Facelifted Hyundai i20 now on sale

HYUNDAI'S facelifted i20 light car has just arrived in Australian showrooms, featuring extra equipment and improved efficiency to go with the application of the South Korean brand's 'fluidic sculpture' design language and an interior refresh in return for a range-wide $100 increase to the list price.

Now starting from $15,590 plus on-road costs for the three-door manual Active entry-level variant, Hyundai's updated entry-level contender gains a trip computer, electrically-folding door mirrors and one-touch lane-change indicators.

Fuel efficiency is improved due to a manual transmission upgrade from five to six speeds, plus the move to variable-rate electric power steering, which also enables the fitment of Hyundai's vehicle stability management, which automatically assists the driver with counter-steering if understeer or oversteer are detected.

With the new six-speed manual, the combined fuel consumption figure for the carryover 73.5kW/136Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, an improvement of almost 12 per cent.

A more modern exterior for the Indian-built i20, which was first introduced to Australia in mid-2010, features Hyundai's signature hexagonal radiator grille, new bodywork from the A-pillars forwards, a redesigned rear bumper and the inclusion of indicator lights in the door mirrors.

#gallery#Meanwhile, top-spec Elite models get revised foglights and a new design for the 15-inch alloy wheels.

The base-model Active moves from 15-inch steel wheels to 14-inch items, which Hyundai claims is to better align it with competitors and improve ride quality.

Inside is a new centre stack with piano black trim inserts and updated upholstery cloth.

As before, the i20 comes with a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating, six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability and traction control plus an engine immobiliser and alarm system.

All variants get standard Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio streaming through the MP3-compatible CD audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs for iPod integration.

The five-door only Elite variant (from $17,590 with manual transmission) gets two extra speakers, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather gearknob, a bag hook on the passenger seat and a luggage net.

Upgrading the Active variant from three to five doors costs $1000, adding a four-speed automatic transmission costs $2000 and premium paint finishes are an extra $495.

Two new exterior colours are offered, comprising metallic Ember Grey and mica Pristine Blue in addition to the carryover Black Diamond, Coral White, Electric Red and Sleek Silver hues.

As with most Hyundai models, the i20's suspension has been calibrated for Australian conditions and tastes.

Sales of the i20 leapt from an average of less than 440 units per month to almost 1000 since Hyundai started offering the old-shape car in base Active trim for $14,990 drive-away as it filled the void left by the discontinued Getz and made room in the range for the new Accent hatch and sedan that were launched last August.

Hyundai i20 pricing (plus on-roads):
Active 3-door	$15,590
Active 3-door (a)	$17,590
Active 5-door	$16,590
Active 5-door (a)	$18,590
Elite 5-door	$17,590
Elite 5-door (a)	$19,590