We review the Hyundai iX20 from price to economy and all its features
BEAUTY is in the i of the beholder — especially if you have a new Hyundai.
The Korean firm’s iX20 is set to be a bit of a trend-setter.
The second model to carry the iX badge could make just as big an impact on the catwalk as the showroom floor.
It shares the same bold and dynamic design of its big brother iX35 — and that SUV has already added to Hyundai’s growing UK sales as they head for a second record year.
People carriers, especially compact-sized ones, usually look as dull as dishwater — with the exception of Vauxhall’s new Meriva — so the iX20 goes straight to the top of the style league.
The sweptback headlights feature details that sparkle like jewellery and the deep double grille, with low chrome-backed spotlights, give the iX20 a sharp and interesting face.
A clean side profile with flared wheel-arches lead to a beautifully shaped back end featuring wrap around taillights and a rear diffuser.
And the story gets better when you step inside — the iX20 may be just 13ft long but it is remarkable how much space there is.
There is more legroom than Volvo’s big XC90, and the seats can slide back or forwards to suit your needs for more luggage or leg space.
There’s more room for luggage than in a Volvo V50 estate. Fold the rear seats flat and it increases to 1,486 litres, plus you get a handy false floor to hide valuables or wet clothes. The sporty cabin is also evidence of how Hyundai have upped their game when it comes to the quality of the plastics and the trim. It used to let their cars down, that’s not the case anymore.
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In the Active version I tested there was gloss black and alloy effect trim on the centre console and door inserts, plus mock chrome on the door handles. And the equipment list is top drawer — electric front/rear windows and heated electric door mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod link, plus USB connection, along with music system controls on the three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Add in a cooling glove box, driver’s fold-up arm rest, leather steering wheel and gear knob and reversing sensors and you have the equipment levels of an executive car. That just leaves the driving package which is pretty reasonable as well, especially as the iX20 underwent special suspension tuning in the UK to cope with our rubbishy roads. Steering is responsive and handling is assured.
People carrier buyers are more interested in economy than performance, so the 1.4-litre diesel will fit the bill.
It’s not particularly quick — push it and the engine becomes noisy and strained, but it is tremendous on fuel economy.
That’s partly due to an intelligent stop/start system that cuts the engine when you are idling in traffic, plus there’s an eco- indicator which encourages you to change gear at the most fuel-efficient times. The result is an excellent 65mpg.
There is also the option of 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines.
Add in Hyundai’s five-year warranty and prices that start at £11,500 and go up to £13,295 and you have style and substance in one highly impressive compact package. It’s on sale now.