news

2020 Hyundai i10 revealed, not for Oz

The new-generation Hyundai i10 has broken cover ahead of its public debut in Frankfurt, featuring an overhauled design inside and out along with swathe of new technologies.


Compared to its predecessor, the i10's roof sits 20mm lower, while the body is 20mm wider. There's also new 16-inch alloy wheels (optional) which Hyundai says results "in an energetic and agile look".

A wider front grille sits up front, incorporating two circular LED daytime-running lights and a honeycomb insert, something that has been a hallmark of i10 models past. Through to the rear, the X-shaped C-pillar design run into the tail-light graphics.

There will be 10 base exterior colours offered in Europe, including three new hues – Dragon Red, Brass and Aqua Turquoise.

Buyers will also be given the choice of a two-tone roof finish in either black or red. Hyundai says there's a total of 22 exterior combinations available.

"Our designers found inspiration in the technical clothes of athletes, which contrast the natural shapes of the human muscles with sharp and technical graphics," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Design Center Europe.

Inside, there's an all-new design and some of the company's latest driver assistance and infotainment technologies, also offering a range of personalisation options.

There's an open storage compartment above the glovebox on the passenger's side for additional practicality, while four different colour options are available bolstering the 22 possible exterior combinations.

Ahead of the driver is an available 8.0-inch colour touchscreen, which Hyundai claims to be the largest in the segment, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Tech-savvy buyers will also appreciate the availability of a wireless smartphone charging pad, something of a rarity at this end of the new vehicle market.

Further back, there's the option to have the i10 as a four-seater or five-seater, with the company touting enhanced passenger space thanks to an increased wheelbase.

A 11mm lower beltline at the front and 13mm lower at the rear affords better outward visibility, helped by less C-pillar obstruction which helps rearward visibility when parking.

Behind the second row of seats is a 252L luggage area, putting it on par with its Kia Picanto stablemate. The 29mm lower lift-in height also aids loading heavier items.

The boot area also offers one-hand folding rear seats and a two-stage 'luggage board' for added convenience.

On the road, the i10 offers a range of Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driver-assistance systems, including camera-based autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, along with high-beam assist. There's also available features like lane keep assist, driver attention monitoring and intelligent speed limit warning.

At launch, two engines will be offered for the European market – a 49kW/96Nm 1.0-litre 'MPi' three-cylinder petrol engine and a 62kW/118Nm 1.2-litre 'MPi' four-cylinder petrol.

Both motors will be offered with two transmissions, a five-speed manual and a five-speed automated manual – Hyundai opted for the latter due to its lighter weight and reduced friction, aiding fuel efficiency.

 

Australia

Following its premiere at the Frankfurt motor show next week, the new Hyundai i10 will be built in Europe for the European market. That's the key detail that's stopping the pint-sized Korean from heading to Australia.

Speaking with Drive, Hyundai's local PR manager, Guido Schenken, said: "The i10 and i20 are both produced in Europe, and with the current exchange rates we can’t make a rational business case for their introduction locally".

By comparison, Kia's related Picanto and Rio hatchbacks are sourced from Korea for our market, no doubt helping to greatly reduce the costs associated with importing the vehicles to Australia.

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent