This is the Hyundai i20 Active, a crossover-flavored model based on the all-new i20 supermini.
Scheduled to launch officially in India on March 17, the i20 Active features a more rugged look thanks to the 20mm (0.78in) higher ground clearance, beefier front and rear bumpers, and plastic cladding all around. Despite its looks, it will only be offered with front-wheel drive and it will offer the same engine options as the regular Hyundai i20 (called Elite i20 in India).
These include a 1.4-liter diesel producing 90PS (89hp) and 220Nm (162lb-ft) of torque, as well as a 1.2-liter petrol unit with 83PS (82hp) and a timid 114Nm (84lb-ft) of torque. The latter engine is offered with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel gets a six-speed manual transmission. There’s no option of an automatic.
The diesel is claimed to average 21.19 km/l (4.7 l/100 km or 49.8 mpg US), with the petrol rated at 17.19 km/l (5.8 l/100 km or 40.4 mpg US). Hyundai also says it has increased the final gear ratios especially for the i20 Active, resulting in improved engine acceleration by 6 percent on the petrol and 11 percent on the diesel variant.
Compared to the i20 hatchback on sale in India, the i20 Active is 10mm (0.39in) longer, 26mm (1.02in) wider and 50mm (1.96in) taller, while the wheelbase stays the same. Boot space remains unchanged at 285 liters (10 cu-ft).
Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, an 8 speaker music system with USB/AUX ports, Bluetooth connectivity and 1 GB internal audio memory, automatic air conditioning, aluminum pedals, 16-inch diamond cut alloys, front airbags and ABS, among other things.
