2016 Hyundai i20 & i20 Active: what you need to know

February 04, 2016 by

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Hyundai has launched a handful of updates for the i20 supermini along with updated pricing – here’s what you need to know…

The recently launched Hyundai i20 will be updated for 2016 to include a new turbocharged engine and a rugged crossover version, called the i20 Active. The updated range goes on sale in March and gets enhanced standard equipment to take the fight to the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Polo.

Entry level models remain at the same price as before – £10,995, while top-spec Premium SE Nav versions cost £17,700 for the 1.4-litre 89hp diesel. Three-door coupe versions are priced from £13,025 rising to £16,200 for the top spec 118hp 1.0-litre turbo.

Hyundai i20 – new engine

The headline introduction is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine offered with either 99 or 118hp. The former replaces the old 99hp 1.4-litre but offers significantly more torque for improved performance along with reduced fuel consumption. This more advanced engine costs £14,025 in SE trim – £400 more than the 1.4 but it makes up for it with reduced fuel consumption and tax free motoring on SE models.

The more powerful 118hp version is offered in Premium trim and on the three-door i20 Coupe. Despite being the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production i20, it returns 58.9mpg on average. We’ve driven a version of this engine in a Kia Cee’d – Hyundai’s sister brand – and were very impressed with its broad powerband and smooth acceleration.

Hyundai i20 – extra equipment

In addition to the new engine, Hyundai has upped the i20’s standard equipment. Lower-mid-range SE models now get DAB digital radio and alloy wheels on top of the standard rear parking sensors, cruise control, air conditioning and Bluetooth phone integration.

Premium Nav, Premium SE Nav and Coupe Sport Nav models now get TomTom Live traffic services to find the best route around the jams. Cars finished in Iced Coffee, Passion Red and Stardust Grey now have a black interior instead of the existing beige/brown one.

The i20 Active gets a smattering of plastic parts to make it look more rugged

Hyundai i20 Active crossover

Taking the standard i20 as its base, the i20 Active adds rugged bumpers, roof rails, a rear spoiler and a 20mm increase in ride height for a mini-SUV-aping look. This model is exclusively offered with the new 99hp 1.0-litre turbo engine which, in this model, can average 58.9mpg while emitting just 110g/km of CO2.

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