Hyundai i20 shows what brown can do for you [w/video]

Thu, 02 Oct 2014

With the latest generation of the i20 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Hyundai continues to shake off its old image in Europe as a maker of cheap, unstylish little penalty boxes. This five-door hatch has to fit into the crowded, compact hatch market over there against popular entries like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo – a high bar for success. But the Korean automaker claims that its latest vehicle is up to the task because it's designed in Europe specifically with European buyers in mind.

The new i20 takes a small step a bit more upmarket with features like LED front and rear lighting and a rearview camera. However, the biggest change is the jump in interior room, though. The wheelbase is two-inches longer than before, and the growth gives the hatch best-in-class legroom and cargo capacity with the rear seats up, according to Hyundai. Rounding out the improvements is an available panoramic sunroof that the company also believes is unique for the segment.

For the Paris show, Hyundai made the i20 extra sweet by covering it in a chocolaty shade of brown to look like a little French confection on the show floor. Scroll down for all of the details about it, and for the impossibly epic launch video.

HYUNDAI MOTOR UNVEILS NEW GENERATION i20 AHEAD OF PARIS MOTOR SHOW DEBUT

- First images reveal clear and simple overall architecture
- Class-leading interior space for European B-segment vehicle
- Highlight features include first-in–class panoramic sunroof

11 August 2014 - Hyundai Motor has today unveiled first images of the New Generation i20, ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

With the launch of its latest model, Hyundai Motor is continuing its successful presence in Europe's B-segment, highlighted by almost one million sales since 2002. The popularity of the original i20 has made it one of the company's best-selling cars in the region. The key aims of the new model are to open Hyundai to an even wider audience; further develop perceptions of the brand; and confirm Hyundai's position as a truly European automaker.

The New Generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, and three key attributes in particular underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.

Based on a new platform, New Generation i20 features a 2570 mm wheelbase – 45 mm longer than its predecessor – providing European customers with one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. Efficient packaging has created a passenger compartment that can comfortably seat five adults. Combined front and rear legroom is best in class at 1892 mm. Boot capacity is also segment-leading: 320 litres when the rear seats are upright.

Enhancing the comfort and the sense of space for driver and passengers is a unique-in-class panoramic sunroof. Able to both tilt and fully open, it fills the cabin with natural light and fresh air. Further features add to the refinement and convenience of New Generation i20, including integrated rear-view camera and front and rear LED lighting.

Interior refinement complements the sophisticated and distinctive exterior styling of the New Generation i20. Influenced by the brand's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design philosophy, the car's clear and simple overall architecture was penned at Hyundai Motor's Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Hyundai's European design team has created a bold front aesthetic. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes. A thin, horizontal grille connects the front headlamp clusters, which include bi-function projection headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED positioning lamps. A lower grille houses the front fog lamps, and emphasises the powerful stance of the car.

The 4035 mm long bodyshell incorporates a single feature-line running the length of the vehicle, sculptured undercuts of the body panels, and a waistline moulding at the base of the door.

At the rear, New Generation i20 features a gloss-finished black C-pillar that gives the impression of a floating roofline. The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the boot lid and feature a 'boomerang'-shaped LED design.

The public world premiere of the New Generation i20 will take place during Hyundai's press conference at 2014 Paris Motor Show in Hall 3, at 16:00 CET on Thursday 2 October.

By Chris Bruce