One of the real movers of the automotive industry over the last 24 months has been Hyundai. They have added to their product range the i30, i30CW, ‘R’ Series Santé Fe, ix35, i45 and now the i20.

Hyundai have pitched the i20 into the most price competitive segment of the market against market leaders like the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta VW Polo, Suzuki Swift etc. The competition is hot, the stakes are high. Will the i20 be as successful as the Getz has been?

The all-new Hyundai i20 designed at Hyundai's European Design Studio at Russelsheim in Germany is the latest model in the i-series styling renaissance and is designed to bring convenience, comfort, safety and efficiency to life in a modern vibrant package. Buzzing with fresh ideas and smart solutions, it's sharp and stylish on the outside, while the i20's long wheelbase gives it an agile stance and spacious interior.

Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging has produced a cabin which ensures passenger comfort and storage space have been maximised, without compromising the external dimensions that make the car so convenient to drive.

Externally the i20 has strong character lines and feature details including teardrop headlamps, stacked rear lighting clusters and body coloured mirrors and handles continue the streamlined appearance. Front and rear fender flares combined with wrap around bumpers ensure a sporty aesthetic. Three and five door hatchback models offer versatile options.

i20 offers an interior package that belies its compact size and includes features such as delayed fade-out interior lights, an illuminated glove box compartment, electric windows and comfortable spacious seating complimented with a Multi-Information Centre located above the centre console for external temperature, clock, trip readouts, fuel consumption (Elite and Premium models) and more.

Seating and storage options in i20 are addressed with the provision comfortable front seats, more seat travel is needed for taller drivers, versatile split rear seating and a generous 295-litre boot (rear seat backs in upright position). Multiple in-cabin stowage areas such as the innovative glove-box cooling system and storage recesses for convenient placement of mobile phone, sunglasses and coins, provide easy access storage solutions.

Thrifty 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engines power i20, balancing performance and efficiency. Both engines feature 16-valves and twin overhead camshafts. The four-cylinder engines deliver peak power and torque outputs of 73.5kW @ 5500rpm and 136Nm @ 4200rpm for the 1.4-litre Gamma petrol engine; and 91.1kW @ 6300rpm and 156Nm @ 4200rpm for the 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine.

Impressive fuel efficiency and lower emissions are ensured in i20, with ADR combined fuel consumption figures of 6.0-litres per 100kms for the 1.4-litre petrol manual model and 6.1- litres per 100kms for the 1.6-litre petrol manual model. CO2 emissions are 142 (combined g/km) for the 1.4-litre petrol manual and 144 (combined g/km) for the 1.6-litre petrol manual models. The motors are mated to either a five-speed manual transmission that offers precise and easy gear shifts, not particularly slick change, while the modern four- speed electronic HiVec (Hyundai intelligent Vehicle electronic control) ensures smooth, precise gear changes.

Given the pricing you can’t expect go kart handling however the i20 has responsive steering thanks to its  Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) tuned for the Australian market and handling that has benefited by suspension tuned for Australia's unique road conditions and combines McPherson struts with coil springs in the front and a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle in the rear, offering nimble manoeuvrability and ride comfort.

Safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), four-channel, four-sensor Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Optimum in-cabin protection is provided with the inclusion of driver and front passenger airbags standard on all models, with driver and front passenger side (thorax) and front and rear side curtain airbags standard on Elite and Premium models. Other features include keyless remote entry with fold-away key for entry to cabin and boot, alarm, central door locking, Hyundai Active Locking Operation (HALO) including speed sensing automatic door locking, automatic door unlocking when the key is removed from the ignition barrel and inside door unlocking mechanism.

i20 provides an integrated in-dash audio package with CD player, MP3, WMA and AM/FM tuner. The auxiliary audio input jack and USB input with iPod® connectivity allows connection to external audio sources. A roof mounted aerial provides reception for the AM/FM tuner, while the four speaker system (six-speakers on Elite and Premium models) delivers good quality sound. 

And because i20 is all about a vibrant life, a comprehensive range of Genuine Hyundai Accessories is available including Genuine Hyundai Whispbar™ Quiet roof racks, iPod® accessories including Direct Connect lead for iPod® and reverse park and front park assist sensing warning systems ensuring parking is a breeze. Alloy wheels and other distinctive styling accessories let owners add personality and individuality.

Hyundai offers customers an outstanding Five Year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty. Hyundai's priority on quality has resulted in recognition globally for outstanding excellence and reliability. MLP pricing ranges from i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol manual 3-door at $14,990 through to i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol automatic 5-door at $23,490

Time will tell and we will have a full road test soon but first impressions are that the Hyundai i20 will more than hold its own in a competitive segment. It should be interesting.