Hyundai has announced further details of the latest version of its Vauxhall Corsa rival, the i20.
The car has been received some design changes to interior and exterior, improved levels of standard kit and a new low-emitting diesel engine.
Firstly, the design refreshes. On the outside the car gets new wheel designs as well as the hexagonal grille which brings it in line with the new i30 and i40 Tourer models. It gets a reshaped bonnet and headlights, new fog light clusters and daytime running lights. At the rear of the car is a redesigned bumper and taillights.
On the inside, the manufacturer promises an improvement on quality with more soft-touch plastics as well as a revised centre console and updated seat trims.
More interestingly is a new engine addition to the range. A 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine producing 74bhp is available for the first time. It emits just 84g/km, in the company’s eco Blue model, and Hyundai claims it’s the cleanest internal combustion engine currently available. It means any potential buyers will be exempt from first year and annual road tax, as well as the London Congestion Charge.
The Blue model is also capable of averaging 88.3mpg and is fitted with stop/start and low rolling resistance tyres.
As well as this new diesel engine, the 1.2-litre petrol engine has also seen some improvements. It now produces 84bhp, up from the 79bhp of the previous car, while fuel economy is up to 57.7mpg from 55.4mpg. Emissions are down from 119g/km to 114g/km, though this doesn’t change the £30 annual tax cost.
Standard kit on the entry level Classic model includes six air bags, remote central locking, air-con, stability control and vehicle stability management.
Active models get 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice control, electric and heated mirrors, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob. Five-door models get electric rear windows as well.
Top-of-the-range Style models benefit further from the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, climate control and an auto dimming rear view mirror with integrated reversing camera.
The new car is set to arrive in showrooms in May. Prices for the latest i20 model will start at £9,995 for the 1.2-litre petrol Classic three-door model, rising to £14,295 for the 1.4-litre CRDi five-door Style car.
