Top 8 differences between current and pre-facelift Hyundai i20

By Stuart Johnston

Hyundai’s i20 is one of its top sellers and since 2009 more than 90 000 of these little medium-sized hatchbacks have been sold in South Africa. The current generation was introduced in 2015. Here we list some significant  changes made to the i20 at the  mid-2018 facelift of the current range. 

The very popular Hyundai i20 range was given a major facelift in mid-2018, incorporating significant exterior and interior changes. The current model is, however,  essentially the same body shape as the i20 that was introduced in early 2015, and also remains the same as far as basic mechanical specification.

If you are considering buying a used Hyundai i20, it is valuable to know the differences between the model launched in 2015 and the post-facelift model. To peruse AutoTrader’s listing of over 700 examples of Hyundai i20s for sale click here .

The current line-up comprises six models

Since late-May 2018 the model line-up has also been slightly revised. The line-up currently comprises six models using either the 1,2-litre 61 kW four-cylinder engine, or the 1,4-litre Kappa four-cylinder producing 74 kW.

The 1,2-litre models are available only with five-speed manual transmissions driving the front wheels. The 1,4-litre models come with either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

There are two trim levels across the range, these being the entry-level Motion trim and the more lavishly-equipped Fluid trim.

You may like to click here to see a review of the post-facelift Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Manual.

New Active model

Prior to May 2018 the range-topping model was the 1.4 Sport, introduced in August 2015. However, with the facelift a year ago came the announcement of a new model to replace the  1.4 Sport. This is the 1.4  Active Manual. Visually, this model has a more off-road orientation than the Sport, and features more ground clearance, black bumper cladding and roof rails, as well as a different grille.

 For a review of the Hyundai 1.4 Active Manual click here.

These are the Top six differences between the pre-face lift Hyundai i20 model and the current model introduced in late May 2018.

1. The frontal appearance. The current i20 model is distinguished by the latest Hyundai “cascading grille” which has a more fluid shape than the more sharply-edged previous grille. This new grille features a more pronounced black diamond mesh styling, and the prominent bright-metal framing of the previous grille has been done away with, so the grille flows more organically into the bumper.

2. New front bumper. The new front bumper panel features a radical re-design with much larger cut-outs to accept fog lamps, while the aperture to accept the grille has also been “kinked” to give it a more interesting aggressive look.

3. New rear bumper and lamps. The rear bumper now features a new black panel at its lower edge for incorporating a secondary lamp cluster. The new LED tail lights are also much more bold looking than before.

4. New tailgate. The tailgate has been redesigned to accept the number plate. Previously the number plate was located in the bumper.

5. New wheel design. New 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the Fluid models. The Motion models retain smaller 15-inch diameter steel wheels and hubcaps.

6. Active model differences. The new Active model features a totally different grille to the other models, black bumpers front and rear, as well as rugged black detailing on the wheel arches and sills. The Active model also features metal-finished skid plates front and rear, at the lower edges of the bumpers. And the 16-inch alloy wheel design is Active-specific. Inside the Active also has sporting detailing, such as red upholstery detailing and metal-finish pedals.

7. Active ground clearance. The Active’s ground clearance has been raised from the 150 mm of the Motion and Fluid derivatives to a more generous 170 mm. This is to complete the off-road-inspired “urban warrior” theme of this model.

 8. Modern infotainment system. The biggest change to the interior on all models is the fitment of a very attractive new modern infotainment system that has smart-phone compatibility, as well as a Navigation function. The integrated navigation feature can be activated by purchasing an SD memory card for a price of around R3 000.