Hyundai ix20

Here is how it all began…
“And this is the new Hyundai ix20?” my friend asked me.
“Yes…” I answered, pointing at the model designation at the rear of the car, anticipating next few questions and the further conversation direction.
“And, how much does it cost?”
“The diesel version starts at around 15,000 euros.”
“Ah yes” nods my friend and continues: “Does it have AWD? I see the “x” mark?”
“No, this is a new minivan. The “x” in the name does not mean that it’s an SUV…”
“And how much does an “ordinary” i30 cost, and what’s the price for a wagon version?”
“Well, about two to three thousand euros less at the moment”, I said.
“So, why is it more expensive? It seems that i30 is a larger car.
Yes, a little longer, but first of all, this is a new model, and by a rule of thumb a new model is always more expensive than the one that is at the end of its career. Second, they are not in the same class. It is very similar to the wagon regarding cabin space, but versatility is always on the side of a minivan…” he was asking and answering at the same time.

Soon we changed the subject not concerning this car, but the argumentative discussion made me think about what were the target customers of this model and why it was positioned in the market in that way.

Breaking with the Past
Hyundai ix20 is the Matrix’s successor. The Matrix did not perform well on the market, mainly because of its “design by Pinifarina”, which meant relatively illogical lines whose origins I could not figure out. Were the Italian designers really 100 percent sure they were doing the right thing, or it was tailored in accordance with some unusual order from South Korea?

Either way, the new ix20 appears to be two generations ahead, which probably was the main goal of the new design language. Therefore, breaking with the past has been inevitable.

The interior seems even more advanced. As you can see in the picture, there are no gray plastic areas that were typical for models of this brand ten years ago. Everything seems harmonious and well blended, and the only thing that has been kept is the bright blue color of the central display and audio device.

The main progress has been achieved in the field of ergonomics, regarding both seats and the entire interior. This statement applies to everything, from driver’s position, through elevated gear lever, to details such as board computer controls, which are placed on the steering wheel for the first time.

Engines
Hyundai ix20 is offered with 1.4 (90 hp) and 1.6 (125 hp) petrol engines. There is also a diesel unit in our market, which has almost identical specifications as the weaker petrol unit, but with two major exceptions. One is 220 Nm torque available from 1750 to 2750 rpm and the other is low fuel consumption – 4.3 l/100 km (factory data). However, it often happens that theory and practice differ pretty much. There haven’t been many disagreements about this model, and the results we recorded were only different during intensive urban traffic when ix20 was ready to “drink” more than a litter compared to the manufacturer’s claims (about 6 liters). The reasons for this have to be found in the fact that this car weighs about one and a half ton, which is pretty much for a 4.1 m long vehicle.

On the other hand, the acceleration is relatively good, although it takes 14.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which is not something that could draw attention to its occupants. Also, I have to remark that the gas pedal in conjunction with the engine behaves as if it were taken from the model with automatic transmission (including the kick down) giving its maximum when pressed “manly”.

Subordination to Comfort
Having in mind the visual appearance and use of this model, everything in it is subject to the driver’s and passenger’s comfort. The seats are relatively soft and comfortable with limited lateral support, and the amount of space for passengers is much better than it could be concluded by merely observing the external dimensions. The absence of the central tunnel and adjustable rear bench give their contribution. If necessary, the rear bench may move back and forth, freeing more space for passengers’ knees, and allowing more liters in the trunk with the volume ranging from 440 up to 1486 liters.

Speaking of comfort, the suspension is set up in such a manner that ix20 can tolerate even driving in bumpy roads, but only under the assumption that the driver is not demanding in terms of speed through the curves. Although neutral and well balanced, the Hyundai ix20 does not like the bumps in the corners, primarily because of the relative weight and height. That’s why the cruising with this car is pleasant, but taking into account the fact that the top speed is 167 km/h and that there is a small engine under the hood. On the other hand, this unit gladly goes into higher revs unlike some other diesel engines, though lags behind regarding smoothness when idle and in situations when the car is a bit loaded.

Instead of a Conclusion
Who is intended for this car then? - In short, young families living in the city, but families with not-so-average incomes. The virtues of ix20 are best expressed in urban conditions. The ix20’s very compact size and exceptional maneuverability allow maneuvers that have been reserved for B-segment cars so far, but considering amount of space and comfort it can match models from the upper classes. Higher seating position offers a number of advantages as well, while the major body architecture and design deserve words of praise.

It should be also noted that the ix20 appears to be a “mature” car of very good quality and finish. And yes, it is considerably more expensive than the i30, and it isn’t its short version with higher clearance. The difference of a few thousand euros probably does not mean anything to an average buyer, but it also seems that this car is not intended for him either. After all, that’s why there is a choice.