Hyundai i20 Active 1.2 S

i20 Active 1.2 S Review

Hyundai India has finally launched the much awaited compact crossover, i20 Active in the Indian car market. It is going to give a tough competition to Toyota Etios Cross, Fiat Avventuara and Volkswagen Cross Polo. The company has launched it in quite a few variants, out of which, Hyundai i20 Active 1.2 S is the top end petrol variant. It is powered by a 1197cc Kappa petrol engine, which is based on DOHC based valve configuration. This vehicle is bestowed with a proficient braking and suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable on any road conditions. The car maker has given it a robust body structure with a decent ground clearance of 190mm that makes it capable for dealing with any road conditions. Its overall length, width and height is about 3995mm, 1760mm and 1555mm respectively. It is designed with a bold radiator grille, body colored bumper, outside rear view mirrors, a radiant tail light cluster and so on. At the same time, it has a spacious internal cabin owing to its large wheelbase of 2570mm. It is decorated in dual tone color scheme and incorporated with quite a few advanced features. Some of them are an advanced instrument panel, all four power windows, motor driven electric power steering, an efficient air conditioning unit and so on. On the other hand, the company is selling this vehicle with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited kilometers.

Exteriors:

This newly launched compact crossover looks quite intimidating as it is fitted with several sporty exterior features. To begin with the front fascia, it is designed with a large radiator grille that has a black mesh and a thick chrome surround. Surrounding this is the distinctly designed headlight cluster that houses powerful halogen headlamps and side turn indicators. The company's logo is embedded in the center of grille that is complimented by the expressive lines on bonnet. Its windscreen is quite large and is accompanied by a pair of wipers and washers. The front bumper is accompanied by a silver finished chin guard that gives it a dynamic stance. Coming to its side profile, it has dual tone wheel arches, which are fitted with set of stylish 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 195/55 R16. It also has black skirts along with side moldings and body colored ORVM caps, which further adds to its elegance. The rear profile has clear lens taillight cluster that is powered by attractive lighting pattern featuring brake lights and turn indicators. Furthermore, its small windscreen is accompanied by a spoiler that is mounted with third brake light. Like the front, its rear bumper too is in black and is fitted with a guard along with a pair of reflectors.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Hyundai i20 Active 1.2 S variant is designed in a dual tone color scheme and it is incorporated with a lot of sophisticated features. In terms of seating, the cabin is equipped with well cushioned seats, which also have integrated head restraints. Its driver seat is height adjustable and comes with proper lumbar support. Its smooth dashboard is equipped with features like AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel, an illuminated instrument panel and a large glove box with cooling effect. Its inside door handles and parking lever tip is garnished in chrome, while door trims are fabric inserted, which gives the cabin a decent appearance. The company has given it a number of utility based aspects, which are cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets in front door, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects. It also has a spacious luggage space along with rear parcel shelf and boot compartment light.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1197cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 81.8bhp at 6000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 114.7Nm at 4000rpm. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. This is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver 17.19 Kmpl on the bigger roads. While within the city limits it can generate 12.5 Kmpl, which is rather good. At the same time, it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 13.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 170 Kmph approximately.

Braking and Handling:

This variant comes with a reliable braking mechanism along with a proficient suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes and the rear ones have been equipped with a conventional set of drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system, which provides a skid-free driving experience. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut along with a stabilizer bar, while the rear axle is coupled with a coupled torsion beam type of mechanism. In addition to these, both these axles have been assisted by coil springs, which further reinforces the mechanism. It is incorporated with a motor driven electric power assisted steering system, which is highly responsive. This tilt adjustable steering wheel makes handling simpler even in peak traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

This Hyundai i20 Active 1.2 S trim is incorporated with a number of convenience features that gives the occupants a comfortable driving experience. The advanced integrated music system comes with 1GB internal memory. It supports CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface and Aux-in port. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for pairing mobile phones. This variant also has 60:40 foldable rear seat, which helps in increasing the boot volume of the car. In addition to these, it gets manual HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit, rear defogger, desmodronic folding key, electrically adjustable outside mirrors and all four power windows with driver side delay and auto down function.

Safety Features:

This latest entrant is equipped with a number of crucial safety aspects, which protects the vehicle as well as its occupants. It has three point ELR seat belts for all passengers and it also has pretensioner and load limiters. The list of other safety aspects include anti lock braking system, height adjustable front seat belts, door open indicator, central locking system, fire prevention system and an engine immobilizer for preventing the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. It also has rear parking sensors along with rear view camera, which has display on electro-chromic rear view mirror.

Pros:

1. Decent ground clearance makes it capable for dealing with uneven roads.

2. Attractive exteriors with a lot of styling aspects.

Cons:

1. Lack of front passenger airbag.

2. Navigation system can be added.