These are a few of our favourite things
Hyundai has very successfully defended its fourth-place position in the passenger car segment largely due to its offerings in the subcompact and compact hatchback arenas. One of the most popular vehicles they offer is the i20 and for the 2024 year, it has received a major update.
Related: Hyundai i20 (2024) First Drive Review
We recently drove the new model at launch and fell instantly in love with the new marque, especially the delightful N Line. Here are 10 things that we absolutely love about the new vehicle.
How much are new car repayments for the Hyundai i20?
New model names
Hyundai has trimmed its i20 range and eliminated previous model derivatives, the Fluid and Motion. In their place are three new models: the Premium, the Executive, and the sporty new N Line, all embodying the youthful and sporty aesthetic of the hot hatch segment.
New front-end design
All three new models receive fresh new front and rear bumper designs, new grilles, updated headlights, DRL's and foglamps. The badging has been moved from the grille to the soft nose panel. All lighting front and rear, is now LED
Fresh interiors
A mixture of cloth and acritical leather seat covering is used for the Premium and Executive versions, while the N Line comes with exclusive artificial leather seat covers. 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 and there is a wireless cell phone charger in the centre console.
New N Line model
The new i20 N Line model embodies the signature N-specific design elements crafted to elevate both the driving experience and visual appeal. These features include the iconic N Line logo adorning the radiator grille and tailgate. At the front, LED headlamps with signature LED Day Running Lights complete the dynamic picture. Drivers will notice the addition of multicolour ambient lights, creating a dynamic ambience that complements the vehicle's sporty character. Inside, the cabin exudes a motorsport-inspired ambience with interior controls and accents in striking red and metal finishes.
1.0 Turbo
The Premium and Executive models are equipped with 1.2l and 14l petrol engines mated to either 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto. The i20 N Line derivative, however, receives a pokey 1.0 turbo petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT delivering a healthy 90kW and 172Nm. It has a delicious engine burble that emanates from the twin-tip exhaust and barks aggressively on the overrun.
The Hyundai i20 has been a solid competitor over the years in the hatchback market segment. It is a car for many tastes and budgets and offers a comprehensive motoring package, even at its basic trim level. - Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Racey design
The new i20 N-Line model gets an exclusive three-spoke N-Line steering wheel, complete with perforated leather and exclusive red stitching, which 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. At the driver's feet, the non-slip aluminium-look sports pedals shine and the red contrast stitching throughout the interior subtly accentuates the high-performance design, while the sporty seats with ample neck support and side cushions deliver both control and comfort during driving.
Wheel designs
The Premium derivative gets 15" steel wheels, clad with carbon-black wheel covers, known as style wheels. The Executive and N Line model gets a set of specific 16" alloy wheels in a diamond cut finish over gloss black.
Safety
The i20 receives a 4-star Euro NCAP rating with 76% adult occupancy, 82% rear child occupancy, 76% pedestrian safety and a 67% rating for vehicle safety tech. The i20 has ABS, TCS, and 6 airbags, as well as upper and lower ISOfix anchor points in the rear.
Colourways
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.
Hyundai i20 (2024) colour and price guide
Price
Hyundai has managed to keep the pricing affordable and pocket-friendly.
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Premium MT | R 309 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.4 Premium MT | R 329 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.2 Executive AT | R 329 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.4 Executive AT | R 349 900 |
| Hyundai i20 1.0T N Line (DCT only) | R 467 500 |
