i20

HYUNDAI upped the ante in the entry-level light-car market during July 2010 with its new i20, which sat above the cheaper and older Hyundai Getz.

At launch, the Indian-made i20 hatch was available in three- and five-door variants with a choice of 73.5kW/136Nm 1.4-litre and 91kW/156Nm 1.6 litre petrol engines, both linked as standard to a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic as a $2000 option.

The i20 made a strong case for light-car buyers by offering high equipment levels and credible performance.

The extensive standard safety kit included dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners (with load limiters), seatbelt reminders and height-adjustable head restraints for all five occupants, electronic stability and traction control, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and brake assist.

In October 2010, Hyundai's decision to also include side and curtain airbags as standard on the entry-level model meant a five-star ANCAP safety rating across the range, making the i20 Australia's cheapest five-star car at the time.