Hyundai i20: Getz Replacement Revealed, to Compete against Yaris and Fiesta

Hyundai has released the first photo of its all new i20, a five-door hatchback designed to replace the Getz and compete in the B-Segment against cars like the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Fiat Grande Punto. Set to be launched early 2009, the new i20 will fit right between the new i10 and i30 in the Korean automaker’s European range. Styled at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door supermini is based on a new platform that has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, promising to offer improved interior space.

“The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs,” said Kun Hee Ahn, president of Hyundai Europe. “It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. At HME, we are confident the i20 will succeed in the fast paced sub compact sector, as it offers much more in terms of standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors,” he added. -Continued

Hyundai has yet to release any details on the new i20’s powertrain options, but expect to see a range of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines as well as a new 1.4 turbo diesel unit delivering 90 PS. The Korean automaker said that alongside the standard i20 it will also reveal at the Paris Auto Show an eco-friendly concept version wearing the ‘i-blue’ moniker.

Based on the i20, the i-blue concept will incorporate a series of modifications to reduc the standard model’s CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Power comes from Hyundai’s new 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220Nm of torque. Key modifications include the replacement of the standard car’s five-speed manual gearbox with a six-speed unit, full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires and high performance, low friction engine oil.

The result is a CO₂ output of just 99g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 68mpg UK which translates to 57mpg US or 4.2-liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres. The production version of the i20 i-blue is expected to arrive in the European market along with the three-door variants of the Korean supermini in mid-2009.