Spied: 2009 Hyundai i20
August 22, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Hyundai’s latest generation of cars have been given the highest praise by the motoring world. The i-series is set for expansion with the release of the i10 shortly as well as the car we have pictured here, the VW Polo-rival, likely to be called the i20.
Expected to go on sale overseas sometime next year, the i20 will replace the ageing Hyundai Getz which has been on the market since 2002.
Though we’ve snapped the five-door here undergoing mountain-testing in southern Europe, we’re pretty sure a three-door model will be available as well.
Will the i20 come to Australia? It would seem very likely. Engine choices are still a guess, but we suspect a variety of petrol engines delivering between 50-80kW will be offered in Europe, plus at least one turbodiesel.
Hyundai Australia has been contacted for comment. Check back later in the day for more on the new Getz.
Print it: 
As long as the i20 package formula is similar to that of the i30 or better, it will clean up the light car market. Everybody else will need to be on their toes.
I agree with you Jack Fast.
I also think that if hyundai introduces the i10 in Australia it will be big success. It sits below the Getz/i20 and hence it will provide an even cheaper option to the public to get a city car thats efficient and economical.
its already on sale in Uk and India
This one might look better if they leave the covers on!
Totally agree with Jack Fast’s 1st comments. If it’s a turbo diesel, look out…
Question: is the i30 really cleaning out the small car market? can someone provide links to stats on sales per model for the small car market?
Joober, the i30 is doing the right numbers. Short supply of the diesel is the problem. It is now out to 3months.
The i20 will build on the success of the i30 and will do well if the price is right.
It looks like Hyundai are again flexing their muscles with this new model & I bet other car makers will be very worried right now, if they weren’t already that is.
Cheers !
The i30 seems to be a nice car but it is hardly setting the world on fire.
They seem to be priced at a premium, well a premium for Hyundai at least. I don’t see that many about. The Corolla is creaming it in the market.
They should increase advertising and reduce prices or do deals. They finally have a car worth flogging. Get them out there,
Never thought I’d be saying this, but the latest Corolla is a cheap-feeling car, especially on the inside. In comparison, the i30 seems like an Audi.
Maybe the tide has turned, but it might be 3 years or so before the dumbed-down, ‘buy-what-you-feel-safe-with’ mass market wakes up to it. In the meantime, Mr. Toyota needs to grab every dollar he can.
As someone who is looking to step into a new car soon, I cant really see myself parting with the cash for a new Hyundai. Not yet. I’d still go for the Honda/Toyota rivals at the moment for that little extra cash.
Hyundai Australia; bring on the i20, fast!! (and in Diesel). The Getz is getting a bit on the tired side. The flood of small cars will be on in 2009 from manufacturers such as Suzuki (New Alto), Holden/GM Daewoo – (New Barina), KIA (Picanto and Soul) and others. Manufacturers need to get the ball (wheels) rolling and give the public more choice in the small and light car segment. Isn’t it silly how less than a decade ago petrol prices were lower but yet there was a bigger choice of small/light cars on the market compared to now when petrol prices are at an all-time high and there’s a limited choice in this segment, it doesn’t make sense. Manufacturers are supposed to be environmentally conscience. Sure, we Aussies love our big cars but it’s also time to get the balance right, not biased. Manufacturers should also start thinking of offering these small/light cars in diesel variants as well, just like in the UK and Europe. Environmentally Friend Cars; think Diesel! They’re an easy fix to the emissions problem and a readily available alternative to petrol engines, and they’re also a lot more technologically advanced today. Rudd / Toyota and the followers can go turn the ‘switch’ on their electric cars too OFF as it’s all one big waste of time, energy and money. I doubt that electric cars will become the way of the future, and the humble combustion engine will become a legacy of the past. If Hyundai, KIA and Suzuki played their cards right they could be offering more diesel small cars than say VW or Audi, as these small engines/cars are already available to overseas markets. Bring ‘em on.
…..that’s ‘Environmentally Friendly Cars’……sorry.
wait until China unleashes its cars onto our market…
The existing market will get a big kick in the pants with prices well under hyundai/ kia / proton entry levels
And used cars will be send straight to the crusher
I had a drive of one of these in Korea and what a little beauty! Its very attractive in both interior and exteriour styling and is great to drive. It takes a bit to get going but feels quite solid on the road. The other small cars on the market ie jazz, yaris, fiesta , golf ect are going to have there work cut out trying to extract an extra few grand for there cars. Within 5 years Hyundai WILL be ranked in the top 3 car makers in the world. Sam stop being a badge snob and have a look at an i30, If you still buy a toyota or (to a lesser extent a Honda) Ill be very supprised
I saw this in Macquarie Park, sydney. 2 new models was driving infront of me.
To be honest, i thought it was a Mazda2. Nothing special about this car in looks.
I own a getz(purchased 3.2009)now I want out,and into a i20 ,WELL MABEY ,read some reports about test drives in India of the i20,they recon it handles like an old bag of spuds and not much in the power department? quality comes at a price,and the accountants will bring price first,this why the getz is just an average metro pizza delivery,where will the i10 and its brother fit in in aus?