Hyundai launched the all-new i20 less than a year ago, but it hasn’t rested on its laurels. We’ve only just sampled the punchy new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that gives the Ford Fiesta rival a real boost, but now there’s a rugged new Active model, aiming to gain a foothold in the booming small crossover segment.
Despite sounding like just another trim level, the i20 Active appears, at first glance at least, to be a different prospect. Its mini SUV-like stance is bolstered by chunky new bumper designs, skid plates front and rear, roof rails and plastic lower body cladding.
The ride height has also been raised by 20mm, and it gets 17-inch alloys as standard. These additions come at a cost, however, the Active is £1,200 pricer than SE spec on which it’s based. The changes look successful overall, although detailing like the fake metallic fuel-filler cap and round rear reflectors won’t be to all tastes.
Don’t be fooled by the pumped-up styling, however, as it’s more about form than function. Like the Dacia Sandero Stepway, four-wheel drive isn’t offered even as an option for the Active. Hyundai bosses claim that the jacked-up supermini market is so marginal that it doesn’t justify engineering such a system.
Inside, it’s unchanged from the regular i20, which means you get a solidly built, spacious and sensibly-laid out cabin that isn’t particularly inspiring to look at. Our test car was kitted-out with sombre dark fabrics and plastics; perhaps more colour and vibrancy inside would make sense given the Active’s youthful target market.
The only engine on offer in the Active is the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol in 99bhp form. It’s much better than the 1.4 petrol it replaces, with a healthy 171Nm of torque making it far more flexible in-gear. You need to rev past 3,000rpm to exploit its performance, but at least refinement is much improved.
We’re surprised the Active isn’t offered with the more powerful 118bhp version from the hatch, which also comes with a six speed manual gearbox, as that feels more willing at higher revs. Efficiency is another big benefit of the turbo, but Active spec sees MPG drop from a competitive 65.7mpg in the hatch to a slightly less impressive 58.9mpg. CO2 emissions also increase from 99g/km to 110g/km.
Hyundai is quick to point out that the Active has been tuned specifically for European roads. Interestingly, the suspension is actually a bit stiffer than the regular i20, which engineers say is to counter the extra body roll. Body movement is kept in check reasonably well, and the steering is accurate, but the i20 remains a safe and stable rather than a fun car to drive. The standard-fit 17-inch alloys also mean the ride is more unsettled by large bumps.
- Model: Hyundai i20 Active 1.0 T-GDi 100PS
- Price: £15,225
- Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol
- Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- Power: 99bhp
- Economy: 58.9mpg
- CO2: 110g/km
- On sale: Now