africa.
The base 1.2-litre petrol engine is quoted at 57kW and 5.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle. The 1.4-litre engine has 74kW at the expense of 5.6 litres/100km.
UK prices will start at £8195 (about R123 000); SA prices will depend on the state of the money market when they get here.