Hyundai i20 Active 1.4 S

i20 Active 1.4 S Review

HMIL has added a compact crossover in its splendid fleet, which is christened as Hyundai i20 Active. It is launched in both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. The company is selling this model in quite a few variants, among them Hyundai i20 Active 1.4 S is the mid range trim in its diesel line up. The main highlight of this vehicle is its attractive exterior with a black colored body molding on sides and wheel arches. It also has a pair of roof rails, which are painted in black color. At the same time, it has a spacious internal cabin, which is incorporated with ergonomically designed seats and various features. This mid range trim is equipped with various safety features, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has seat belts for all occupants along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. It also has driver airbag, central locking system, a high mounted stop lamp, centrally located fuel tank and many other such aspects. This variant is powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1396cc. It has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 88.8bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 219.6Nm, which is rather good for Indian road conditions. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which keeps it well balanced at all times. This vehicle will compete against the likes of Toyota Etios Cross, Volkswagen Cross Polo and Fiat Avventuara.

Exteriors:

The company has given this vehicle an attractive body structure, which is fitted with a number of striking aspects. To begin with the side profile, it is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These mirrors are electrically adjustable and fitted with side turn blinker as well. The neatly crafted wheel arches are fitted with a set of classy set of 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, which gives it a sporty appearance. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 195/55 R16, which offers a superior grip on any road conditions. It also has black skirts along with side moldings, which highlights its overall appearance. The frontage of this vehicle is fitted with a black perforated radiator grille that has a lot of chrome treatment on it. This grille is surrounded by a distinctly designed headlight cluster, which is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicators. The company's logo is embedded in the center of grille that is complimented by the expressive lines on bonnet. The large windscreen is accompanied by a pair of intermittent wipers. The body colored bumper is accompanied by a silver finished chin guard that gives it a dynamic stance. It houses a wide air dam for cooling the engine and is flanked by a pair of fog lamps as well. The rear profile has clear lens taillight cluster that is powered by attractive lighting pattern featuring brake lights and turn indicators. Apart from these, it also has a windscreen with third brake light and a defogger, black bumper with a guard along with a pair of reflectors.

Interiors:

The internal section of this Hyundai i20 Active 1.4 S variant is quite spacious and can easily accommodate five passengers. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with premium upholstery. These seats are integrated with head restraints. While rear bench seat comes with folding facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. Its dashboard is quite smooth and equipped with a lot of features. These aspects are AC vents on both ends of the dashboard, a large glove box with cooling effect, an advanced instrument panel, which houses a lot of functions and a three spoke steering wheel. 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, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and a spacious luggage space along with rear parcel shelf and boot compartment light.


Engine and Performance:

In terms of technical specifications, this variant is powered by 1.4-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1396cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It is cleverly mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It enables the vehicle to achieve a top speed in the range of 170 to 180 Kmph. At the same time, it takes about 11.9 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill. This power plant is integrated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver a decent fuel economy of 21.19 Kmpl approximately. This diesel mill will churn out a peak power of 88.8bhp at 4000rpm along with a commanding torque output of 220Nm at just 1500-2750rpm.

Braking and Handling:

The car manufacturer has blessed this Hyundai i20 Active 1.4 S variant with a This proficient braking as well as reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable. Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of disc and drum brakes respectively. This braking mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system, which prevents it from skidding and wheel locking in case of emergency braking. 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 augments 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. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters.

Comfort Features:

Being the mid range variant, it is incorporated with almost all features, which are necessary for a comfortable journey. It has an 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. It also has a multifunctional steering wheel, which is mounted with audio and call control buttons. In addition to these, it gets a manual HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit, which maintains the cabin air. Apart from these, this variant is bestowed with a rear defogger, desmodronic folding key, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, push button start and all four power windows with driver side delay and auto down function.

Safety Features:

This compact crossover has a rigid body structure, which has impact beams and crumple zones for enhancing the safety of its occupants in case of accident. The advanced engine immobilizer prevents the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized entry. The seat belts are given for all occupants along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. Apart from these, it will also have some standard aspects like central locking system for doors and tailgate, smart pedal, day and night inside rear view mirror, dual horn, headlamp escort function, rear view camera with display on electro-chromic rear view mirror, an advanced smart keyless entry and clutch lock. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is equipped in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

Pros:

1. Breathtaking external appearance adds to its advantage.

2. Good engine performance with decent acceleration and pickup.

Cons:

1. Engine noise and harshness can be reduced.

2. Lack of electronic brake force distribution is a minus point.