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Hyundai has recently unveiled at the Paris 2010 auto show their new compact ix20 MPV, which goes with the tagline, outside the box thinking. There are now many tall supermini sized MPV models in the market, including Kia’s Venga, which shares the same platform and drive train as Hyundai’s ix20.
The Hyundai ix20 will join the Sonata, Tucson, and Concept RB in expressing the flowing lines that will be the new look Hyundai wants to be associated with. Hyundai is moving away from the boxy minivan look and they are quickly changing their car styles and format as fast as possible. The Hyundai ix20, a new B-segment MPV model, is only the second vehicle in Europe to adopt this design language.
Hyundai has aimed their new ix20 which offers three key features for today’s motorists: style, space and value. The ix20 will most likely attract young retail customers, young families who will appreciate the space and the value for money. With its safe Euro NCAP five-star rating, it is a versatile vehicle with low running costs and produces very low CO2 emissions. Many potential buyers are initially attracted to the ix20 because of the exterior styling, the command position seating, the load carrying space and the price.
The European designed ix20 is built in the Czech Republic and is offered to the market with Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty. At 4.1 meters in length, 1.8 meters wide, and 1.6 meters tall, the ix20 still has a large interior with five seats and load space off 440 to1486 liters.
Slightly bigger than a Ford Fiesta, there is plenty of legroom and headroom in front and the rear. Sliding the rear bench style seats provides more legroom and luggage space. The quality of the materials used in the ix20 is top notch. There is a leather steering wheel and gear knob and the plastics used are high grade.
There are three engine options, 1.4-liter, 89hp, gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 1.6-liter, 123hp, gas engine with an automatic transmission and a 1.4-liter, 89hp, turbo diesel engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai expects sixty per cent of buyers to go for the 1.4li gasoline equipped unit, 15 per cent to the 1.6li automatic and 35 per cent to the diesel unit.
There are Classic, Active and Style trim and equipment levels. Hyundai anticipates Active as being the most popular and the choice of 45 per cent of buyers. So a 1.4-liter gasoline Active model would most likely be seen on most roads.
The Classic version includes electronic stability control, air conditioning, power electric front windows, height adjustable driver seat, six airbags, stereo sound system with six speakers, USB/iPod input ready and split folding rear seats. Extra features for the best selling Active version consist of electric rear windows, heated door mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather covered steering wheel with audio controls, more luxurious trim, 16-inch alloy wheels and reversing sensors. The Style variant acquires a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof with UV filter. The front panel offers a tilt and sliding function to let fresh air and light into the cabin. It is also equipped with blinds to keep light out. For extra privacy and protection from the sun, the rear glass is darkened. Front fog lights further improve the looks and visibility of the ix20 Style. Side signal markers are integrated into the door mirrors, which fold electronically to keep them safe in narrower roads or when parked. For an additional fee, The Style also comes in metallic paint colors.
The 1.4-liter diesel engine is lively, but is no rocket. Potentially good for fuel economy with a claimed 65.7mpg, it takes over 14 seconds for it to get to 60mph. This won’t be a major concern for most buyers, but when they do get the ix20 going, it is strong enough for highway driving. The diesel engine is pretty refined and quiet too.
The Hyundai ix20 Active 1.4 gasoline engine can achieve a top speed of 104mph. It can do a 0-60mph run in 12.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is very good at 50.4mpg, and CO2 emissions at 130g/km.
Many were surprised by the well-mannered steering and handling of the ix20 when it was launched. There is a good level of feedback from the steering and the ride handles different road surfaces very well. The ix20 will feel most at home in and around town, and with the large glass windows it is easy to see out of it. The ix20 is very easy to park too.
Sources:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/hyundai-ix20-2139628.html
http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Hyundai-ix20.html
http://www.hyundai.co.uk/newCars/ix20/
