2009 Hyundai i20 Hatch
October 15, 2008 by Matt Brogan
When we first spied the i20 hatch, due to be launched in Europe at the end of this year, we couldn’t help but notice a family resemblance to the new generation of Hyundai vehicles identified by the ‘i’ prefix (think i30, iMax and iLoad). Designed in Russelsheim, Germany, the all-new five-door i20 rides on a long wheelbase, giving the small hatch a surprisingly spacious interior as well as a more comfortable ride.
Featuring Hyundai’s distinctive design motifs, giving the i20 a look similar to that of a 5/8th scale i30, the smaller hatch shares the same chrome-topped grille, teardrop headlamps and heavy stacked rear light clusters. The i20’s modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour coded bumpers, sills and wing mirrors.
To improve the green status of the i20, the well-packaged hatch features Hyundai’s latest i-blue concepts which incorporate a number of modifications to deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. These features include full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and high performance, low friction engine oil.
The i20 ‘blue’ is powered by an ultra efficient 1.4-litre common rail direct injection turbo diesel engine, which produces 66kW and generates 220Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. CO2 rating and fuel consumption are just 99g/km and 4.0 litres per 100km.
We’ll bring you news on Australian delivery of the i20 when it comes to hand, early indications are that it could replace the aging Getz – stay tuned.
Print it: 
Seems to be a slow news week in the motoring world.
A lot of repeat posts. Oh well, it happens.
Yaris beater?
Looks better which wouldn’t be hard.LOL.
Just keep moving more and more, dont Hyundai.
They for sure H are a serious player these days.
I still think the brand is a bit overpriced, but yeah lots of equipment and now inc. safety gear for the money.
BigT would/nt be to concerned, but the other brands w/should be! :-)
Cheers
F-0
With 220nm of torque, a six speed and 4.0l per 100, this should sell like hot cakes, but like the i30, I expect it will not provide an inspiring driving experience at all.
I had a i30 petrol rental last weekend and was really happy to get out of it at the end. It’s just an uninspiring car to drive and it handled like EH holden.
If the i20 offers a dead driving experience like the i30 petrol did, it will only be a city shopping trolley.
Hope it proves me wrong.
^^^^^^GREENROOM
Which rental car company has the i30’s?
Thanks
F-0
Gee that Getz does look ancient doesnt it.
Mr.Lee from Hyundai stated that the Getz would still be made and sold and the cheapest Hyundai in Oz.
The i20 slots in between the Accent and the Getz.
Weird, to many different models at a close price range?
Cheers
F-0
I think the jazz will still be a better package. Even without esc for time being, the jazz is a hard act to beat with its established ‘tardis’ characteristics and finish to say the least.
WVB -
A base Jizz in auto is $18k driveaway
You can buy a i30 loaded with safety and quailty for $21k
You would be MAD to spend the 3k on a more powereful, better equipped, better backed vehicle.
Does really look German that i30, i have warmed to it!
:-)
Cheers
F-0
Jizz? ….but seriously, a diesel auto i30 is over 30k on the road. No way is that value anymore at that price.
^^^^^SAM -
I am comparing what you can get for around $20k
A SX Auto i30 is $21k driveway
The i30 is a class bigger than the Jizz
Cheers
F-0
The i20 will complement Hyundais line up & should be a top seller. Personally, I am waiting for the i30 wagon to come out as I think with the extra space capacity, it will prove to be a more practical vehicle than a regular hatch or sedan.
Cheers !
The i20 probably catches up to the old Jazz (where the Getz was a generation behind) but the new Jazz has already gone a generation ahead.
Hyundai is improving fast in quality and drivability, but in this class Honda has everyone stuffed for packaging.
I’d still take the Honda. Also you might find the Jazz is bigger inside than the i30. Also you can get a new Corolla for 21k drive-away at the moment. Wouldn’t that be a better car than an i30?
I don’t believe the Corolla price.
i30 better buy than Jizz that’s for sure.
Funny how things go round. Korean build better than Thai no argument.
Corolla,Jizz,i30 all dead drives compared to more expensive vehicles.
Try the “delay drive train” in the Corolla.LOL.Open the throttle and wait for something to happen.LOL
Actually, cant see this being too much better than the Getz.
the Getz aint that great if you ask me.
it might scare some, but i actually place the Barina over the Getz for comfort aswell as fit and finish.
personally i wouldnt buy either.
no small car is truely comfortable, nor does any small car come with great quality, and also no small car is enjoyable to drive
i say upsize me a couple of classes and bugger the couple of litres extra i have to put in it every 100ks
low $20’sK on the road???
i would rather buy a second hand large car if thats what my budget said.
Could people stop calling the Jazz the Jizz? Like it or not its a good car. You dont need to make yourself look like an idiot when your writing about it.
Don’t like the extreme cab forward styling of the JIZZ.lol.
All right for a people mover though but not a sedan.
Hate the cutsie Jizz add too!!!
Hi Frugal One
The 130 rental was Budget at Gold Coast Airport.
JiZZ, JETZ, whatever, Stuff them all……..buy a SUZUKI SWIFT! A far better small car, and fun to drive.
Yes RALLYX, Swift is very good to drive, but it’s not much use if your rear passengers have legs or you want to carry more than a toothbrush in the boot.
I’ve never driven a 6-speed manual but it seems to me that there is a fair bit of work for your left leg just getting from 0 to, say, 80 kph which is what urban driving is mostly about. I would have thought that an all-new 2009 model would naturally come with an automated manual gear box. Hyundai seem to be totally ignoring the new dual clutch technology. A pity in my opinion. Guess I’ll wait for the next VW Polo which will have an efficient and high performing 7-speed DSG drive train.
Would be sad to see the Getz go. I think Hyundai should keep it going as its cheapest in AUS with ABS, ESP and airbags as std. So many youngsters will be driving them as first cars.
The haonda jizz just keeps going up and up in price.
The i20 is a Accent replacement, should be $16,490 driveaway [by my calculations]
Free advice, beg-borrow-steal $3.5k and get the VASTLY superior i30.
Checked out the i20 at the MMS it was ok, but not a class leader like the i30, made in India which does not do it for me.
Still think THE best buy from Hyundai is the Tucson City
Cheers
F-0