Hyundai i20 Active Launched In The UK – Review

The Hyundai i20 has been a popular model in the Hyundai range since it’s launch back in 2008.

In 2015 Hyundai unveiled the next generation i20, which underwent a dramatic transformation breaking the mould from the conservative outgoing model with a fresh and bold European design, higher build quality and improved safety features.

Launched initially as a 5-door hatchback, a sporty 3 door i20 coupe joined the line up later in the year.

Following on from the success of the new Hyundai i20, saw the launch in 2016 of the i20 Active.

Hyundai i20 Active crossover design

Styled to give a cross-over appearance the Active has an increased ride height over the rest of the Hyundai i20 range, complete with chunky looking body side mouldings, roof rails and front and rear scuff plates.

Other styling features include a rear roof spoiler, LED daytime running lights, 17” alloy wheels, chrome pedals and a gunmetal look fuel filler cap all coming as standard.

There has been some criticism of this fuel filler cap from the motoring press claiming that it looks plasticky but we think it adds to the style of the car and at the end of the day it functions as a petrol cap should do.

Targeting the increasingly popular cross-over market, Hyundai have their sights set on a younger audience, with the Active competing for sales with the likes of the Nissan Juke.

With high levels of standard equipment and a starting price of £15225, Hyundai hopes to make significant in-roads into this segment of the market.

New Hyundai i20 Active specs (UK)

For the UK market the i20 Active is fitted with the 1.0 T-GDi petrol engine which delivers 100PS and peak torque of 171nm at 1500rpm, capable of a respectable 0-60 time of 10.9 seconds.

With the help of stop/start technology the Active produces CO2 emissions of 110g/km which puts it in VED band B with an average fuel consumption of 58.9 miles per gallon.

Whilst the Active is no serious off roader the higher ground clearance gives the car increased road presence and the ability to tackle rough lanes which could be favourable to owners who live out in the country.

The ride height of the Active is 20mm higher than the standard i20 and in a bid to reduce any roll through corners Hyundai have uprated the suspension to counteract this.

Out on the road the Active feels responsive thanks to its punchy and torquey turbo charged engine, it’s also refined at motorway speeds both in noise levels and ride comfort.

In line with the other models in the range the Active is fitted with high levels of safety equipment such as 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and Electronic Stability control. In addition to this the Active features rear parking sensors and lane keep assist.

Fixed price servicing plans

In a bid to reduce running costs Hyundai offers a range of fixed price servicing plans ranging from 2-5 years. These start from £249 to £649

In addition to this the Active comes with Hyundai’s 5 year unlimited triple care warranty, which gives owners a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 5 years breakdown cover and 5 years paintwork warranty.

With March 2016 seeing the first Active’s appearing on the road we expect sales to gradually increase with time.

Whilst it’s not going to break sales records the i20 Active will no doubt gain popularity thanks to it’s good looks, high levels of standard equipment and class leading warranty. It also provides a subtle alternative to its biggest competitor the Nissan Juke.

We’ve produced a short review of the Hyundai i20 Active via the Wessex Garages You Tube channel, which will show you what the car looks like on and off road.

Well when we say off road we don’t mean transcending a muddy field or driving over huge boulders, but the kind of lanes that owners considering one of these might have to drive along.

By subscribing to the Wessex Garages You Tube Channel you can access our other Hyundai reviews, we hope you like them and we look forward to welcoming you to their Hyundai showrooms in Newport & Cardiff.