Hyundai has officially launched the updated i20 in South Africa, bringing with it a number of changes to the hatchback’s line-up, equipment list, and styling.
The automaker recently held a launch event for the media in Gauteng, where I was given the chance to get behind the wheel of the flagship N Line model for a day to see exactly what it has to offer.
Presentation goes a long way
The first thing to know about the new i20 is that it has undergone a subtle facelift that helps to make the car look a bit more intense.
The front and rear bumpers are more prominent this time around, and the black gloss grille is complemented by a new pair of LED daytime running strips.
There’s also a chrome accent at the back that runs parallel to the singular taillight bar, and a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels on the N Line.
Speaking of the N Line, the flagship benefits from several sporty-themed additions inspired by the manufacturer’s N racing division.
This includes model-specific badges, a rear spoiler, LED headlights, a twin sport exhaust, full leather seats with N branding, a unique three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, a distinctive gearstick, red ambient lighting, and red accents for the seats, doors, climate controls, and air vents.
This is the model that all of the media were given access to, meaning we weren’t able to sample the lower-spec Premium and Executive (previously called Motion and Fluid) units which have different engines and gearboxes.
The first two trim levels are driven by either a 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol plant with 61kW/115Nm or 73kW/133Nm, respectively, which pair with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic shifter.
Crucially, the update has done away with the 1.0-litre turbocharged block for the mid-range Executive, which means this powertrain is now reserved for the N Line.
The 1.0-litre turbo produces 90kW and 172Nm, making the range-topping i20 one of the most powerful hatchbacks in its segment, which becomes evident once you hit the road with punchy accelerations at low to mid speeds.
The twin exhaust isn’t just for show, either, as it generates an aggressive accompaniment that greatly elevates the driving experience.
Further elevating the N Line’s exclusivity is a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, which quickly became a standout feature as it delivers incredibly smooth shifts and is great fun to control with the paddles.
Another welcome inclusion are driving modes for Normal, Sport, and Eco, which make a noticeable difference to the throttle response.
The steering is also appreciably light which helps the car to feel nimble, and quick downshifts for overtakes are possible thanks to the paddles, but the engine does start to run out of steam past 120km/h, so you’ll need to plan ahead when trying to get past someone on the highway.
As for the user experience, it’s easy to set and adjust the cruise control or activate your phone’s voice commands with the buttons on the steering wheel.
Every model is now equipped with rear parking sensors and a 8.0-inch infotainment screen that grants access to a reverse camera with guidelines, which makes parking a breeze when combined with the light steering.
The screen also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are physical buttons that let you return to the home screen or switch between your phone media and the radio.
Likewise, the temperature settings are not confined to the touchscreen, and the N Line even gets automatic climate controls instead of the basic aircon dials.
There’s also keyless entry, a wireless charging pad, and an electric sunroof with a manual shade which was nice to have on the afternoon drive through the outskirts of Gauteng.
Of course, much of this is true of the pre-facelifted i20, but there is one excellent new addition to the spec sheet in the form of an eight-speaker Bose stereo with a subwoofer.
Final thoughts
The Hyundai i20 was already a compelling entry in the B-segment hatchback scene in South Africa, and the recent updates to the brochure have only widened its appeal.
While most of the changes are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, the tweaks to the visuals are certainly welcome, and the handful of new items like the Bose stereo help make the i20 feel more premium.
What is worth considering is its price tag, particularly for the N Line, as the loss of the 1.0-litre Fluid models means there is now a hefty R117,600 price gap between the 1.4 Executive and the N Line.
For that price, you get a now-exclusive drivetrain, an excellent dual-clutch gearbox, and all the N-flavoured trimmings, but even so, R467,500 is quite the sum for a hatchback like this.
That being said, the rest of the line-up is actually slightly cheaper than before as it now starts at R309,900 instead of R333,500, which is a nice bonus for anyone looking to pick up the revised i20 in the near future.
As for the N Line, considering that South Africa is sadly not getting the full-fledged i20 N hot hatch, the improved N Line comes as a reasonable compromise, as it is still incredibly fun to drive, has a premium new sound system, and can fool those around you with an awesome-sounding exhaust.
2024 Hyundai i20 N Line
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