Hyundai has just given a world premiere to the new i20 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Korean carmaker says that the new model features refreshed styling, enhanced equipment and the lowest CO2 emissions of any conventional powertrain car on sale today.
Among the four powertrain options available to buyers of the new i20 in Europe will be the new 1.1-litre, three-cylinder U-II diesel engine that generates 75 bhp. When mated to Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies, this derivative emits just 84 g/km of CO2 - a figure lower than any other car with a conventional powertrain.
This engine was developed at Hyundai’s Diesel Centre of Excellence - part of the European R&D set-up just outside Frankfurt in Germany. And it showcases Hyundai’s expertise in clean diesel technology. This ground-breaking new engine will be offered alongside another sub-100 g/km diesel. When combined with Blue Drive technologies, the upgraded 1.4-litre U-II 90 bhp engine emits 96 g/km.
Hyundai says that the debut of the new i20 sees the introduction of fluidic sculpture form language to Hyundai’s supermini. The revised exterior design also carries the hallmarks of Hyundai styling, including the company’s signature hexagonal grille and new headlamp units.
Updating their own design from the original i20, the stylists at Hyundai’s European design studio have further modernised the new i20 with a more contemporary profile for the front and rear bumpers, a new sculpted bonnet and new wheel designs.
In terms of dimensions, the width, height and wheelbase of the new i20 remain the same, while the length has increased by just 55mm over its predecessor.
